First 14er June 7th

[swarrier]

Hello

I am coming from North Carolina with friends to attempt our first 14er on June 6th. This is the only time that works for us and we have tickets booked already. We just want to see how our bodies react to the high altitude and hopefully have a fun time. We are planning on going as far as we can (and ideally summit) on Mt. Elbert via the East Ridge trail. Any thoughts on the conditions to expect, or suggestions on tackling a different one? We have used microspikes on muddy trails but have no experience with snowshoes. All feedback is much appreciated!

[Ptglhs]

Start early enough (like, on the trail, not the road, the trail, by 0400) and micropikes should be sufficient. There will be some snow, especially just before Treeline. You'll probably posthole a bit coming down. Bring 3L of water for each person. Wool socks.

Elbert from the east is slightly longer than the average 14er, more so if you don't have a high clearance 4wd to get to the TH and have to walk further.

Shorter 14ers that are accessible in early June would be Bierstadt, Quandary, Sherman.

[seannunn]

Elbert is pretty straightforward, but the snow that will inevitably still be there will complicate matters some.
Start early, bring plenty of water. Remember that you need to save some energy to get back down, particularly if there is still a lot of snow.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

[lowland_missourian]

swarrier, in the same boat coming from Missouri, in that same time frame. 2 good replies here so far, hopefully more trail reports will be posted in upcoming weeks to get a good feel for conditions.

[seannunn]

swarrier, in the same boat coming from Missouri, in that same time frame. 2 good replies here so far, hopefully more trail reports will be posted in upcoming weeks to get a good feel for conditions.

Good call. Reading the peak conditions reports as you get closer to your climb is a great idea. Snow melt can happen quickly.

[swarrier]

Start early enough (like, on the trail, not the road, the trail, by 0400) and micropikes should be sufficient. There will be some snow, especially just before Treeline. You'll probably posthole a bit coming down. Bring 3L of water for each person. Wool socks.

Elbert from the east is slightly longer than the average 14er, more so if you don't have a high clearance 4wd to get to the TH and have to walk further.

Shorter 14ers that are accessible in early June would be Bierstadt, Quandary, Sherman.

Thank you so much!

[swarrier]

Elbert is pretty straightforward, but the snow that will inevitably still be there will complicate matters some.
Start early, bring plenty of water. Remember that you need to save some energy to get back down, particularly if there is still a lot of snow.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

Thank you so much! I do plan on keeping a close eye on the reports as it gets closer.

[swarrier]

swarrier, in the same boat coming from Missouri, in that same time frame. 2 good replies here so far, hopefully more trail reports will be posted in upcoming weeks to get a good feel for conditions.

Yes, fingers crossed for good trail conditions. I'll be watching the trail reports too, and will post an update after we do it. Good luck!

[Ptglhs]

Thank you so much!

Sure.
This is the view of the south side of elbert, taken from my camp at 13.9 on the saddle between sth elbert and the true summit.

IMG_20250512_144415.jpg

In the next 3.5 weeks a lot of this will melt. You'll have more snow below treeline than above it (probably)

[nyker]

To help hedge conditions, you can always try to rent a pair of snowshoes before you head over. Learning how to use them is not that difficult. It's largely a matter of adjusting your walking step and fine tuning the strap configuration to make sure they are snug. Trekking poles will help keep your balance walking with snowshoes.

You likely won't need them on the whole route, but only portions of the route, but those are portions you'll probably like to have them unless there's a real beaten down and firm path ahead of you.

[swarrier]

Thank you so much!

Sure.
This is the view of the south side of elbert, taken from my camp at 13.9 on the saddle between sth elbert and the true summit.
IMG_20250512_144415.jpg

In the next 3.5 weeks a lot of this will melt. You'll have more snow below treeline than above it (probably)
[/quote

This is very helpful, thank you for sharing!

[swarrier]

To help hedge conditions, you can always try to rent a pair of snowshoes before you head over. Learning how to use them is not that difficult. It's largely a matter of adjusting your walking step and fine tuning the strap configuration to make sure they are snug. Trekking poles will help keep your balance walking with snowshoes.

You likely won't need them on the whole route, but only portions of the route, but those are portions you'll probably like to have them unless there's a real beaten down and firm path ahead of you.

That makes sense, thank you!