“Ok Google, What’s the highest peak in Colorado?”
“Here’s what I found. Mount Elbert @ 14,439 ft.”
As part of our acclimatization period for LT 100, Philip and I needed to be exposed to high altitude, above 12k ft. The plan was to hike 1 14er, Hope Pass, and another 12k+, on Mon, Tue, and Wed. We checked some 14ers close to Leadville. The shorter distance, the better, since we were after the altitude, not the mileage. Mt Massive, the 2nd highest peak, was a good candidate. However, looking at some pictures, this was not an easy one. Mt Elbert has a short 9.50 mile round-trip Class 1 hike with an elevation gain of 4,700 ft. We decided to do this one.
On Monday, Aug 13th, Philip, his son Enzo, and myself, went to tackle Mt. Elbert. The forecast was perfect! Sunny with no sign of rain nor thunderstorm.
The parking lot at the trailhead was full when we arrived. We managed to squeeze in the SUV in a tight spot – right in front of the toilets. Lots of hikers on this day.
We hiked together on the first mile. Then Enzo started to gain distance, followed by Philip. “How come altitude does not seem to have any effect on them?” I was sucking air where we reached 11k ft, and the headache started to appear – milder than what I felt on Saturday, though.
Tree line – The tree line is the edge of the habitat at which trees are capable of growing. It is found at high elevations and high latitudes. Beyond the tree line, trees cannot tolerate the environmental conditions (usually cold temperatures or associated lack of available moisture) – Wikipedia.
When I reached the tree line at 12k ft, I said “If I could get to 13k, I’d be happy. That would be more than the highest elevation on race day”. So I continued. Slowly. Trees started to disappear on the trail. Above tree line, the trail became rockier and steeper. I could see the first ‘false’ summit up ahead. And when I reached 13k ft, I said, “If I could just get to 14k, I’d be happy. That means I have climbed a 14er”. So, again, I continued. Slower. It was also getting really cold, so I put on my jacket and beanie. Another ‘false’ summit up ahead. The real summit was still not visible. Darn! And when I reached 14k ft, I said, “Only 400 ft to the summit! You’re almost there, so why not finish it?” So, once again, I continued. Slowly but surely, at a turtle pace. Then there it was – the summit, teasing you. “Can you see me now?”
A few steps to the summit, I saw Philip and Enzo. They didn’t see me yet. Then my phone rang! Philip was calling me! Perhaps already got bored waiting for me and wanted to check where I was. I yelled at him! Surprise!
We stayed a little longer at the summit, enjoying the 360 views of the other peaks. Hikers were congratulating others for a job well done. It was indeed a big accomplishment!
The hike down wasn’t a gimme either. Steep and slippery. I was only looking down at the trail ahead of me. When I tried to look at the surroundings and the views, I got dizzy. Philip said this is the ‘panoramic effect’. I just focused on the trail ahead. More hikers coming up. Hikers going up have the right of way, so you have to stop and let them pass.
When I reached the tree line, the trail became easier. Maybe because of that feeling that you’re coming back home. Not there yet, but the hard part was done. It was time to enjoy the experience and be thankful. Reached the trailhead full of gratitude.
Mt Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado – DONE. Thank You Lord.
TidBit.
At the summit of Mt. Elbert, I saw this dude with a mtn bike preparing to ride down! How on earth did he get that bike up the summit??? How on earth is it possible to ride it down from here??? One crazy dude!
