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Peak(s):  Mt. Elbert  -  14,438 feet
Date Posted:  08/22/2014
Modified:  08/27/2014
Date Climbed:   08/22/2014
Author:  joncrg
 Mt. Elbert on a cold day in August   

We started later than we wanted to. The weather reports the day before were favorable, but it was drizzling most of the day. Later in the hike we ran into some rain, but no thunder or lightning. Near the top, the rain turned to sleet with heavy wind.

These are the notes I took along the way. I hope they are helpful for anyone estimating time and energy.

8:00 AM Trailhead. 10,040'
8:30 AM first break to catch breath. Not easy climb. 10,500'
8:45 AM reached fork in the road
8:56 AM Break. Slight drizzle all the way so far. 10,820'
9:07 AM Break. 11,200'
9:25 AM Break. Non-stop ascent since last break. Still drizzling. 11,400'
9:40 AM Reached clearing. 11,600'
9:53 AM Break. 11,850'
10:03 AM Reached tree line. Chatted with man who could go no further. 11,900'
10:16 AM Breather. 12,200'
10:23 AM Breather. 12,400'
10:33 AM Breather. 12,510'
10:55 AM Break. 12,850'
11:17 AM Breather. 13,220'
11:36 AM Rain. Put on ponchos. Break. 13,550'
11:55 AM False peak. Rain turning to snow. Break every 100 paces now 13,900'
12:30 PM SUMMIT
12:40 PM Head back down.
12:53 PM Back to false peak. Break.
2:08 PM Break at the tree line.
3:40 PM Trailhead



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