At 14440 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest point in the Colorado Rockies. Due to the extreme danger of avalanches and unpredictable weather, the mountain is usually only climbed during the summer months of June-August. This summit attempt was during the Winter month of March. 2 weeks is usually the time recommended in order to hydrate and climb up and down a 14er mountain to acclimate to the altitude before making a final push for the summit. We had no such luxuries. I had been on a road trip for days from the Northeast slashing through the Midwest. She had flown in from New York for the rendezvous in Denver. 16 hours fresh from sea level, we began our hike. As amateur mountaineers, we had no idea how truly devastating the effects of altitude sickness could be. Having summitted a much more technical and dangerous climb in Mount Washington a week earlier, Mount Elbert, a Class 2 hike, seemed almost like a huge step backward. As before, I underestimated the mountain greatly. A! t 12000 feet, every breath you take brings in only 2/3 the amount of oxygen that you would suck in at sea level. During this time is when the effects of altitude sickness grips hold and doesn't let go. I've never felt anything like it in my life. Shortness of breath, nausea, confusion, and a migraine that made my head feel like it was ready to explode. Psychologically heartbreaking are Mount Elbert's many false summits. The actual summit is hidden behind mounds. You're never quite sure if it's the one ...
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