Mt Elbert first 14er. 9/50

[u/slimswittyusername]

We were able to do Mt Elbert last weekend on Aug 8th. Unfortunately we weren't able to do the North trail due to fires so we took the much longer South Trailhead. I'd been battling a chest cold all week but we got it done. This was very difficult with the chest congestion and coming from sea level. Its an amazing view up there and wish I could have stayed longer but i was completely spent.

This was my 9th of the year (the rest are just in the Southeast). Thinking about trying Katadhin before the snow comes or maybe just the 3 in the Pittsburgh area.

[u/coooofffeeeeeee]

Congrats! I’m going out there with my son this week. Also coming from sea level. How long did you guys acclimatize before your hike?

[u/UnknownInLife → u/coooofffeeeeeee]

My personal experience, i was in Colorado Springs for a week and slept overnight near the trailhead before attempting and at the top I felt a bit nauseous and vomited. I think it was a lack of electrolytes and proper fueling despite considering myself in better shape than most people. Taking a liquid IV in your water and eating simple carbs and sugars should remedy but dont be surprised if you feel the altitude get to you.

[u/slimswittyusername → u/UnknownInLife]

I agree. Hydrate a ton and take lots of sugar. Honestly gummy worms probably saved my summit. Haha

[u/slimswittyusername → u/coooofffeeeeeee]

We got to Frisco (about 10k ft) Wednesday around 11am and hiked Saturday around 4am. I've been told 48-72 hours is enough but we also had acetazolamide. Didn't want to take any chances as we live at sea level. I didn't feel great at all but I'm pretty sure that was from the cold. Of course, it is really hard to tell. Sick is sick. Lol

[u/IndianaGeoff → u/coooofffeeeeeee]

You will not acclimatize. Acclimatization takes days, maybe 2 weeks. But that isn't a problem. Just take it steady, stay up on Hydration. Take a 10 minute break every hour eat a little, drink a little. Maybe you just eat half a bar instead of a whole, but food being steadily used by our body is key.

Slow and steady. If it is steep, and I am winded I do a 20 step, 5 breath break, 20 steps, 5 breath break pattern. Steady, keep moving don't over tax yourself.

Do not eat anything you don't eat normally. Take your favorite sports drink. There is no water to gather on Elbert, so take 3 liters. Maybe 2 water and 1 big sports drink. An important part is being fully hydrated the night before, so keep up day before with a sport drink added in. The water starts heavy, but gets lighter as you go.

But since you are going slow you HAVE to be at the top and coming down by 11am, 12 at the latest. Afternoon thunderstorms can happen any afternoon, even on a clear blue morning. Count on 1.5 mph going uphill plus 1 hour for each 1000 vertical feet. That might have you starting before sunrise, so have headlamps. If your group is in great shape, it might be faster. That just makes the day shorter.

High sun is INTENSE. Take sunscreen, apply it once the sun is up. Plan on wind, it is often windy on top, sometimes very windy. So a good rain jacket is important as a wind shell if needed.

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/ For the weather at the base and top.

[u/fluffysnowflake67]

What a successful first year of highpointing, and congrats on popping the 14ers cherry.

[u/slimswittyusername → u/fluffysnowflake67]

Thanks! Hoping to get several more before the end of the year. Did the first 8 in one long road trip over a weekend. The driving was the worst part. Was definitely more exciting getting a real peak in with this one!

[u/bobber66 → u/slimswittyusername]

New Mexico and Arizona’s are easier and a little lower FWIW.

[u/db_in_VA]

Congrats. We'll be doing Elbert next Fri. Starting with KS and NE drive-bys earlier in the week and a few days hiking in Rocky Mtn NP to help our East coast legs and lungs acclimatize a bit. We knocked out WV/MD/DE 2 weeks ago.