Hiking Colorado's Highest Peak: Mt. Elbert via Black Cloud Trail
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Mt. Elbert is famous for being the highest peak in Colorado, and the second highest peak in the contiguous U.S. The two most popular hiking trails to the top include the North Mt. Elbert and South Mt. Elbert trails, but with a little research we found a far more exciting (and less crowded) route along the Black Cloud Trail, which climbs over 5500FT and offers some outstanding trailrunning along the ridgeline from South Elbert to Mount Elbert itself.
But anyone hiking a massive CO 14er will know that the mountain weather is unpredictable in Colorado, and starting early is essential to avoid the ever-impending risks of lightning and thunder storms. Despite starting early and leaving the Elbert summit before our turn around time, we STILL managed to get caught in a hail storm! So if you're planning to climb Mt. Elbert, plan accordingly with the weather!
#mtelbert #14er #hiking
Hi Adam & Elise, I need to take a break to mourn the loss of my father.
I hope you’re never faced with having to respect the last wishes of a dying parent and remove all life support. It is indescribably painful.
You guys are the sunshine on rainy day, the soft cool breeze that seems to kiss your face on a hot summer day, the sun’s rays that have broken thru the clouds to gives us hope that the storm is passing and better days lie ahead.
I look forward to viewing & writing about your great adventures again. Stay safe. Much love & respect, Frans.
Frans we are so sorry to hear that, and are both thinking of you and sending you all our love and positive energy. Adam has lost both his parents, one far too early and in difficult circumstances, so we truly understand what you're going through. We will hold you in our hearts through these next days and weeks as you mourn. ❤️❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Thank you for your kindness & understanding.
Great video. My running up and down mountains days are in the past.
But I climbed Elbert in early December in about 1974. I was a college student and my roommate was from Leadville. We decided to do cross country ski trip to an old cabin at the base (east side) and winter camp in the cabin (partial roof, but no windows or doors). But there was not enough snow for really good skiing so we decided, what the heck, let's climb the peak. We slogged through some deep snow below timberline, but once out of the trees and on the ridge the snow was either blown clear or so wind packed that you could walk on it. It was a warm day 15 degrees or so and there was not a cloud within a 5 state radius. The climb really was not that difficult (for a 20 yo). The view from the top was unbelievable and you could see forever, probably that clear only a few days a year or in a decade. We could see the High Unitas over 200 miles away in Utah, and there was a suggestion of a range on the horizon which might have been the Wind River Range, over 250 miles away. Later, I did the math on the curvature of the earth and it might have been what we saw, but I will never be sure. We did not have a map or compass to confirm the direction. We definitely had at least a 200-mile view that day.
Later, I married a beautiful Colorado girl who grew up climbing 14rs and in 1983/1984 we wrote the first state-wide hiking guide (Hiker's Guide to Colorado) together with a new-born daughter on our back. Our hiking guides are out-of-print now, but we recently wrote two books on the history of skiing in Colorado. lostskiareasofcolorado.com
Thanks for posting your video.
Peter thanks so much for sharing that lovely story. It's very inspiring to hear about you and your wife writing that hiking guide with a new-born daughter, because if/when we have a kid together one day we're definitely intending to take that baby on a lot of climbs with us -- very good to know that you have been there, done that, and it worked out well! ❤️
This is Ben again. Just
to let you know, i love
your togetherness!
Thank you for all your
time, hard work and
beautiful scenery right
here in my loveseat
with you.
Happy to watch you guys.
Be careful.
Thanks Ben -- that really means a lot to us. It makes us super happy to be able to spread joy, and we're grateful to you for letting us know that!
Yessss the music at 2:15! ✨💖 I just love it! Can’t wait for you to drop your music!
Thanks Brittany!!❤️ We're literally working on the music right now -- two songs are ready, and we're working on number 3!!!
So beautiful!! And you guys are so glorious together and so FUN!!! In this bizarre world we need these adventures to keep our sanity! I truly believe life is supposed to be fun, and you guys are THE prime examples of that. The happiest times of my life is when I am on the trail, so thanks for the inspiration🎃
Thanks so much, Mary! This brought a huge smile to both of our faces, and we couldn't agree with you more about life and purpose. These adventures keep us sane through everything we have to deal with in the "real world," because we know there is always exhilaration waiting right around the corner. ❤️
After rigorous hard work, your scream and the breeze from this paradise becomes one !!
Yogesh that is a beautiful way to put it, and perfectly expresses how we felt on this climb. Thank you!❤️
Way cool views! Thanks again! And super glad you got off that ridge in time!
Thanks Gary! Yes it always pays to listen to the locals. We couldn't see anything fishy about the clouds when they told us that, but once they did we started hustling down and that definitely saved us a lightning scare!
And again, you guys’s hard work, dedication, perseverance and resilience to go to new places and experience the adventure never seize to amaze me. You guys are living my dream life. Seriously, I wish I had partner like that to support me in the outdoor. But anyways thanks for sharing such a wonderful video. Don’t know if I’ll ever go there but glad to watch from far enough.
Thank you so much -- we feel very lucky to be able to share these adventures with you, and also confident that you will find a partner who will support you in the outdoors. When you find the right person, it will become something that brings you both closer throughout your life. Meanwhile, so happy you are enjoying the videos, and very excited to show you what we have coming up the next couple of months!❤️
Woahhh this one was crazy!!! Glad you guys are safe! That panorama at the top was 🔥🔥🔥🔥
That hail was crazy, right?!? Just grateful the natives warned us about those clouds rolling in early so we could get down in time!
