Colorado 14ers: Mt Elbert Northeast Ridge Virtual Trail Guide (Colorado's HIGHEST Peak)

Mt Elbert is Colorado's highest peak at 14,439ft. This trail guide covers the standard route or Northeast slopes. This hike is about 9.5 miles with 4,500ft of elevation gain. This was filmed 12/9/20.
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[@MarioLopez-tx6pg]

This was the biggest thing I’ve ever done in my life, last summer I had to chance to do this. Best thing I’ve ever done!

[@purple-headedyogurtslinger2683]

Summited September 17, 2023. We came in from Holland, MI and did not properly acclimatize or bring enough water. I gave my fiancé the last of our water around clearing the tree line on the way up. We decided to ditch our bags and run at the top. We made it in very quick time. When we arrived some guy dressed me down for our method of climbing and then gave us two bottle of water. Was a completely clear day you could see for miles. I took photos along the way and they didn’t capture how pretty it was. The quartz that glitters in the morning sun in the clearing where you can see the top while walking through the forest is the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed in my life it’s around 3:51 but in your view it’s covered with snow. One of those moments that you just feel really small.

[@Worleywoods]

Dude, I can't thank you enough for your videos! I live in FL and only get to come out to CO 1x a year. So not only do I live vicariously through your videos, but I also use them as guides when I'm hiking. Thanks again, and keep up the awesome work!

[@heyhi510]

He should come up here and do some trails in our 16-18,000ft peaks in the Alaska range... or the Great One at 20,310ft. Actually the "biggest" mountain in the World, under certain criteria.....lol

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

You get me some $$$ and I’ll be there in a heartbeat. Would love to get back to Alaska.

[@dylanp1684]

Just got back from this hike about 2 hours ago. I’ve been watching this video at least once a day for the past week to hype myself up. So I just want to say thank you. One of the proudest days of my life so far.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Congrats 🎉 💪🏽

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

When Remy & I did Mt Elbert last year, I "thought" I timed out my mph properly with the elevation gain. But as you mention, it's pretty brutal and ended up taking us 1.5 hrs longer than I anticipated. We got to the peak JUST as storms were rolling in a couple miles away. So spent

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Happens to the best of us, glad you were able to snag the summit still

[@MurrayPeeps]

Elbert summit to yourself is a rare feat. Great video man! Can’t beat that view to the west.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Got very lucky, the timing just worked out for a few minutes. West is best as they say!

[@matthewyosten4695]

Dude, as always, awesome guide. Almost felt like I was there

[@danwagner5524]

You have such an awesome channel man and you've helped me prep a ton. Got in from Ohio Saturday and tackled Capitol, North Maroon, and Elbert so far. Your videos have been incredibly helpful!!! Harvard tomorrow and then off to Gunnison. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Awesome - so glad to hear 👍🏽

[@jasonmantia4766]

Love these videos. Super helpful. Moved to Colorado in 2020 and have started my goal of hiking all 58 14'ers. These videos really help. I plan on doing Capital Peak knife edge last for sure. :-)

[@davidlaubhan8346]

I just tried this a couple weeks ago had to turn back it was rough will try again soon beautiful hike !!

[@bubbalexi]

NO shame, I had to turn back as well. I will return to try it again...better prepared.

[@grantskidmore6921]

Thank you good sir!

[@dombrosky1]

Just hiked the south route Thursday! Appreciate the recommendation

[@ggutierrez18]

How the TH access? Planning on visiting Colorado and hiking Mt. Elbert last week of may or early june

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

By then you will have no problem getting to the summer TH (one used in this video).

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Beautiful scenery from up there, thanks for the video.

[@travisgrimm]

I passed Massive and Elbert thru hiking the Colorado Trail but will be including them in this year's hike. Great vid

[@cmcer1995]

So you just recently did Elbert, earlier than what I started doing 14ers, but more of an adventure with snow. Great drone footage, how they have changed our views of the world. I climbed it 07-13-97 it was my 18th. Used a 35mm Minolta and took several pictures from the top and got a 36 degree pano. Decided to Subscribe to view your other 14ers. I only did 34 with last in 2001.Was great to see things from up there again. Thanks.

