black cloud trail

Black Cloud Trail is the shortest and steepest route to Colorado's highest 14teener: Mount Elbert at 14,433 (estimates vary slightly depending on source). It originates a few miles west of Twin Lakes off Hwy 82. It is a great Trail due to the following: (1) challenging switchback climbing combined with beautiful mid-hike flat walking through an immense pine forest; (2) hiking alongside a roaring stream for a good portion of the lower part of the climb; (3) a long crestline walk over Mount Elbert Junior (also a 14teener) on the approach to Mount Elbert with spectacular views in all directions (beware the wind). Cautions are twofold: (1) depending on the season, beware fast-developing thunderstorms which can come up quickly and catch you dangerously above treeline; and (2) start early enough in the day that you are not still coming down post-sunset (as I have on occasion) when it is easy to lose the trail and slip on the scree. There are a couple stream crossings over logs laid side by side.