Nice job you guys!!! I haven't done the south trail yet, maybe next season. I am lucky enough to literally have this and all the other mountains in the area in my backyard. Elbert is the most visible mountain from my condo. I hiked up Mt. Cosgriff on monday the 20th which is part of Elbert. I camped up at 12,000 feet and ended up hiking up to the top under a full moon. I made it to the top around 12:30am and it was amazing, no people of course and no wind. the temps dipped down to 16 degrees but it was so worth it. An amazing experience hiking up that high late at night. Keep up the great videos.
Douglas what an incredible place to live! Not only do you have fantastic hikes right in your backyard, but any time you take climbing trips you're already altitude acclimated. Perfect. And hiking under a full moon sounds just gorgeous. That's definitely something we'd like to try next time we're in CO -- if only to avoid those crazy afternoon thunderstorms! ❤️
Nice! Did Elbert twice on the standard trails, which was cool. This way looks more interesting and unique. Thanks for the video!
That's awesome! We've heard the other routes are gorgeous too, but crowds can make filming hard and we hate irking other hikers with our YT escapades! :D If you get a chance to go back, we would highly recommend this route. Extremely steep climb up to the ridgeline but then lots of fun ridge running from there!
Super gorgeous scenery. Whatta run. Hats off to you
Thanks Jebina! This really is one of the prettiest and most accessible hikes/trail runs in Colorado -- and it you take Black Cloud it's not crowded at all either! ❤️
I like the use of those trekking poles! Makes it all a lot easier
Yes Lamont! Adam is obsessed with his trekking poles. Way less slipping and falling, but it also takes some pressure off the legs on those really long, steep climbs. Everyone serious about hiking should have some!
Love Colorado approaches. Already high plateau.
Totally -- you can be up with epic views in a matter of hours. ❤️
This video is awesome…. You two are so humble.
Aw thanks Mark -- those big mountains can humble you in a hurry! Very glad you enjoyed this one, and hope you get to do it. Really a beautiful hike. ❤️
Love watching you two....❤️🌺🌸🏵️🌻💮
Delighted you're liking these so far! And stay tuned, because we've got some really awesome adventures lined up in the next couple of months as well!
Amazing! Thank you for taking us again along this epic adventure! It’s mean so much to us who can’t do this kind of hiking anymore! The views are absolutely incredible! Thanks! Keep the videos coming😍 thanks guys🤟🏼
Thanks so much Elisa -- we love getting your always cheery, encouraging, and supportive messages. We will definitely keep them coming!❤️
Great Video and congratulations of hiking (scrambling up) Mt Elbert the TOUGH route. A valuable lesson can be learned by everyone not to underestimate Mother Nature especially in Colorado. Some time ago had to delay hiking up Mt Bierstadt by a couple of days because of forecasted thunderstorms (glad I did since the heavens opened up both afternoons) and then finally made it on a Saturday morning with the crowds, but the weather was beautiful. Glad to see the two of you returning earlier than planned and made it back safely 👍🏻
That is the truth! Weather in CO is not to be toyed with. Thankfully we've visited enough times to know you get yourself up and off the mountain before the afternoon storms roll in. We had plans to do other longer climbs (like Longs Peak) on this trip, but unfortunately never got the weather window, and we didn't want to risk it. The peaks will always be there. Just means we have to plan another trip out :D
WOW.! Thank you Algorithms for dropping your videos my way.! You Kats are a couple of Mountain Mobin Monsters.!! Super awesome footage.!!! Subscribed to your channel, and can't wait to peep out some more of your RAD content.!! Happy Trails.!!!
Yes Randy!!! That makes us so psyched!! Really happy you found us, that you're enjoying the past adventures, and that you're sticking around for the new ones. We're about to go do a monster this weekend!❤️
Elbert is a great climb! The views from the top are spiritual!
Yes Mike, that's a great way to put it -- especially out on that beautiful ridge. I just sat out there in a kind of mediation for a few minutes, and would have for a lot longer if we hadn't had the storm coming in! --A
Looks like you guys are on the top of the world 🌎 Thanks
That's what it felt like, Marc! Was actually really cool to be up there right at the cloud line (well, until the thunder started!). ⚡️😱
Another amazing twist you guys put into this challenging elevation of a hike ♥️u guys
Thanks Raymond! This one actually had a lot of Ski-hut trail vibes in terms of how crazy steep it was getting up to that first ridge. Super dope hike!!
Looked like you could almost touch the clouds up there! So many beautiful vistas especially the sunlight & rain at the peak. Elise, beautiful multiple track singing! Thanks for another great video, and not too many "yikes" moments. Love you.
Aw, so glad you noticed the music! I've been playing around with the endings before putting out the full tracks. When are we making our new song? :) And yes, Elbert was not nearly as deathly as some of our other adventures. I felt good posting it and knowing the chances of giving you a heart attack today were very low. Love ya!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard I will have a little more time on my hands when park band ends on Oct 3. I'll start playing around with some loops. Glad you got out of the rain/hail so quickly! XO
Loved this video, as all I have watched. My wife and I hiked the easier North Trail 20 years ago, in our fifties and being flatlanders from the midwest, it was tough enough for us. I was a little surprised how short of breath I was considering that I snow skied a lot at those years in Copper Mt. I found out why I struggled 2 months later when I had a small heart attack and had a stent put in (the first of 8 stents over the years). We, like you, loved the 360 view up there and checking out the several 14ers within sight. Also, like you, we left earlier than we wanted, being chased off the summit by lightning. Thankfully, the descent was much faster and much easier than the ascent but we still had several small bouts of sleet pellets and small hail along with plenty of scary lightning. We left our cabin well before sunrise that morning, knowing we would not be speeding uphill but I drug us down with my surprise breathing problems. We celebrated with a great meal at Bon Ton in Ouray that evening!!
