Return to Mount Elbert: Our Challenging Climb 20 Years After Getting Engaged at the Summit

Join us on an unforgettable journey to the top of Colorado’s highest peak, Mount Elbert, as we celebrate a special milestone – the 20th anniversary of our engagement on this very mountain! Taking on the challenging Southeast Ridge Trail, also known as the Black Cloud Trail, we relive our first summit experience from July 2001. This time, it's a bit more daunting, but the reward of stunning alpine views, solitude, and cherished memories makes every step worthwhile. Hiking the Southeast Ridge Trail to Mount Elbert This isn’t your average Mount Elbert hike! The Southeast Ridge Trail, beginning at the Black Cloud Trailhead outside Leadville, offers a quieter, less-traveled route compared to the popular North and South Mount Elbert trails. Located slightly farther from town, this trail is known for its steep ascent, remote setting, and breathtaking scenery. We camped alone at the trailhead the night before to get an early start on this rigorous 11-mile round-trip hike. Though not technical (rated Class 2), the hike is intense, with a total elevation gain of over 5,000 feet, starting from 9,700 feet and reaching the summit at 14,439 feet. The steep grade makes both the ascent and descent physically demanding, even for seasoned hikers, and the majority of the trail is exposed above the treeline, meaning you’re at the mercy of the elements. Our Climb: From Sunrise to Summit We set off before dawn, our headlamps illuminating the trail as we climbed higher into the early morning light. As the sun rose, we were treated to incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with fields of wildflowers blooming in brilliant colors around us. This was the kind of solitude and natural beauty we’d hoped for—just us, the mountain, and the memories of our first climb together two decades ago. After passing through the initial forested sections, the trail opens up around the 2-mile mark, exposing us to a high-alpine landscape filled with rock fields, steep inclines, and expansive vistas. This section of Mount Elbert is known for its “false summits,” where it seems like you’re near the top, only to find more climbing ahead. We encountered two such false summits, testing our determination with each step, until we finally reached the ridge leading to the peak. The Summit: A Milestone 20 Years in the Making Six hours after we started, we reached the summit, and it was just as exhilarating as we remembered. Standing at 14,439 feet, with panoramic views stretching as far as we could see, we took a moment to soak it all in. Though the mountain was quieter than on the main routes, we shared the summit with a handful of other hikers who had ascended from the North and South Mount Elbert trails. Reflecting on our engagement on this same peak 20 years earlier, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and nostalgia. The mountain had changed little, yet so much had changed for us. After some photos and a moment to catch our breath, we started the 5.5-hour descent, finding the downhill trek to be just as challenging as the climb due to the steep grade and loose rocks. Trail Highlights & Practical Tips If you’re looking for a unique Mount Elbert experience away from the crowds, we highly recommend the Southeast Ridge Trail. Here’s a quick breakdown of the hike: Trailhead: Black Cloud Trailhead, outside Leadville Distance: ~11 miles round-trip Elevation Gain: Over 5,000 feet Summit Elevation: 14,439 feet Trail Class: Class 2 (non-technical, but strenuous) Estimated Time: 6 hours up, 5.5 hours down (adjust based on fitness level) Exposure: Most of the trail is above the treeline, so be prepared for unpredictable weather and strong winds. Why Choose the Southeast Ridge Trail? This trail isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the experience of hiking Mount Elbert in relative solitude. We saw only a handful of people on our route, compared to the dozens on the main trails. The views, the wildflowers, and the quiet make this route a special way to experience Colorado’s highest peak. Plus, the unique combination of steep grades and switchbacks means you’ll get a serious workout while avoiding the crowds. 00:00 What this video is about 00:25 Southeast Ridge Trail Info 02:11 Starting the hike 02:49 Daybreak 04:06 Above treeline 04:58 Super steep section 06:02 The first false summit 07:51 Final ascent to the peak 08:53 The peak of Mount Elbert! 10:37 Hiking down the mountain 11:33 Back at the van #MountElbert, #Colorado14ers, #SoutheastRidgeTrail, #ColoradoHiking, #HikingAdventure, #PeakBagging, #OutdoorMilestones, #AnniversaryHike, #14erChallenge, #TravelColorado, #learningtotravel, #leadville Learning To Travel Website & Socials Website: https://learningtotravel.com Instagram:   / learning2travel   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@learning2travel Facebook:   / learningtotravel   TikTok:   / learningtotravel