Black Cloud Trail to Elbert Summit

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The southernmost trail up Mt Elbert is the Black Cloud Trail and is certainly one of the most beautiful trails I have ever been on. I can't recommend it enough. Even on a Saturday I only encountered two people on the way up. The wildflowers, views of the Sawatch Range to the south, streams, solitude, and varied landscape all make this a special hike.

The trailhead is especially difficult to find and easy to miss but there is plenty of space for parking as this is not a very popular trailhead. The trail is Class 2, so it's a bit more technical, a bit longer, and a bit less crowded than the standard route up Elbert.

The trail starts in pine forest and aspen groves while climbing steep switchbacks along Black Cloud Creek for about 1.7 miles and 1,700'. The route is very scenic with views of waterfalls, cascading streams, pine, aspen forests, and beautiful clearings.

Eventually the trail flattens out a little at around 11,700' before it steeply switchbacks to gain Mt Elbert's southern ridge. Once on the ridge 2.7 miles in, head north for the highest point, which is unofficially South Elbert (14,134), which is not an official 14er because the saddle between it and Mt Elbert does not provide sufficient prominence.

From South Elbert, follow the ridge northwest until you descend into the saddle. There is a faint trail crossing the saddle across the south ridge of Mt. Elbert, keeping to the right. After traversing the ridge you'll be on the summit of Mt. Elbert (14,439'). Congrats! You've made it to the highest point in Colorado and the second highest point in the continental United States!

On your way back down the ridge, if you're feeling up for it, before veering right to descend the switchbacks, you can continue up to the top of the hill you see in front of you. This is a 13er called Cosgriff peak and makes a nice little addition to a great day!