Heck yeah, Tom! That's a great Elbert adventure story, and a great way to celebrate after. Are you still able to hike with all of the different stent surgeries? We hope so. If not, well, we'll keep going out and filming some good adventures for you for as long as we are able! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard A trip to Yosemite 7 years later really got me excited to go back to Yosemite in better shape and do longer, more serious hikes, especially Half Dome, which became my #1 dream hike. Five years ago, at 66, I hung around Zion for a couple of days after a golf trip with buddies. I did several shorter hikes and Angels Landing and now I was REALLY pumped to not only get back to Zion but plan for Half Dome. But less than 3 months later a severe Heart Attack knocked me back and I have had 7 more stents and a Heart that is weaker making those hikes out of reach. Still, in my mind, I'm hoping to still Snow Ski and hike trails like The Narrows and the downhill trail from Observation Pt. in Zion. Thanks for all the great videos!
@@tntsher Totally our pleasure, Tom! The Narrows sounds like a perfect choice -- incredible beauty and low cardio strain! ❤
I climbed Pinnacle Peak trail in Rainier NP a few days ago. Nothing like the epic stuff you guys do. But still a significant challenge for me, these days.
The views there were awesome none the less. Thank you so much for the inspiration.
Life is meant to be lived. Nature, explored.
Appreciate the video, and your race with the weather.
Way to out pace it.
Thanks so much James -- so great that you're hiking in Rainier! It is absolutely bucket list for us to get up there to the PNW for a month or two and climb those volcanoes, the Enchantments, and some of the other beauties. And we actually love doing hikes like Pinnacle. We don't film them, but at least once or twice a week we are out at dawn just doing some kind of gorgeous shorter hike or trail run like that just to be out in nature's beauties for a couple of hours. ❤️
Love your hiking running trails 👣 ❤️ videos
That makes us super happy to hear! We're really looking forward to getting a full month or so in Colorado at some point to get some more of these gorgeous 14ers!
Thanks for making this one guys. Brought back memories of hiking Elbert in 1995 by the same route. Didn’t have t-storms but got altitude sickness on South Elbert and had to take a nap before pushing on to Elbert. First ever 14er to boot!
That's a great story, and not surprised the altitude got you on South Elbert -- it's steeper going up that part than to Elbert itself! Love that you napped and rallied to lock down your first 14er! ❤️
My wife and I climbed Mt Elbert and got caught in a horrendous thunderstorm above tree line. We both crouched down for about 30 seconds and then a bolt struck very close to us so we hightailed down to tree line and made it, barely to a safer area. Wooo… scary experience for sure. You both are machines!
Wow that is a fantastic but also scary story -- glad you didn't get hit by that bolt! And glad we're not the only ones who wound up sprinting off that mountain. Colorado weather is crazy!!
Spectacular scenery!!!!!! You guys are incredible athletes! and such bright spirits
Thanks Ariel! This is a lovely hike, and a great way to do a high 14er mountain without any risk of falling!
Will add Mt. Elbert to my hikes for next summer. Thankyou for sharing. Fun to watch. Bucket list item no. 7, hike with Adam & Elise once!!!!!
Right on, Robert! We will definitely put together some kind of group hike and announce it way beforehand once Covid is slayed! Meanwhile, stoked you're gonna do Elbert. Great way to get high altitude without much danger (other than from lightning!). ❤️
That's impressive, really. 👏
Thanks so much! 14ers are never easy for us coming from sea level, so it always feels good to reach that summit!
Welcome to Colorado! Love Mount Elbert! Did the right thing getting off early. The voice is sounding great on the songs....
Thanks so much! We've been trying to get a few of our songs ready for download, so glad to hear they're sounding good. Yes that was a real lesson for us in Colorado weather. Based on the forecast and how the clouds looked to us we'd have thought we had plenty of time, but the locals we met said the clouds didn't look good to them, and they were of course dead right. So the moral for us was, as always, listen to the locals!
Was considering hiking Elbert next weekend before I get snowed on - maybe this is a sign! I feel like every time y’all post I have plans to be in the same area the following week, so thanks for always scoping it out for me. 🤣 Absolutely beautiful footage as always! 🌄
Yes do it!!! And we highly recommend taking the Black Cloud trail. The views are fantastic and there was almost no one on it, as opposed to the other trails that are crowded all the way to the top. It's harder of course, but that's not a bad thing and it's never dangerous at all -- just really steep. Let us know if you do it, and have a great time!!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Thanks for the heads up - I’m from CO and have never heard of that route, but it looks absolutely awesome! I’ll keep y’all posted!
A sign? 🙄
@@fredharvey2720 What’s your deal?
@@wednesdaysbliss1 Actually, what's yours? Thinking things in nature are a "sign"? I haven't done that crap since my early 20s. Are you in your early 20s?
Pro tip from binge watching LH2. 1st smash that thumbs up, then watch. You can't go wrong!
Haha thank you that's such a nice compliment! Now we really have to make sure to not to put out anything thumbs down worthy. 🙈
Omg I can’t wait to get back out to CO! Awesome video as usual you guys!
Thanks Steve! And us either! CO has just too many awesome peaks we need to explore. The unpredictable weather can make it challenging to plan a hike, but it's worth the extra effort to wait for your weather window :D
9:01 scenery is awesome. Thanks.
