Southeast Ridge
Mt. Elbert · 14,439' · Rank #1
Class 2
10.5
miles RT
5,300
ft gain
Class 2
difficulty
—
hours
Trail Map
No trail data yet
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Route Details
- Distance
- 10.5 miles RT
- Elevation Gain
- 5,300'
- Difficulty
- Class 2
Trailhead
- Name
- Black Cloud Trailhead
- Starting Elevation
- 9,700'
- Coordinates
- 39.0694°N, 106.4336°W
Parking & Access
- Parking
- Free Lot 20-50 spots
- Fee
- Free
No Service
Black Cloud Trailhead. Much less crowded than Northeast Ridge. 2WD accessible.
Route Description
Renowned for solitude - best way to summit Elbert if avoiding crowds. Begins with switchbacks along Black Cloud Creek, passes old mining remnants at 11,600 ft. Ascends steep northeast-facing slope to ridge crest near 13,600 ft. Tags South Elbert (14,134 ft) before final 0.75 miles to true summit. Route-finding straightforward along ridge.