Ascent of Mount Elbert on 2023-08-31| Date: | Thursday, August 31, 2023 | | Ascent Type: |  Successful Summit Attained | | Peak: | Mount Elbert | | Location: | USA-Colorado | | Elevation: | 14438 ft / 4400 m | Ascent Trip Report
We started late at 8:09 am CDT. Our goal was to go as far as possible, and turn around if either of us did not feel well or weather developed. Weather report for the day continued to say completely sunny all day for the area. We checked weather constantly on the Gaia GPS app (which made the .gpx route), visually over the summit, and around the valley. We would have turned around if weather developed. The weather could not have been more perfect the entire day as forecasted.
We started from our campsite at White Star. We paddle boarded the day before on the lake until afternoon storms came in. Then we went down to Mt Princeton Hot Springs (highly recommended). Spending two nights at elevation at White Star helped to acclimate.
We were prepared for a late night return. We brought warm layers and rain jackets, stove and food, water filtration, and headlamps. Brought 2 liters of water each which was enough for the ascent. Suggest 3 liters per person if you don't have filtration.
Our technique was to stop every hour and a half for 15 min. Sit down, refuel with a bar, hydrate, and take the pack off. This makes our ascent longer than others, but it helped us summit, while also thoroughly enjoying the mountain by taking time to rest and observe. We also each took 2 ibuprofen during the ascent when headaches were developing. Pain was alleviated so we continued. This slow-and-steady pace, given good weather, helps to avoid over-fatigue and injury, acclimate, rehydrate, and enjoy the hike.
Made it to the summit at 2:00 pm and enjoyed the summit for about 40 min before heading down (2:40 pm). Note that on a typical day, locals advise to descend by 12:00 pm to avoid weather.
Hit the tree line at 5:00 pm and made macaroni on the trail. Filtered water to fill back up at the beaver ponds/bridge/East Ridge Trailhead.
We made it back to White Star at dusk at 7:35 pm.
Was an incredible day. It is a hike I won't soon forget. |
| Summary Total Data | | Total Elevation Gain: | 5173 ft / 1576 m | | Round-Trip Distance: | 16.8 mi / 27 km | | Route: | East Mt. Elbert Trail/Colorado Trail | | Trailhead: | White Star Campground 9265 ft / 2823 m | | Quality: | 7 (on a subjective 1-10 scale) | | Route Conditions: | Road Hike, Maintained Trail, Unmaintained Trail, Open Country, Exposed Scramble | | Gear Used: | Ski Poles | | Weather: | Cool, Calm, Clear
Sunny all day! | | Ascent Statistics | | Time: | 6 Hours 0 Minutes | | Descent Statistics | | Time: | 4 Hours 45 Minutes | GPS Data for Ascent/Trip
 GPS Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long
Peaks:  climbed and  unclimbed by Christopher D'Aiuto
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Note: GPS Tracks may not be accurate, and may not show the best route. Do not follow this route blindly. Conditions change frequently. Use of a GPS unit in the outdoors, even with a pre-loaded track, is no substitute for experience and good judgment. Peakbagger.com accepts NO responsibility or liability from use of this data.
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