The Rocky Mountains, also known as the Rockies, are a major mountain range in western North America. Spanning from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States, the Rockies have a wide range of elevations, with their highest peak, Mount Elbert in Colorado, reaching an elevation of 14,440 feet (4,401 meters).
What is the Highest Mountain in the Rockies?
Mount Elbert is the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountains, standing at 14,440 feet (4,401 meters). Located in Lake County, Colorado, Mount Elbert is part of the Sawatch Range and is the highest peak in the state of Colorado. The summit of Mount Elbert is the highest point in the contiguous United States and is the second highest peak in the lower 48 states after Mount Whitney in California.
Where is Mount Elbert Located?
Mount Elbert is located in Lake County, Colorado in the Sawatch Range. The mountain is situated in the San Isabel National Forest and is accessible via the Colorado Trail, which is a long distance hiking trail that stretches from Denver to Durango in the southern part of the state.
What is the Elevation of Mount Elbert?
Mount Elbert stands at an elevation of 14,440 feet (4,401 meters), making it the highest point in the Rocky Mountains and the highest peak in the contiguous United States. The summit of Mount Elbert is the second highest peak in the lower 48 states after Mount Whitney in California.
What is the Geology of Mount Elbert?
Mount Elbert is composed of quartzite, a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of quartz sand grains and is usually found in mountain ranges. The quartzite of Mount Elbert is part of the Sawatch Range and is estimated to be around 1.7 billion years old.
What is the Climate of Mount Elbert?
The climate of Mount Elbert is typically cold and snowy. The average temperature at the summit of the mountain is around -6°C (21°F), with the average low temperature during the winter months dipping as low as -20°C (-4°F). The average annual snowfall at Mount Elbert is around 200 inches (500 cm).
What is the Wildlife of Mount Elbert?
Mount Elbert is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and a variety of birds and small mammals. The mountain is also home to several species of endangered birds, such as the Arkansas Mountain Bluebird and the White-tailed Ptarmigan.
How Can I Climb Mount Elbert?
Climbing Mount Elbert is a popular activity among experienced hikers and climbers. The mountain can be accessed via the Colorado Trail, which is a long distance hiking trail that stretches from Denver to Durango in the southern part of the state. There are several routes up the mountain, with the most popular being the Northeast Ridge route. This route is considered to be a class 2 climb and is typically completed in a single day.
What Can I See From the Summit of Mount Elbert?
From the summit of Mount Elbert, hikers and climbers can see stunning views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, which span from British Columbia in Canada to New Mexico in the United States. On clear days, views of the surrounding peaks, such as Mount Massive and Longs Peak, can be seen.