Omayra Acevedo, Elbert. Elbert is a small rural community in the eastern plains of Colorado. It was a busy business center in the middle of what has been called some of the best farms and ranches in Colorado, until a flood swept away most of the town on May 31, 1935. Like most places that have gone through their fair share of tragedies, it took several years before Elbert began blossoming once more. Today, many of the structures that were destroyed in the flood have been repaired and restored, including the locally owned small businesses you can find on Main Street. 

The county and mountain of the same name were named after Governor Samuel Hitt Elbert. Elbert (the man) was also justice of the Colorado Supreme Court from 1876 to 1888. 

There are five trails that lead to the summit of Mount Elbert. The two easiest routes are the south and north Elbert trails. Considering its height, the terrain to the top is relatively moderate, but beware that there is always a possibility of rocks, uneven ground, and snow year-round. So watch your step and layer up. Also, be advised that there is a chance of spotting jeeps on the trails. Yes, you read that correctly. The first motorized ascent was in 1949 and there have been many more since.

Other things to keep in mind, as with any fourteener in our state: start early and turn around if you start to see or hear storms rolling in. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and your camera. You don’t want to leave without a snapshot of the views. In short, anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can conquer this fourteener. 

Almost four hours away from one another, the town and the mountain are unique in their own way. One offers leisure activities and connections to other popular Colorado towns, while the other offers an escape from civilization and a new perspective. Mount Elbert is the highest summit in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and in the top five highest summits in the country. What’s the interesting dichotomy in all of this? Mount Elbert reaches 14,439 feet and the town of Elbert sits at an elevation of 6,715 feet above sea level. Nothing says division and contrast like these two Elberts. 

For more information on Elbert, Colorado, and Mount Elbert check out https://www.townofelbert.com/ and https://www.summitpost.org/mount-elbert/150325 

(Originally published in the June 3, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)