Thank you -- so glad you enjoyed that, and that it came through on camera. In person it was really breathtaking!!❤️
I don't know what you did differently with your music in this video, but it was amazing. I know you use your own music, but something about the way the certain song segments you chose paired synchronized with the video clips was especially impactful in this video. Absolutely gorgeous.
And what an amazing journey! This trail looks like so much fun. I loved this video so much I watched it twice.
Thank you that makes us so happy! The difference in the music is that we're preparing a few of our songs to make them available for download, so we're doing more professional, fully rounded sound and production on them -- so that's what you heard in the video. Really delighted you're liking the music!! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Ah, that makes sense. I could tell there was a difference, I just couldn't put my finger on it. How exciting! You guys are doing an amazing job. The sound is more rich than before. I love Elise's harmony layers and, GIRL, those runs! I hadn't heard them in the songs before to that extent, so I just assumed you used different sections of the songs than normal. I don't know if you re-recorded that or just changed the sound balance in production to bring that out more, but it sounds great. I really appreciate that there seems to be a little more bass tone coming through in the track now as well.
Safety never takes a holiday! Great vid Elise and Adam!
Haha ain’t that the truth! We definitely listen to what you guys tell us, and we want to be making these adventure vids for many many years to come so gotta stay safe out there! Glad you enjoyed this one. We’ve wanted to do Elbert forever so it was fun to finally check it off the list!
Superb day out with great views and fine footage. Well done you two.
Thanks so much! You definitely never know what you're going to get when storms are rolling in, but in this situation we thought the rain clouds made the landscape particularly epic. So glad you enjoyed!
Dear Adam and Elise. I have just found you in the RUclips and I am enjoying your videos a lot. Thanks for sharing your adventures and all those beautiful views with us. Please be careful with those ridges. Writing from Brazil. Please consider coming down here sometime (maybe in your winter time when is our summer time). It would be nice seeing you running in the "Lençóis Maranhenses" and "Chapada Diamantina" amazing places. May the Eternal keep you safe.
Thank you -- we're so happy that you found us! It's our pleasure to share these adventures with you, and we definitely do plan to come down to Brazil. We just now looked up both the places you recommended, and they look amazing! We will for sure let you know before we come down, and ask your advice on the very best and most exciting adventures. Meanwhile, we wish you a happy holidays and much health, love, and adventure in the new year. ❤️
Amazing! You both are awesome! Definitely added this to my bucket list!
Yes Robert! This is such a great and accessible 14er, and if you take Black Cloud it won't be crowded at all either. You will not regret doing this trail (just don't get caught in lightning!). ❤️
Just this week at work was wondering where you 2 were. Something about this video makes it my favorite so far. Another hit, well done! Keep them coming.
Thanks Tim, so glad you liked this one! We've been working a lot on our music -- maybe it was the soundtrack that put it over the top! And we will def keep them coming -- got some major adventures planned for this fall!
Very beautiful! Just about one of my favorites♥️ Music, scenery!
Thanks Debbie! We've been working on making the music fuller and more professional, so very glad you liked it. And the views were some of our favorites as well -- Colorado is so gorgeous! ❤️
Greetings from Switzerland. I have been watching your videos for a while. Absolutely fantastic. Love the unusual routes you take. The fact that you are often completely alone is amazing. Here you get to be alone in the mountains sometimes but people are never too far away. Keep posting and maybe come over here for an adventure.
Wow, we're delighted you are seeing this all the way over in Switzerland! We've only hiked there a little bit so far -- when we did the TMB -- but absolutely loved it, and definitely intend to come back. It's funny you say that about having a lot of people around, because we definitely noticed that in the Alps our typical strategy of getting up early and going really fast didn't always work in terms of being all alone -- a lot of the Swiss are early risers AND fast! Anyway, we're happy you're enjoying the adventures, and look forward to bringing you lots more. ❤️
Big inspiration!! Seriously amazing you two!!!
Thanks so much! This is a really beautiful and accessible hike if you ever get the chance -- hard but not too technical, and great views the whole way up and down. ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard when I go to Colorado, this mountain is getting climbed!
Another great video guys! Those monstrously sized mountains make our lake district peaks appear like simple mole hills in my back garden in comparison! 😂😂😂
Haha yes the California and Colorado mountains are pretty darn imposing. Of course, it's all relative, right? Looking down from the top of Kilimanjaro made our mountains seem small, and if we ever make it up any of the Himalayas it will probably make Kili seem like a speed bump!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Very true! They're all amazing I guess when we're high up scrambling and peering back down into the valleys..but the Himalayas have to be the creme de la creme for sure 😁
Have you guys ever thought about hiking the 21 mile loop around Buckskin Gulch in Arizona? I think you can add on to make it 33 miles. Your videos are just awesome. Thank you for all the risk you take to bring us all these incredible views from up above.
Yes Myra! We will definitely do that at some point -- and thanks for the.tip on the add-on. That's just the kind of thing we like to do to make something extra memorable. So glad you're enjoying the videos -- lots more big things planned for this fall! ❤️
Me and my wife did this trail in April, but only made it to the first summit due to tons of snow and wind. Glad to see we’re not the only ones who’ve done this trail! We will be doing it again next summer when the snow is gone lol great video!
That is simultaneously awesome that you did this trail but also a bummer that the weather prevented you from summitting. But glad you guys were safe and didn't test your luck. It's a great trail and if you made it to South Elbert you definitely got to experience what's so amazing about it. We just loved that ridgeline with views across to Elbert and the surrounding mountains. Can't wait for you guys to go back and get your redemption!
