Hiking Elbert

Trailhead condition requests, questions, alerts, etc.
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kfourkj
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Joined: 5/22/2020
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Hiking Elbert

Post by kfourkj »

Hi! Trying to decide which way to hike elbert. Will be driving a Toyota Rav 4 with 8.1 inch clearance.

Read that the south trailhead has some 4WD needed to get to top trailhead which ours will have AWD. Also read that the east trailhead is blocked about a mile back due to construction.

Hiking with some people who have only hiked a couple 14ers, can’t decide if we should add the two miles on to the 9.5 miler or try the 4WD and do the 10.5 miler with less elevation?

Any advice or info would be appreciated!
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LetsGoMets
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Re: Hiking Elbert

Post by LetsGoMets »

South TH will be no problem with your ride. Great trail as well, enjoy.
kfourkj
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Re: Hiking Elbert

Post by kfourkj »

LetsGoMets wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:59 pm South TH will be no problem with your ride. Great trail as well, enjoy.
Are both trails similar commitment with time and challenge?

No need to worry about the creek crossing as well?? Thinking of getting to the trailhead about 5am and starting in the dark. Parking should be good at that time? We are not very experienced 4WD drivers, but have done some mountain driving as well.
kfourkj
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Re: Hiking Elbert

Post by kfourkj »

Both trails as in the northeast and east
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LetsGoMets
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Re: Hiking Elbert

Post by LetsGoMets »

kfourkj wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 4:05 pm
LetsGoMets wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 3:59 pm South TH will be no problem with your ride. Great trail as well, enjoy.
Are both trails similar commitment with time and challenge?

No need to worry about the creek crossing as well?? Thinking of getting to the trailhead about 5am and starting in the dark. Parking should be good at that time? We are not very experienced 4WD drivers, but have done some mountain driving as well.
Creek Crossing was very low a few weeks ago. The road has a couple quick steep sections but really shouldn't be a problem for you. I've not done the standard route, but have done the South route twice - the trail is newly rerouted and smooth, extremely nice. Really an excellent choice.
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