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MOUNT ELBERT

Mountains and Summits


Rocky Mountains Sawatch Range

Mount Elbert

14,433 ft

Mount Elbert, located in the Rocky Mountains mountain range, is the highest peak in the state of Colorado and one of the tallest mountains in the contiguous United States. With an elevation of 14,440 feet (4,401 meters), it offers breathtaking views and a challenging climb for mountaineers. The mountain is named after Samuel Hitt Elbert, the territorial governor of Colorado in the late 1800s.

Mount Elbert is part of the Sawatch Range and is known for its massive size and prominence. Its summit ridge stretches approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long, offering climbers a diverse and exhilarating experience. During winter, Mount Elbert receives heavy snowfall, transforming it into a winter wonderland. The snowpack range can vary greatly depending on the year, with average depths ranging from 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 meters). This makes it a popular destination for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing enthusiasts.

Several creeks and rivers benefit from the runoff of Mount Elbert's snowpack. Clear Creek, Lake Creek, and Roaring Fork Creek are just a few of the waterways that are fed by the mountain's meltwater. These streams not only provide important water sources but also offer picturesque scenery for hikers exploring the area.

While Mount Elbert does not have any specific legends or lore associated with it, its name pays homage to Samuel Hitt Elbert, a prominent figure in Colorado's history. As the highest peak in the state, Mount Elbert continues to attract climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, offering a challenging and rewarding mountaineering experience in the heart of the Rockies.


Outdoor Recreation

Campground Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Tabor 44 9,897 ft
Halfmoon 7 10,294 ft
Iron City 15 9,928 ft
Baby Doe 50 9,913 ft
Snowblind 23 9,278 ft
Gore Creek 25 8,720 ft
Chalk Lake 19 8,743 ft
Davis Springs 7 7,984 ft
Lodgepole - Almont 16 8,905 ft
North Fork Reservoir 9 11,459 ft
Twin Peaks 37 9,615 ft
Blodgett 6 8,836 ft
Gold Park 11 9,246 ft
Needle Creek Reservoir None 8,889 ft
Elk Wallow 7 8,829 ft
Lost Man 10 10,513 ft
Elliott Creek 15 8,018 ft
Cottonwood Lake 24 9,586 ft
Cataract Creek 5 8,578 ft
Gold Creek 6 10,005 ft
Camp Hale Memorial 21 9,318 ft
Middle Quartz 7 10,230 ft
Dexter 24 9,271 ft
Elbert Creek 17 10,095 ft
Quartz 10 9,849 ft
Mcdonald Flats 13 7,955 ft
Comanche 4 8,962 ft
White Star 66 9,256 ft
Hornsilver 7 8,843 ft
Cold Spring 6 8,954 ft
Garfield 8 9,912 ft
Matchless 17 9,903 ft
Fulford Cave 7 9,422 ft
Tigiwon 9 9,994 ft
Father Dyer 26 9,953 ft
Silver Dollar 43 9,905 ft
Prairie Point 33 8,002 ft
Belle of Colorado 19 9,924 ft
Molly Brown 49 9,897 ft
Portal 5 10,576 ft
Lottis Creek 27 9,068 ft
Chapman 84 8,598 ft
Lakeview - Twin Lakes 27 9,511 ft
Dinner Station 22 9,613 ft
Halfmoon East 6 9,923 ft
Lakeview - Almont 35 9,556 ft
Pitkin 22 9,362 ft
Mayqueen 27 9,884 ft
Mirror Lake - Almont 10 11,007 ft
Rivers End 15 9,356 ft
Monarch Park 37 10,478 ft
Collegiate Peaks 56 9,837 ft
Halfmoon West 16 9,932 ft
Parry Peak 26 9,430 ft
Cascade 22 9,033 ft
Ski Area Snowpack Air Temperature 5 Day Forecast
Copper Mountain Resort 40" 59° 19.99"
Buttermilk Mountain 26" 55° 18"
Ski Cooper 36" 51° 13.8"
Breckenridge Ski Resort 40" 59° 19.99"
Vail 41" 54° 15.74"
Aspen Highlands 26" 55° 18"
Aspen Mountain 39" 55° 18.95"
Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area 40" 48° 9.53"
Beaver Creek Resort 31" 66° 13.48"
River Run Streamflow Length Class

Regional Water Data

Gauge Streamflow Stage
Saguache Creek Near Saguache
USGS 08227000
64 cfs 1.6 ft
Kerber Cr Abv Little Kerber Cr Nr Villa Grove
USGS 08224500
24 cfs 0.9 ft
Carnero Creek Near La Garita
USGS 08230500
19 cfs 2.5 ft
Tomichi Creek At Sargents
USGS 09115500
151 cfs 1.6 ft
Cotton Creek Near Mineral Hot Springs
USGS 08226700
9 cfs 1.6 ft
Arkansas River Near Wellsville
USGS 07093700
378 cfs 3.4 ft
Cochetopa Creek Below Rock Creek Nr Parlin
USGS 09118450
39 cfs 2.2 ft
Snotel Site Snowpack 24hr Change

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