Awesome experience, video, and music, guys! Thank you!
Thanks so much! Very glad you like the music -- we've been working really hard on writing songs that work with the videos, and psyched to hear the effort's paying off!
I love all you guys incredible hikes. Especially the bike ride early AM to Angel's Landing, then the hikes afterwards. We actually hiked Angel's Landing and the Narrows the last week of Sep and notice you guys were there in September too. To me,, you guys are living life to the fullest because you get explore all the natural this country has to offer. Bought my National Parks Annual pass and try to see and hike as many as I can.
I enjoyed watching all of your hiking videos the last 3 months, just have had to time to actually comment and let you guys know know. Happy hiking!!!
Thanks so much for telling us that, Ken -- it makes us very happy! Delighted you are enjoying the videos, and getting out there and exploring our beautiful country. Pretty soon your National Parks pass will look as beat-up as ours does! ❤️
You guys ROCK...another great video...!!!!
Thank you -- very glad you enjoyed this one. Slightly more relaxed vibe for us (well, until the storm hit!), but was a really enjoyable one to hike and film. ❤️
Me and my dad took this route last month. Definitely a long tough hike 😮💨
Congrats! Yes it is a steep one, but really cool that you did it with your dad. That's some serious hiking genetics right there!! ❤️
wow - what a hike and what a view in the end. Great guys - love to follow you on these adventures. Cheers.
Thanks so much! We're very happy you liked this one, and we agree -- the views coming down were totally insane (though we couldn't fully enjoy them once the hail started!). ❤️
😍 BEAUTIFUL
Thanks Jeanette! Colorado is just a gorgeous place!!
Amazing amazing
Thanks John -- Colorado!! Not a bad place to go when Cali's on fire!
Greetings from China! My wife and I have just discovered your channel and absolutely love your adventures! Wonderful videos guys! Blessed to be able to come along with you on your travels :) please keep exploring and showing us!
Wow all the way from China?! That’s awesome! Right before covid hit we were in the serious planning stages of making an attempt at the Great Wall marathon. We still desperately want to make that happen. So stoked to hear you and your wife are enjoying these videos. It’s very awesome to know we are making new friends all the way across the globe!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Yepp, we live in Shanghai but watched this episode from our Hotel room in Beijing. Not far from the Great Wall!! Hope you guys can make it over here for the Marathon one day, that would be awesome!! Shanghai is a great city, but so much concrete with little green.....so when we watch your amazing videos of being out in such wonderful nature, they really inspire us to get out of the city more and more and find some mountains to explore (not run like you guys LOL!). Thanks so much!!
Good gravy those thunderclouds are basically within an arm’s reach 😳😅 hoping to hit this summit this fall. But will make weather a priority. Sweet vid!
Thanks Jack! The good news is that our Colorado friends tell us fall is a great time to do it in terms of avoiding thunderstorms -- but definitely still keep an eye out, and let us know how it goes!! ❤️
Great job guys, but don’t mess with lightning. As someone who got struck by lighting in Co.. it’s not fun. But then God is great and I’m only alive because of him. Stay safe and thanks for sharing with us!
Wow Jose that is amazing that you were struck and lived to tell the tale -- you are blessed indeed. And we definitely do our best not to mess with lightning -- it's one of Adam's only real fears (along with snakes) and we def will keep trying hard to avoid any exposed thunderstorms!❤️❤️
My husband and I attempted this trail in July and it is SO awesome. It was supposed to be our first 14er, but we lost the trail at the first ridge line (we are obviously new to this 😅). This inspires me to go back and make it all the way to the top of Elbert! Also, yes, it is crazy steep, but fortunately not many people take this route!
Yes Rachel! That's so cool you were on this trail almost as recently as we were! And it's totally understandable that you lost the trail -- it totally disappears up there. Next time you do it, just remember you can follow the ridge line up and around basically the whole way. And since you guys are getting into 14ers, you might want to download the Gaia or AllTrails apps just to make sure you have navigation and route-finding even if you're not on trail. You will love it. As you can see in many of our other videos, we often do hikes where there isn't even a trail at all and we just have to rely on AllTrails to navigate, but so far it's worked great!
Nice video - going this Sunday
Fantastic -- have a great hike! Hopefully no afternoon thunderstorms to chase you down early!! ❤️
Love it! I am one of those people who did Elbert from the "Easy route" lol and we started at 2 am to avoid the crowds... but I love the route you guys took more! will have to do it next time.
Have you guys thought about doing more state HP's? Kings Peak in my homestate is a good one! Day hiking Kings is a beast. My friends who did both KIngs and Whitney said Kings was harder to day hike than Whitney. Another good state HP is Borah Peak in Idaho. That trail is relentless. 3.5 miles one way with 5500 vertical.
Anyways, love the videos and love your enthusiasm!!!
Tahir, these are both GREAT recommendations -- thank you! We actually did not know about them before, but just researched them now and we're putting them both on the list. You definitely know our vibe, because both of them are exactly the type of sufferfests with beautiful views that we like the most. As for Elbert, you will love Black Cloud -- it is not only less crowded and harder, but also more beautiful: win win win! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard That's awesome! Do you guys have IG? I would love to follow y'all on there. I live in Salt Lake City, so always happy to give tips for Utah and surrounding states. I have been all over. Ironically, my least explored mountain range is the Sierras. I need to get out there more, but the Rockies are just so much closer!
and yeah I do need to go back for Elbert because it was smoky when we hiked it. There was a huge fire burning near Glenwood Springs that year. I also failed to do Whitney because I got food poisonings, so def need to go back there as well.
