Mt Elbert (14,433′), Sawatch Range
Mt Elbert is the highest peak in the 3,000 mile long Rocky Mountains, a mountain chain which stretches from Canada to Mexico. The peak is situated near the small town and lakes of the same name, Twin Lakes. Despite it’s size. the peak is a Class 1 hike, making it a relatively gentle giant (for a 14er).
The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, and Mt Antero.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Black Cloud
- Round trip: 11 miles / 17.7 km
- Elevation: 9,700′- 14,433′ / 2,957 m – 4,399 m
- County: Lake
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Forest: San Isabel
Trail Pictures
A columbine along the trail
A columbine along the trail
Below treeline along the South Elbert trail
Below treeline along the South Elbert trail
Twin Lakes in the distance
Twin Lakes in the distance
Mt Elbert summit area from the South Elbert trail
Mt Elbert summit area from the South Elbert trail
View of rain moving in along the South Elbert trail
View of rain moving in along the South Elbert trail
Black clouds building back on the Black Cloud trail
Black clouds building back on the Black Cloud trail
More summit views
More summit views
Mt Elbert views from the summit
Mt Elbert views from the summit
Heading to the top of South Elbert
Heading to the top of South Elbert
Mt Elbert ridge with Twin Lakes on the left
Mt Elbert ridge with Twin Lakes on the left
Above treeline on the Black Cloud trail
Above treeline on the Black Cloud trail
Sunrise along the Black Cloud trail
Sunrise along the Black Cloud trail
La Plata Peak from the Black Cloud trail
La Plata Peak from the Black Cloud trail
Black Cloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right
Black Cloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right
The Blackcloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right
The Blackcloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
Black Cloud trail is the least traveled but the most beautiful way to summit Mt Elbert. This trail is an alternative route to the more heavily used North and South Mount Elbert Trails for climbing Colorado’s highest peak.
This trail passes through spruce-fir and aspen stands, then through rock beds to ruins of mining operations and cabins. Continuing your hike will bring you to timberline, South Elbert, and eventually Mount Elbert at 14,433 feet in elevation.
Trailhead Directions
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