Mount Elbert: The Highest Summit in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

Mount Elbert, located in the Sawatch Range, stands as the highest peak in the state of Colorado and the second tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. Elevation measurements from various sources can vary slightly, but the most recent measurements indicate it as coming in at approximately 14,433 feet or 4,400 meters.

Notable Elevation and Nearby Peaks

Mount Elbert's height of 14,431 feet, as quoted by Compton’s Encyclopedia in 1957, has now been updated to around 14,433 feet. Other significant peaks in the region include:

Longs Peak: 14,255 feet Pikes Peak: 14,110 feet Mount Massive: 14,429 feet, the second most elevated mountain in Colorado

Interesting Facts and Historical Context

Mount Elbert was once the subject of a controversy. In the early years, there was a debate regarding its exact height, which was subsequently measured. Due to this, some hikers would hike to the summit of Mount Massive and construct rock formations to make it appear higher, illustrating the competitive nature of such ascents. Today, the mountain is well-documented as the highest point in the Sawatch Range and the entire Mississippi River drainage basin.

Geographical and Climatic Details

Mount Elbert is situated in the San Isabel National Forest, approximately 12.1 miles southwest of Leadville, in Lake County, Colorado. Known as an ultra-prominent peak, Mount Elbert is a formidable challenge for mountaineers, with its elevation making it a true fourteener (a mountain peak that rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level).

Mountaineering and Climbing

Climbing Mount Elbert requires thorough preparation and planning, as it is an all-day endeavor. Climbers are advised to start early to avoid afternoon storms, especially during peak climbing seasons. Hikers should also ensure they stay well-hydrated as the altitude can significantly increase water requirements. This mountain is part of the broader Rocky Mountain Range, which includes 47 other peaks above 14,000 feet, further emphasizing its significance in the region.

Comparison with Other Mountain Peaks in North America

While Mount Elbert stands as the tallest mountain in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado, it is important to note that it is not among the tallest in North America. It ranks 24th in height among mountains in North America, with some of the tallest mountains including Denali in Alaska, Mount Logan in Canada, and Pico de Orizaba in Mexico. Here is a selection of the top 15 tallest mountains in North America in terms of elevation:

Denali - 20,320 feet Mount Logan - 19,545 feet Pico de Orizaba - 18,491 feet Mount Saint Elias - 18,008 feet Volcán Popocatépetl - 17,802 feet Mount Foraker - 17,400 feet Mount Lucania - 17,257 feet Volcán Iztaccíhuatl - 17,160 feet King Peak - 16,972 feet Mount Bona - 16,500 feet Mount Steele - 16,404 feet Mount Blackburn - 16,390 feet Mount Sandford - 16,237 feet Mount Wood - 15,879 feet Mount Vancouver - 15,787 feet

Despite its lower ranking in overall height, Mount Elbert holds significant value as a landmark for mountaineers and a key indicator of the geological features of the Rocky Mountains.