Summiting Mount Elbert: My Fourth 14er and Colorado's Tallest Peak

On Monday, June 16th, 2025, I set out to summit Mount Elbert, the tallest mountain in Colorado and my fourth 14er to date. At 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is both iconic and demanding, and I’d been looking forward to this one for a long time.

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A Quiet Night at the Mount Elbert Trailhead

I arrived the night before and set up camp at a dispersed site just before the North Mount Elbert Trailhead. Sleeping in the back of my car has honestly become one of my favorite parts of these solo missions — cozy, peaceful, and just steps from the trail.

Dinner was simple but satisfying, and as I prepped my gear under the stars, I felt the calm excitement of knowing the next morning would be something special.

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Early Start at 2:30 AM

I hit the trail at 2:30 a.m., one of only three people who started that early. That meant I had the entire mountain to myself under a starry sky.

Hiking in the dark — with only the crunch of gravel, a headlamp beam, and the occasional alpine breeze — was pure magic.

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The Climb Up Mount Elbert

Make no mistake: the Mount Elbert hike is tough. The elevation gain is relentless, and the trail seems endless at times. It wasn’t technical, but it was a test of pure endurance — a steady grind, step after step.

Still, the solitude, the sunrise creeping over the horizon, and the satisfaction of forward progress kept me moving. I reached the summit just after sunrise, after about 7.5 hours on the trail.

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A Wildlife Surprise – White-tailed Ptarmigan

Near the summit, I spotted something I didn’t expect — a White-tailed Ptarmigan, the only bird that lives year-round in alpine environments. Seeing it at over 14,000 feet felt like the mountain’s quiet way of saying hello.

It’s moments like these that remind me why I hike — not just for the summit, but for the small surprises along the way.

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Capturing the Summit

Even though I only carried my 17–40mm lens on this trip, I still managed to capture some beautiful shots from the top. The clouds, the early morning light, and the feeling of standing above everything else made each frame meaningful.

It wasn’t my full kit, but the simplicity fit the day — a reminder that sometimes less is more.

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Reflections on My Mount Elbert Hike

This climb pushed me. The elevation gain, the length of the trail, and the early start made it one of the hardest hikes I’ve done so far. But I loved every moment of it.

These 14ers have become a personal mission for me — to complete all 58 of Colorado’s tallest peaks. Mount Elbert was number four for me, and every mountain has taught me something new.

Until the next summit.

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Mount Elbert Hike – Quick Stats

• Mountain: Mount Elbert (14,440 ft)

• Date: June 16, 2025

• Trailhead: Dispersed campsite near North Mount Elbert Trailhead

• Start Time: 2:30 a.m.

• Total Time: ~7.5 hours

• Elevation Gain: ~4,700 ft

• Distance: ~9 miles round trip

• Gear Note: Canon camera with 17–40mm lens

• Wildlife: White-tailed Ptarmigan sighting near the summit

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Final Thoughts on Climbing Mount Elbert

If you’re chasing Colorado’s 14ers, the Mount Elbert hike is a rite of passage. It’s long, it’s tough, but it’s also one of the most rewarding climbs you can do in the Rockies.

For me, the day was about more than just checking off Colorado’s tallest mountain. It was about solitude, presence, and carrying home a memory that will stick with me forever.

If you’re curious about eloping or having your story captured in Colorado’s wild places, take a look at my Colorado Elopement Guide or my Elopement Packages. Just like climbing mountains, elopements are about slowing down, finding meaning, and celebrating the moments that matter most.

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📩 Inquire About Your Colorado Elopement Here

I’d be honored to capture your story — whether it’s on a mountaintop, by an alpine lake, or in a wildflower meadow. Contact me here to start planning.