Elbert, Massive, Collegiate peaks for a relative newbie

[pgilbe13]

I appreciate all of the info in this forum. I'd love some advice for planning a mid September trip. Major questions:

1. I am reading that Elbert is a decent peak to start with for a new climber, and I would love to declare that I summited the highest peak in CO.
I am in good shape, but live at sea level. I have done a few long day hikes, was able to summit Rainier last summer without too much of an issue other than feeling a little lousy and nauseas above about 12,000 ft. Which other peaks would be recommended if I can get 2 or 3 full days of hiking?

2. Maybe more important question: I will be traveling with my wife who will not be partaking in my mountaineering Type 2 fun. She will require a proper hotel and amenities while I am out. We are looking at Leadville and Buena Vista. Any recommendations between the 2 towns? Will I be able to easily access trailheads with a rental vehicle with either of those towns as our base?

Thanks for any input!

[zootloopz]

Hey there!

Leadville and Buena Vista both have good lodging and food options, just google around and find what you'd like.
There are multiple hot spring options in the area around Buena Vista which could be nice with your partner and good hiking recovery. Just plan on going in the evening once the sun has gone down.

Elbert, Massive, Huron, and La Plata via standard routes are all great beginner options, especially if you've been up Rainier and know the effects of altitude.
Elbert and Massive are a bit longer, so be sure to start early -- sunrise or earlier. Monsoon season is still active so assume rain and/or thunder might hit by noon.
Download the 14ers app on your phone so you can save photos and a route description for offline.
At least one night of acclimation would be prudent. Drink lots of water and make sure to eat a snack every hour. Otherwise have a good time!

[The_Ramp]

I would also recommend Mt Yale as a great starter peak for the Sawatch. It has an amazing trail and isn't too long or difficult with enough mix of topography to keep things interesting, with a very mild and protected scramble opportunity at the end. The views are awesome, especially of Harvard and Horn Fork Basin once you get on the summit ridge. And the TH is literally a parking lot attached to paved CR 306 which originates in the heart of Buena Vista.

Good luck!

[ECF55]

I would also recommend Mt Yale as a great starter peak for the Sawatch. It has an amazing trail and isn't too long or difficult with enough mix of topography to keep things interesting, especially with a very mild and protected scramble opportunity at the end. The views are awesome, especially of Harvard and Horn Fork Basin once you get on the summit ridge. And the TH is literally a parking lot attached to paved CR 306 which originates in the heart of Buena Vista.

Good luck!

+1. Standard 2WD car easily makes it to the parking lot via a paved road. Great Class 2 Sawatch hike.

[Ptglhs]

Mount Elbert, Mount massive, or Yale with a rental car is doable via their standard routes. I wouldn't try him out. Massive Southwest slopes but I don't know that I'd recommend that for a total newbie anyway.

I'd recommend staying in Buena Vista simply because it's a little lower in elevation. Hike high, sleep low. If you're not used to the elevation, you're not going to get much rest higher up. Even Buena Vista could be difficult to, but it's a lot better than Leadville.

If you were able to do Rainier you should be fine on any of these peaks. Route finding should be a non-issue, the weather in September is usually decent but obviously if it goes to crap be prepared to turn around.

[pgilbe13]

Thanks everyone. Wife has decided that we should stay at Surf. Going to try 2 out of Yale, Elbert, and La Plata I think. Appreciate the advice!

[archanajadhav42]

Hi all,

I am an hiker from NJ and Planning to do with one of my friend on July 7 th weekend 2024 ,can any one suggest which trail to MT.Elbert is good / or you people suggest a d is there any guide ( mountaineering company ) that facilitates .
Looking forward for answer with a brief description.
Thanking for the same

[peter303]

Hi all,

I am an hiker from NJ and Planning to do with one of my friend on July 7 th weekend 2024 ,can any one suggest which trail to MT.Elbert is good / or you people suggest a d is there any guide ( mountaineering company ) that facilitates .
Looking forward for answer with a brief description.

North west from Halfmoon road is fine. Parking gets difficult past 6AM on a summer weekend. You want to begin that early as to be going downhill by noon to avoid lightning.