Mount Elbert: A Solo Night Hike Above the Clouds

August 9th, 2024 - #5/58

Mount Elbert is the tallest peak in Colorado, standing at a towering 14,440 feet. It had been on my list for a while, but I hadn’t tackled it yet—and for good reason. The idea of doing my first solo 14er hike in the dark was both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. Add in some poor weather the night before, and I almost talked myself out of it. But something inside told me to go for it, so at 4am, I found myself at the trailhead, headlamp on, ready for the climb.

A Solo Start: Trusting the Process

Hiking alone at night is a different kind of experience. There’s a lot more quiet, and the trail feels almost otherworldly. The rhythm of my boots on the dirt, the sound of my breathing, and the beam of my headlamp cutting through the dark—it was peaceful, but with a tinge of that nervous energy that comes with going solo. The weather had been iffy, but as I made my way up, I could feel the air getting clearer, and I started to hope for a break in the clouds.

Above the Fog: A Sunrise to Remember

As the sky started to brighten, I noticed something incredible happening below me. The poor weather from the night before had left behind a thick blanket of fog, completely covering the valley below. The higher I climbed, the clearer the sky became, and by the time the sun started to rise, I was standing above a sea of clouds. Watching the sunrise from Mount Elbert, with the fog filling the valley like a soft white ocean, was one of the most breathtaking experiences I’ve ever had. I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life—it felt like standing in a dream.

There’s something special about being on a mountain for sunrise, but that morning was next-level. The early rays of light stretched across the peaks, casting shadows on the fog below. I stopped for a while just to take it all in, feeling incredibly lucky to be in the right place at the right time.

New Friends on the Trail

After the sunrise, I continued up the trail, and that’s when I met two younger hikers who were also on their way to the summit. They had just graduated high school, and one of them had already hiked 17 14ers that summer alone! I was seriously impressed. They were full of energy and enthusiasm, and we hiked together for a while, chatting about life, school, and their incredible summer of summits.

It’s always refreshing to meet people with a passion for the mountains, and these two had that in spades. Hiking alongside them gave me an extra boost of energy, even though I knew they’d eventually leave me in the dust on the way down. (Their knees were definitely in better shape than mine!)

The Final Push: Reaching the Summit

As we got closer to the summit, the trail became steeper and more rugged, but the views just kept getting better. We were well above the fog now, and the rest of the world seemed far away. When we reached the summit, we realized something pretty cool: we were the only people up there. At that moment, the three of us were the highest people in the entire state of Colorado! Standing on the highest peak in the state, with no one else around, was an incredible feeling. The sense of accomplishment, paired with the wide-open views and the total quiet of the summit, made it one of those rare moments you don’t get often. We took it all in, snapped some pictures, and enjoyed the solitude at 14,440 feet.

The Descent: Knees vs. Youth

On the way down, I took my time, letting the younger hikers speed ahead. They were moving fast, likely because their knees weren’t as beat up as mine! The descent always seems to take longer than expected, but I didn’t mind. I had the chance to reflect on the hike, the people I’d met, and the incredible morning above the fog. By the time I made it back to the trailhead, I was tired, but in the best way possible—satisfied, grateful, and already looking forward to the next adventure.

Wrapping It Up

Mount Elbert, as Colorado’s tallest 14er, is a must-do, and experiencing it for the first time as a solo night hike made it even more special. From the fog-covered valleys at sunrise to meeting new friends along the way, this hike is one that I’ll remember for a long time. If you’re looking for a challenge with some seriously rewarding views, Mount Elbert is the one to put on your list. Just be prepared for some steep sections—and maybe bring some Advil for the knees!

Until next time—happy hiking!