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Peak(s):  Mt. Elbert  -  14,438 feet
Date Posted:  06/24/2012
Date Climbed:   06/22/2012
Author:  gouldst
 East Ridge from South Mt Elbert Trailhead   

Headed out with John and Craig from the Shops at Briargate (Colo Spgs) at 4:30, made the trailhead about 7. We were in John's late model Impreza, which didn't have much ground clearance, so the creek about a quarter mile from the top of the trailhead stopped us. We got moving by 7:15 in good weather. Saw one group of four as we moved through the forest, but didn't see them again til we came down.

Major impression was this was a steep trail pretty consistently. Not bad through the meadows above the tree line, but it was still pretty steep. We took a lot of breaks, and had a good time with the 40 mph wind, but made the summit about 10:30. The trail was always easy to follow, no chance of getting lost. Really didn't see anyone else until we met up with the north route by the summit, about ten folks total at the top.

Of course, what goes up must come down, and that was a bit on the painful side. We still made good time, and warmed up considerably by the time we got back down about 1pm. Good hike, great views, somewhat strenuous.



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