Love you guys!!
Aw thank you! Glad you saw this one -- such a pretty hike, and a route that almost no one takes but we would highly recommend! ❤️
8:59 shows rain/hail falling. Great idea to get the heck off the mountain especially because you're carrying metal poles. Gorgeous views. This route does show on Google Maps as well as All Trails. The North side trail looks tempting too for those of us less driven to do scrambling up (and down) a mountain face.
Ya Ellen we were sprinting off that mountain! It was a good thing the locals told us about the look of those clouds, because the storm came way earlier than forecast. By the time we actually saw a lightning flash we were already down in the forest and almost to the car, but here's the crazy thing: we passed other people who were still going up! Right into the thunderstorm! Braver than us for sure. The North side is definitely the way to go if you want to avoid the talus scrambling.
@@LiveHardxLoveHard People's judgement tends to disappear on the bigger mountains. More than once, I've been coming down the Mt. Whitney switchbacks and it's late afternoon and someone is trying to come up. "Where are you going? Do you see the time? Do you see those clouds?" I don't usually succeed. Sigh.
Wow you guys are amazing! I cannot believe anyone could even do half of what you did. My legs felt like rubber on my MTB ride yesterday. I’m only doing a couple thousand feet and a couple hours and that’s a lot for me every weekend 🤙😎
Thank you so much Vance! And that sounds like a fantastic ride. Honestly, it doesn't really matter how far, how high, or how fast you go, it's just about getting out there, moving your body, and having an adventure!
Hail Mary! Great video you two!
Thanks so much, Andie! Very glad you liked this one -- we had a great time making it, because it was fun to film those sweeping views along the ridges. ❤️
Another fantastic video, guys. Elise, your music arrangements get better all the time. It reminds me of a James Bond movie. Excellent work. Would it be possible in future videos to show your route from the top of the peak? The maps are great, but it would be fun to see when you do your 360s. Thanks for all you do.
That's a very cool idea about looking down at the route, Don. Let us experiment with what we can do on Google Earth to make that happen! Meanwhile, so glad you're liking the music, and a Bond movie feel -- specifically Skyfall -- was most definitely what we were going for with the "Climb for you Life" song. ❤️
Looks like you could reach up and tear off a piece of that cloud! Beautiful as always! So cool to see you guys in Sage Canaday and Seth DeMoor territory! Beware of those rogue halestones!
Haha thanks Paul! Adam actually watches both of those guys' vids (especially Sage's) pretty often (though not as often as yours!), so any place they run is hallowed ground for us! Meanwhile, it was pretty awesome being up in the clouds, even with the hail, but glad we got down before the lightning!!😱
Awesome!
Yay! This is such a great way to go up Elbert -- more challenging, better views, and no crowds! ❤
What a spectacular hike with amazing views, too boot. I'm very glad that both of you wore gloves and carried hiking poles. Elise, I love your new song with layered harmony. Your songs are only getting better!. I'm looking forward to seeing you sing on the "Voice." sometime. I'm sure that you could be a "four chair turner." Have you considered hiking from Badwater Basin in Death Valley to the top of Whitney? Thanks so much for sharing your videos with us. I can't wait to see your next adventure.
Thanks so much Gar! Very glad you're liking the new music. I actually once participated in "The Voice" at sea on a giant cruise ship and made it all the way to the finals, but didn't win. Adam still says I got robbed. Meanwhile, we are absolutely thinking about Badwater to Whitney, but probably in a couple of years once we take early retirement because that will be a definite commitment in terms of making the time, getting the permits for Whitney, etc. But it will definitely happen at some point!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard Elise, aren't your about 30? If you retire in a couple of years, you'll still be a young whipper snapper. However, since you never when your health will go south, retire as early as you can.
Amazing journey 😍❤
Thanks so much Mohamed! Elbert is really a classic - stunning views, VERY high altitude, and crazy unpredictable weather... a truly awesome 14er!
Yuo welcome ❤❤❤
You guys were practically in my backyard! I love that area and like you showed in your video, the views are spectacular! I can't believe you actually are in good enough shape to run at that altitude. So you are as crazy as you look! LOL! Thanks for sharing your awesome video with us. You two are the best!!!
Haha thanks so much -- you are so lucky to live there!! If we couldn't live in Cali, we'd want to live right were you do. We're honestly not usually in good enough shape to run at that altitude, but on that trip we had spent about 3 whole weeks doing crazy adventures really high up, so we were altitude trained. Now that we've been back in LA for a few weeks, we'd probably pass out if we tried to run up there!
Outstanding job u guys
Thanks so much! This was a very fun one for us, because of all the gorgeous views from the ridge that we got to enjoy the whole way across. ❤️
Hi there Adam and Elise!! Thank you for sharing this fabulous climb!! Absolutely smashing! As we discussed earlier, my dog and I were traversing through there pretty close to the time that you two did. Unfortunately, the area was totally forest fire smoked in on our climb. We started by the Fish Hatchery and did the Massive and the Elbert traverse. We had been at the pack burro race start that morning. One of the nice race photographers offered to pick us up once we got off of Elbert so as to give us a ride back to my truck.
Safe travels!!
Hi Alan! We so relate to your pain of getting smoked out in your climb. We recently had to bail on a climb we've dreamt of for years and had driven many hours to do because the smoke was just too thick from the fire in Sequoia. It's so sad, they just can't seem to get it under control. But the traverse looks awesome, and totally cool of that guy to give you a ride. One of our favorite things about being out on trails is both giving and receiving kindness from strangers. It really reminds you of what is great about humanity. ❤️
Awesome.
