What is the Highest Peak in the Rocky Mountains?

The highest summit in the Rocky Mountain range is Mount Elbert, with an elevation of 14,439 feet above sea level. Hiking in Colorado, especially 14ers, requires careful preparation due to the variable weather, challenging terrain and diverse wildlife found among higher altitude environments. Keep reading to learn more about Mt Elbert and hiking tips for exploring beautiful Colorado trails and peaks. 

What Should I Bring Hiking 14ers in Colorado? 

Mount Elbert is located in the Sawatch Range of Colorado state and is the second highest peak in the lower 48 states. The two main routes to the summit are the ~11 mile (round trip) South Mt. Elbert Trail and the ~9 mile (round trip) North Mt. Elbert Trail, both well traveled easy access class one trails, with limited or restricted road access during winter months. Leadville is one of the closest Colorado towns to these trails. 

Here are the five tallest peaks in the Rocky Mountain range in Colorado:

1. Mount Elbert: 14,438’ (4,401 meters)

2. Mount Massive: 14,427’ (4,398 meters)

3. Mount Harvard: 14,424’ (4,396 meters)

4. Blanca Peak: 14,350’ (4,374 meters)

5. La Plata Peak: 14,344’ (4,372 meters)

Prepping for a hike in CO depends on where and how long you will be hiking, the season, time of day, and specific region. Higher altitudes are especially prone to rapid weather changes, with temperatures falling from hot and sunny to shivering cold within minutes. Wildlife includes bears, mountain lions, elk, moose, coyotes, rattlesnakes and insects. Shorter hikes still require careful attention to details to ensure your safety and enjoyment. 

Clothing

• : Packable, low weight, moisture-wicking layers including base layers, insulated mid layers like a fleece/jacket, and water/windproof outer layers. Hat, sunglasses and gloves for sun protection and warmth, and hiking boots that are broken in and waterproof. 

Gear

• : A well-fitted and comfortable backpack with a hydration bladder and lightweight, foldable trekking poles. A headlamp plus extra batteries, a multi-tool, whistle, charged cell phone with a route map pre-downloaded or other navigational support. Always carry a basic First Aid Kit including supplies like bandages, antiseptic, blister treatment, and medications.

Food

• : Packable, high-energy, dry food like energy bars, jerky, trail mix, and sandwiches and plenty of water and electrolytes. Be sure to bring a small bag for trash and practice leave no trace principles. 

Preparedness can be broken down into 3 categories: clothing, gear/food, and safety. Even during summer hikes, clothing is especially important. An underdressed hiker can quickly find themselves shivering cold during a sudden storm in the Colorado Rockies. Dehydration can occur much quicker at higher altitudes which can see snow as early as October to as late as May/June, and remote areas often lack cellular/GPS service. 

How Much Does a Hiking Backpack Weigh?

The weight of a hiking backpack can vary significantly depending on type of hike, duration, hydration needs and the specific gear carried. It’s important to pick the right size bag for each hike to optimize comfort, accessibility and balance. Loose gear can be detrimental to your balance (center of gravity), stability (shifting of weight), comfort, accessibility, energy efficiency and protection of gear. 

Overstuffed or oversized bags cause problems packing and fitting. Mastering the art of packing your bag comes with careful planning, practice and good old fashioned trial and error. Depending on strength, height, experience, and backpack load capacities a good rule of thumb is keeping your loaded backpack below 20-25 percent of your total body weight. For example, a good target pack weight for a 180 lb person is approx. 35-45lbs, with weight always balanced strategically. 

Here’s a general breakdown of typical weights for different types of hiking backpacks:

• Day Hike Backpacks:

  • Capacity: 10-35 Liters

  • Packed Weight: 5lbs - 20lbs (2kg - 9kg)

  • Contents: Water (2L), snacks, basic first aid kit, extra clothing, navigation tools, and other day hike essentials.

• Weekend Backpacks (1-3 Nights):

  • Capacity: 35-50 Liters

  • Packed Weight: 20lbs - 35lbs (9kg - 16kg)

  • Contents: Day hike essentials + tent, sleeping bag/pad, cooking gear, extra food, and additional clothing.

• Multi-Day Trip Backpacks (3-5 Nights):

  • Capacity: 50-80 Liters

  • Packed Weight: 30lbs - 50lbs (14kg - 23kg)

  • Contents: Day hike essentials + comprehensive gear, tent, more food, extra clothing, and any specialized equipment (climbing/fishing gear)

• Extended Trip Backpacks (5+ Nights):

  • Capacity: 70-80 Liters

  • Packed Weight: 45lbs - 55lbs+ (20kg - 25kg)

  • Contents: Same as multi-day trips + more food & desired gear.

• Ultralight Backpacking (Mult-Day):

  • Capacity: 35-80 Liters

  • Packed Weight: 10lbs - 25lbs (5kg - 12kg)

  • Contents: Minimalist gear of reduced weight: ultralight tents/bivy sacks/tarps, sleeping bags and pads (if any), compact cooking gear, and bare minimum clothing.

Learn more about How to Choose a Hiking Backpack here. If you're just getting started hiking, consider joining our passionate outdoor guides for a guided hiking adventure. We cover all the logistics to ensure you have a safe and satisfying experience. Give us a call at 720.242.9828 or contact us to learn more about our custom outdoor programs.