There's something about climbing a mountain that is considered the hardest, or the rockiest, or, in this case, the tallest. Mount Elbert
in Lake County, Colorado, is the highest Rocky Mountain peak, and is
one of the most popular mountains to climb in the United States.
Although
the easiest route up Mount Elbert is a fairly easy Class 2, there are
plenty of ways to make this climb more challenging, and the height
alone is enough to make it dangerous. Because of the elevation,
breathing can be very difficult if you manage to reach the summit, and
many people try yet fail every year.
Don't allow the gentle slope
of this mountain to fool you about difficulty, and don't assume that
you can pick out the Class 2 hike easily. Since most climbers attempt
Mount Elbert during the fall and winter months, it is best to
coordinate with an experienced outfitter at least for your first
excursion.
First, if you happen to decide to climb Mount Elbert
in the winter, you'll be dealing with quite a bit of snow.
Unfortunately, this presents a problem just getting to the foot of the
mountain, and even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you run the risk of
getting stuck in a snow bank. Plus, sheets of slippery ice formulate
along the side of the mountain, and a dusting of powdery snow can make
these treacherous areas difficult to spot.
Once you've climbed
above the tree line, you'll find that there is little in the way of
natural formations to grab as you ascend. Snowshoes and ice axes are
definitely recommended for this hike, and you'll want a high-quality
flashlight in case it gets dark while you're still on the mountain,
such as the Gerber RX700 Xenon Flashlight.
be aware that the snow below the tree line will begin to melt near the
early to mid-afternoon, so you might have some serious post-holing to
do on your descent. Only attempt this climb if you are in excellent
physical condition and prepared not only for going up, but also for
coming back down.
