Mount Elbert, with an elevation of 14,433 feet, is the highest peak in the state of Colorado, the highest peak in the Rockies, and the
second highest peak in the lower 48 states (after Mount Whitney in California). Elbert, with its long, smooth ridges, is a huge and
easily ascended mountain; not surprisingly it's one of the most popular climbs in Colorado.
From the intersection of Highway 24 and Colorado 82, head west towards Independence Pass for four miles. On the right will be a signed
road for Lake View Campground. Take this paved road for 1.3 miles (past the campground) to a 4WD road which heads west. Follow this road
(if you have a 4WD vehicle) to the trailhead, or park on the paved road. From the trailhead, the trail leading north is the easier route:
follow it until you come to an intersection where you'll turn left and begin ascending the mountain. The view from the top is awesome, but
be warned that this hike is farther than it looks from the treeline, and is crowded with other hikers all the way to the top.
Sources: localhikes.com, peakware.com, wikipedia.org
