I followed the Black Cloud Trail from Highway 82 up to the southeast ridge of Mount Elbert. The trail to the ridge is steep, but I made good time. There are a couple of nice stream crossings, and a meadow helps the mind wander away from the relentless ascent. Otherwise, I followed the ridge route to South Elbert, then descended into a col, followed by the final upward push along a narrowing ridge filled with patches of thick snow and old cornices. Finally the summit of Elbert, and then the relentless descent, minus having to regain the summit of South Elbert, which was a bit tiresome. Black Cloud is a nice route...much more interesting than the standard Elbert routes due to the airy ridge walk.
Map of Black Cloud Trail in Google Maps.
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