looking to summit Mt Elbert on Saturday (10/4) and was curious if anyone knew the conditions since the snow came through last night.
i'm also curious about what TH would make for a better hike. i drive a dodge ram 4wd so im not really concerned with the forest road.. so aside from that, what is the differences between those hikes?
thanks 14ers!
Mt Elbert conditions and TH advice
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drizkol
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shearmodulus
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Re: Mt Elbert conditions and TH advice
I've done Elbert in winter by way of the East Ridge as well as the Southeast Ridge. Southeast Ridge is a much steeper hike, and I think the scenery is better. The trailhead is easy to access right off of the road for the SE Ridge route.
As for the East Ridge, the paved road is usually clear to a good parking area most of the winter. I've never driven the road past the paved area so I can't speak to how accessible it is, but once the snows set in, I'd bet that you won't be able to get past the paved area. I've seen areas on the road that look like someone got stuck and had an interesting time getting unstuck. Not fun in winter.
As for the East Ridge, the paved road is usually clear to a good parking area most of the winter. I've never driven the road past the paved area so I can't speak to how accessible it is, but once the snows set in, I'd bet that you won't be able to get past the paved area. I've seen areas on the road that look like someone got stuck and had an interesting time getting unstuck. Not fun in winter.
"Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads...."
