14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	"South Elbert" (Unranked 14er)
Route:	S.E. TH - modified route
Range:	Sawatch
Posted By:	nyker
Date of Info:	06/29/2014
Date Posted:	06/29/2014

Details
Climbed South Elbert today. Started out from South Elbert TH Road, then (accidentally) made the left instead of continuing right to the actual TH. The left option leads to another public dirt road. I didn't realize I was on the wrong road until about 11k, but figured I'd go until I had to turn around since I was just aiming to acclimatize. The road stops at around 12k at remains of a broken down mining cabin. From that point, there is no trail or marked route to the top - was like Culebra. There was quite a bit of snow on the North/NE slopes, but all pretty much avoidable to get to the summit proper. I didn't use my axe at all. Very windy once you reach the first of the five or so false summits!

Details

Climbed South Elbert today. Started out from South Elbert TH Road, then (accidentally) made the left instead of continuing right to the actual TH. The left option leads to another public dirt road. I didn't realize I was on the wrong road until about 11k, but figured I'd go until I had to turn around since I was just aiming to acclimatize. The road stops at around 12k at remains of a broken down mining cabin. From that point, there is no trail or marked route to the top - was like Culebra. There was quite a bit of snow on the North/NE slopes, but all pretty much avoidable to get to the summit proper. I didn't use my axe at all. Very windy once you reach the first of the five or so false summits!

Comments or Questions

jwagner

South Elbert Trail
07/02/2014 18:09

I was up there the day after you, but I came down south Elbert. Were you able to find a trail up it? We had an interesting couple hours route finding over talus and through the willows on the way down!