Mount Elbert Trailheads

Mount Elbert, at 14,433 feet, is reached by two Forest Service trails the district describes as well-trodden, class one routes. The North Mount Elbert Trail #1484 is 4.3 miles with about 4,400 feet of gain; from Leadville go 3 miles south on US 24, take Colorado 300 west three-quarters of a mile to Lake County Road 11, follow the signs to Elbert Creek Campground, and the trailhead is just west on the south side of the road. The South Mount Elbert Trail #1481 is 5.8 miles with about 4,800 feet of gain; from Leadville drive 15 miles south on US 24 to Colorado 82, west 3.75 miles to Lake County Road 24, then north 1.5 miles to Shore Pretty Overlook; four-wheel-drive vehicles can continue 1.8 miles on Forest Road 125.B. There are no restrooms and no potable water. Commercial and organized groups need a permit from the Leadville Ranger District. The page says the trails are busy in summer and warns to check the forecast, get below timberline at the first sign of a thunderstorm, acclimatize and carry a map and compass. The page does not mention parking.

The Willow Fire Area Closure (Forest Order 02-12-01-26-39, signed September 25, 2026, in effect October 1 to December 31, 2026 unless rescinded) prohibits entering National Forest land south of Turquoise Lake, with a boundary running along the tree line on Mount Massive’s eastern slope, east to the Main Mt. Massive Trailhead and along the north side of Halfmoon Creek; the Mount Elbert page lists it among its alerts.

Directions and trail facts from the Forest Service’s Mount Elbert page (last updated April 15, 2026); closure from the Willow Fire closure order; both read 10 October 2026.