Mount Elbert peak
Mount Elbert rises to 14,433 ft in Sawatch-Range within the Sawatch Range range.
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.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Sawatch-Range range.
Snowpack near Mount Elbert
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Wolf Creek Summit | 1 in | → |
| Fool Creek | 7 in | → |
| Tabernash 2.7 Nw, Co | 1 in | → |
| Tower | 50 in | → |
| Middle Creek | 1 in | → |
| Wolf Creek Snotel | 1 in | → |
| Fremont Pass | 20 in | → |
| Loveland Basin | 28 in | → |
| Nohrsc Schofield Pass | 181 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chapman Tunnel | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Mccoy Park | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Elk River | 1 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Elbert
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| East River Bl Cement Creek Nr Crested Butte | 380 cfs | → |
| Ef Arkansas R At Us Hiway 24 | 23 cfs | → |
| Hunter Creek Near Aspen | 8 cfs | → |
| Arkansas River Near Leadville | 48 cfs | → |
| Missouri Creek Near Gold Park | 5 cfs | → |
| Lake Fork Below Sugar Loaf Reservoir | 16 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Elbert
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Elbert.
Ski areas
- Copper Mountain Resort
- Sipapu Ski Area
- Big Horn Ski Resort
- Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area
- Hesperus Ski Area
- Steamboat Ski Resort
River runs
- Lower (Bottom Four)
- The Upper
- Clear Creek Of The Arkansas
- Pine Creek (Granite To Numbers)
- Arkansas River Segment 1
- Numbers
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