Sawatch Range

Mt. Elbert: Mount Elbert is the highest summit in the Rockies. It is heavily trafficked because of the elevation. There is a good trail that leads to the summit, so it is popular with novices. There is good dispersed camping leading to the trailheads.

Journal Entry 2023: Our incredible friend, Steve Gladbach, passed in 2013. (We have an entire entry dedicated to Steve.) His youngest daughter, Alise, reached out to me three years ago. She wanted to complete the 14ers with the help of some of her dad's climbing partners. It has been the honor of my life to accompany Alise on many challenging peaks. Elbert is the only "easy" one I have climbed with Alise, but today is extra special. It is Alise's final 14er! Would Steve be proud? Of course, but he already is proud of this sweet, strong, smart, athletic, and kind daughter. Her laugh sounds exactly like Steve's. It makes me smile and cry at the same time. Nona, Alise's mother, joined us for this celebration climb. It truly was one of the best and most emotional days ever.

Alise completing the Colorado 14ers on Mt. Elbert