Thanks! Colorado always delivers!!
Congrats and good job! The views looks stunning.
I'm not a fan of super popular 14er trails, so this'll be great.
Thanks Jennifer! And yeah when we finally reached the summit we were so grateful to have taken the Black Cloud route because it was CROWDED at the peak (meanwhile we only saw a couple other friendly hikers on the way up). We felt like we had discovered a sneaky little secret 😂 Hope you get to check this one out!
Black Cloud Trail? LOL It lived up to its' name. Fun hike, be safe.
Haha it sure did! We were pretty proud that we left the summit early in the name of safety, because Adam was sorely tempted to climb all of those super sketchy ridges, but if he'd done so we would have been on that final ridge smack in the middle of a thunderstorm. Score one for safety awareness!
Glad you made it down safely guys! Always the number one priority please! The 360 view made my head spin. Spectacular! Elise your snack spot was beautiful. My only complaint was not having enough time to enjoy my jelly beans and pop tart. Wonderful vlogs guys. Thanks for sharing and as always BE SAFE! 👍😊
Yes Larry! We do listen to you guys and take to heart what you say :) And thanks for the props on my snack spot. Next time I'll consider giving you guys a little more time to enjoy the jelly beans, because there's really nothing more important than a proper snack time!
Plus the added bonus of more time watching your outstanding videography and Elise beautiful vocals.
I don’t think I’d be smiling while getting hailed on….but maybe that’s why you guys make the content and I watch it haha
Haha well we have to be honest, Colby: we really were kind of enjoying the hail, but when we heard that first thunderclap 5 minutes later? The smiles disappeared and we SPRINTED off that ridge. Adam is afraid of basically only two things -- snakes, and getting struck by lightning as the tallest thing on any given ridge. ⚡️😱
@@LiveHardxLoveHard as he should be! Haha stay safe guys and keep it up
That was spectacular! Loved how you captured the storm clouds, rain and hail too! Nicely done! 😎
Thanks so much Paul! We were so worried that the camera wouldn't be able to capture the hail, and that ya'll would think we were just frantically running for no reason 😂 Glad it turned out AND that you enjoyed this one!
Awesome channel guys, congrats from big fan in New Zealand 🇳🇿 👏
Wow NZ! That is one of our top dream destinations right now. We actually had plans to go near the end of 2020 but alas... you know how that went. Dying to get out there though, you guys have got some incredible places we'd love to explore. And we're sure you've got the insider scoop!
When we eventually open the doors to the outside world, would be wonderful to see you visit! Some pretty epic trails, most quite remote and cold compared. Thanks for your recent gear review, I'm buying your Samolon Advance Skin 12 pack from your list for my up coming 40miler. Thanks for your reply also, made my Friday 😀
Yes Simon! You will most definitely be happy with the ADV skin. Adam's favorite piece of gear ever, and Elise finally just ordered one too!!
BADASS!! I just happened upon your RUclips while searching for ZION and other areas. Love your videos. You guys are awesome and inspirational for sure! Sure wish I had someone that could put me back into shape and do what you do!!! ~ Karin (Nor Cal Junk Haul)
Thanks so much -- we're delighted that you found us!!! And all you have to do to get started getting in shape for these big hikes is just begin with some small ones. Even just a local hike for a couple of miles twice a week -- you won't believe how fast you'll progress just by getting out there!!❤️
Best channel on YT without a doubt….keep up the great work and don’t trip, lol (all those rocks, lol)!
What a compliment! We feel so honored and hope our upcoming escapades will not disappoint. Def will heed your advice and try not to trip, although E really hasn't gone a hike without a minor spill in maybe forever, she's just gotten quite good at tripping gracefully 😉
Great video as usual! Glad u2 stayed safe. You should make a behind the scenes video sometime, probably on a local hike. Show how you decide to choose a shot or talk about things like, now go run down this hill while I hold the camera. We never see the technical side or even how you game plan the hiking video at home the night before.
That's actually a fantastic idea. We have a trip coming up soon with a lot of driving time, and we'll discuss how we could make a video like that work. Thanks much for the inspiration -- very cool concept!
Look super amazing! I think maybe I'll head out to Colorado next year but look for the easy hike to the top!he! I'm sure it's not easy easy but maybe a little safer than what you guys did! Thank you for sharing samora amazing views
So stoked for you to check out CO. We can't wait to back. There was so much we wanted to do out there and we just ran out of time! Black Cloud wasn't too dangerous, just very VERY steep. But we'd still highly recommend it if you enjoy less crowded yet spectacular trails!
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@@LiveHardxLoveHard OK cool thank you! I will do some more research
“Super funday🙃” thanks for sharing what is impossible for many of us.
Thanks Susan -- you know how much we love to share these adventures with you, and how much strength it gives us to know you're there with us in spirit. And we're seriously gonna need that strength for some of the stuff we have coming up this fall! ❤️
Will definitely consider this route when we do Elbert soon! Another awesome video👏👏
Yes! It was such a good find. Even on a cloudy stormy day like this, the summit of Elbert was pretty packed with crowds, but we saw only a few other hikers the whole way up on the Black Cloud. Would love to hear if you check it out!
That was awesome! Crazy to see you so high that you are basically right at the cloud level of the incoming weather front. GNARLY!! Loved the new song Elise! Adam, whatever you've changed in your training, you're killing it at altitude now. Increased iron and ferritin stores? Switching up the electrolytes? Some sort of boosted pop-tarts? Thanks for shooting another fantastic adventure.
