The trail starts in the thick undergrowth and runs fairly level for about a quarter of a mile until it forks. Right is the Colorado Trail, and left is the Mt. Elbert trail and the register. From this point, the hike became fairly steep and slippery due to recent rains and runoff. The steep climb lasted until treeline, where it leveled out a bit and the mosquitoes retreated back into the woods.

Above treeline the trail runs up to the northeast ridge, and then along the ridge, providing great views of Twin Lakes, the Collegiate Peaks, and the town of Leadville off to the northeast. This day was sunny and calm, and I soon had a following of gnats and flies who seemed very interested in my hat. The last half-mile or so is comprised of several switchbacks barely distinguishable from the scree. I passed several folks who were feeling the altitude and the sun. The remaining small snowfields were tinged red and pink with algae.

On the summit there were about a half-dozen other people, relaxing and talking, having their pictures taken, eating apples and brownies, and singing the Carpenters' tune 'Top of the World'. Hey, at that altitude, some people will do about anything. I relaxed for a while and chatted with folks, swapping mountain stories.

The descent was unremarkable, except for the large number of people I passed who were on the way up (especially the good-looking women! Sorry...). The loose rock and dirt on the trail was a bit challenging to get through, though. Made it back to the trailhead at about 1:30pm, for a 5 hour round-trip.