[@SteveBrokaw]

Outstanding

[@popeye7782]

Awesome vids! Professionally done!

[@ryandehmer6109]

Great video! Very informative and helped me decide this is a must hike 14er :)

[@yangliu_6688]

Nice video! can't thank you enough! I'm doing this hike next weekend!

[@fireice74]

Great editing and drone shots

[@pedallknife]

Love the content man!

[@jamesnasium4035]

Great vid Sherpa dude!

[@adamcauble3674]

Epic video! Always great to watch and appreciate all the specific or general tips every time. I did the east ridge up Elbert a couple weeks ago.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Good looking, thanks.

[@tomcripps7229]

It even looks higher than the rest of them. Great footage.

[@bubbalexi]

well it's the highest so...yeah it would be higher than the rest of them.

[@haganmchenry4441]

You're awesome!

[@mgoboski]

Hello from the future! I'm doing this route this upcoming weekend. It's September and prime 14er season. Is 3am on a Saturday morning early enough to enusre parking at the trailhead?

[@carsonvickroy3208]

You have any plans to do Granite in Montana? Love your videos man!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Hopefully soon

[@Emsaffarx]

Hey man, great content! Really quick, from your experience, besides microspikes and trekking poles, do you think snowshoes are a must for a summit hike to Mt. Elbert in mid-December?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Not this year it’s dry as hell. You can probably get to this route vs the standard winter route (south slopes) now too. I would have them just in case but you likely won’t need them unless we get a big storm or two

[@Emsaffarx]

@@TheVirtualSherpa You're awesome. Thank you.

[@morganschiller2288]

I finally tried it. Figured Eh I’m 5 months post op from my fusion I’ll give it a go. That climb was a brutal bitch. Got up to the tree line and had to bag it. I shoulda started with the 12’s and 13’s first. But I’m glad I did it, but there were A LOT of folks in their 20’s that were having a rough time.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

You got this next time 💪🏽 and always good to turn around and have another day for your next attempt. Altitude doesn’t care how old you are it’s an equal opportunity killer.

[@michizer0]

It seems that this area doesn‘t get lots of snow

[@tomcripps7229]

Snow melts fast in Colorado especially the closer to the sun you get.

[@rugged9769]

Nice hike. Want to try out Elbert in winter. When did you do this hike? How was the drive to the trailhead?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Only real way to snag this in the winter is heading there early December (and this was filmed) or getting very lucky with TH access. The road was fine but with 2-3 inches more snow it would have been a no go. The better route for elbert is from the south slopes which you can find on both the channel and website for more info 🤟🏽

[@sh4rkyb0y_]

ok wait I know its more of the easier 14ners but why does 8:13 look scary

[@cristianvq7177]

I just got back from CO (Hiked on 4/23) and it was horrible. The snow was not as packed as in your video. I sank and sank and eventually, turned back LOL. When did you do this hike??? I’m thinking of going back in July. Do you recommend that?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

July should be good - just watch out for thunderstorms but most of the snow will be gone then.

[@scottmunger]

When the Snow is deep and fresh, how do people know where the trail is 😆

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Usually there is someone else who has already broken trail but if not - having a gpx track to follow is 🔑

[@clothestravel]

Do you ever get anxious hiking by yourself? How about altitude sickness?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

I used to but not anymore - honestly enjoy it more than being with a group just because I can set my own schedule and take my time filming and shooting pics. In grizzly country though - yes, it’s very intimidating. Been up to 19kft before and so far no AMS just minor headaches from time to time.

[@clothestravel]

@@TheVirtualSherpa how did you get over becoming anxious? That would be my biggest barrier to hiking a fourteener.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

@@clothestravel For me its just knowing that I can do it and telling myself to chill + medication. But I think anxiousness being alone is normal, its just not letting it control you. Not to get too deep on a KZbin comment. Always can find a partner too - many meetups on 14ers.com/14ers FB groups etc.

[@RFE812]

I heard that this is a pretty easy state high point.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Compared to some others out west, yes.

[@RFE812]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Some state high points require a four wheel drive. Is this one of them?

[@MsParanoico]

how long does it take to get in the top?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Varies on the person - but check out the full hike guide, I provide a range in there.