Todd thank you noticing the altitude improvement! I've basically figured out that I need to acclimate for at least 3 days (preferably more0 before doing 14ers, and then I feel good. When I don't acclimate, and try to come straight from sea level, I feel horrible. So I've basically been following the exact plan that we detailed a couple months ago in that altitude training video. This fall it's going to mean that I may have to work remotely from a mountain cabin for a few days before we do some of the big Sierra climbs, but working remotely from a mountain cabin is basically my dream life anyway! And speaking for Elise, she's been working super hard on perfecting some of these songs, so thanks much for noticing that as well! --A
It would not be a LivehardLovehard video without the element of peril . The hike itself did not look as treacherous as some of your past adventures, but lets crank up the danger quotient by running down a fourteener in a thunderstorm! Outstanding!
Haha! Yes we really wanted to do Elbert at least once in our lives and looked for the most challenging route, but after Maroon Peak this one seemed a bit tame, eh? 😂 It was almost as if the weather gods could hear us thinking that, because apparently they weren't letting us get away without some hiking drama!
Absolutely amazing nice sound. After colarado trail guys I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak Gilgit-Baltistan Barah Valley.add this sound in your bucket list.
Thank you very much! We hope to take that recommendation in the fall of 2025, when we are planning a Himalayas trip! ❤️
@@LiveHardxLoveHard thanks for reply. Me and himalayan sounds always welcome you guys. In my pin video you see the whole journey of MosesPeak Summit video. Thank you
Watch later looks wonderful acent
It was a truly spectacular ascent! Hope you enjoy it!
You two share a very uplifting attitude at these high altitudes.
Though some underwater exploration would take your show to new levels and give an excuse to lose the threads than confine the soul.
Haha you are right about that, and we would love to add in some underwater adventure!! Hopefully we'll go to Kauai early next year for some of the great hiking and also great sea life!
Hi! This is Ben. You guys
are really awesome! All that
climbing in high places.
Do you sometimes wish you could sprout some wings?
Haha not only do we wish we had wings, Ben, but Adam has actual plans to acquire and fly a paraglider down from some of these peaks one day!!
good video very boyoute i like it
Thank you very much -- Colorado is a very beautiful place, and it was so fun to see it from such a high mountain! ❤️
Loved the music for this one - contrapuntal harmony, or did I just make that up? You guys are awesome, and yes, please stay safe.
Thank you! And wow is this a music theory quiz or something? 😂 I think you are right though, especially for the climbing for your life song I just started layering different melodies on top of each other and tried to find things that worked well together. I am honored that you noticed, and impressed by your musical genius!
The road, Half Moon, to that trail is currently closed to get improved. . . Sounds bad but can be GREAT, if you bike it! I recently climbed a trio of 13ers French Mtn and friends, a little deeper in there and there were zero people, due to the road closure I think. Elbert is a great candidate for drone flying, non-wilderness area. I got some great shots last spring hiking/skiing it in the snow.
Ooooh heck yeah, that sounds like an incredible bike ride -- really good idea! We'll def check out your hike/ski of Elbert -- would love to do that there at some point.
The Black Cloud route is the best!
Yes Dean! When we got along that ridge to the top and saw the other trails, we definitely knew we'd picked the right one -- so fun, beautiful, and uncrowded!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard the other routes are like roads, and well traveled. my CDT partner Storm and I loved this way, but man is it steep! we went down by way of the main route, hot, dusty, ball bearing rocks, crowds. first time I've ever seen anyone else mention it. good for you two.
Adam, you seemed immune to your kryptonite on this one, just what was in that snack? 😉
No matter, you guys made it look easy - again, nice 360.
Very perceptive, Bill! This was filmed during that summer road trip when we'd been doing altitude training and a bunch of 14ers, and that acclimatization really did keep the Kryptonite at bay. But now, of course, I want to plan an altitude pre-camp every time we do a 14er. I really need to retire and just adventure full time! --A
I did Mt Elbert in July, very hot. I used the trail that human beings used. No way I’d use the Super Hero route you guys used. A+ on the pictures and music again!
P.S. When I descended to the tree line I ran all the way to the trailhead-some creature was making a noise I’ve never heard before or since, and I did not want to see what it was!
Haha how dare that girl doubt you!?! Although seriously glad you didn't get altitude sickness going from 0 to 14,400 in a single day. Adam would be throwing up in the rocks if he tried to do that. He'd still summit, but he'd def be throwing up. Thanks for noticing the music -- we've been trying to up the production value on a few of the songs so we can make them available for download! ❤️
Nice route up there, it's so weird how different those mountains are from the ones up here on Vancouver Island.
Yes the mountains up there aren't as big, but still very beautiful. And you have the San Juan Islands so close by too -- great place to hike and explore!
So cool! Have either of your two ever thought about running an ultra marathon? Such beautiful views up there!
Thanks Steven! We’d both LOVE to do ultras but sadly we’re not quite sure our bodies are up to it. We’re both relatively injury prone, mostly with back and spinal cord issues, so we’re honestly pretty grateful that currently we’ve managed to find our sweet spot with mileage and pace where we can go pretty hard but (so far) are managing to avoid major debilitating injury. We’re definitely both curious to see what would happen if we very slowly built up to that, but of course remaining injury free is top priority. For now we’ll have to live vicariously through you!!
@@LiveHardxLoveHard good plan! Gotta listen to our bodies!