My First 14er Mt. Elbert

With the help of 14ers.com and a great book by Gerry Roach  I created the google direction from  Leadville, Mt. Elbert trailhead. You can find Mt. Elbert trailhead in google or here is the link from Denver to the trailhead https://goo.gl/maps/HXhJC  There is a large parking area with restrooms. The hike map from the trailhead to Mt Elbert https://goo.gl/maps/dCvuY

 (walking map) Page 109 Roach, the author suggests the above route. The book is called Colorado's Fourteeners third edition. There are others routes as well.

LETS DO IT will add more picture soon

The Retreat House at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, CO

http://www.stbenedictsretreat.com/photos---retreat-house-at-st-benedict-s/photos-3

Aspen CampGrounds

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/campgrounds-aspen-colorado-106545.html

Lincoln Creek Campground

The Lincoln Creek Campground is geared toward the true outdoorsman, with 22 primitive-style campsites just off Lincoln Creek Road, about 11 miles south of downtown Aspen. Plenty of opportunities exist for rock climbing, nature watching and endurance hikes. No toilets, water or electric hook-ups are available here. In addition, reservations are not accepted, and the maximum length campers can stay is five days. The Aspen Ranger District advises using a 4x4 vehicle to access the sites.

Maroon Creek Campground 1

Maroon Creek Campground 1 also sports a slew of primitive sites, most of which are surrounded by thick alpine woodlands. On-site recreational opportunities include swimming, fishing and whitewater rafting. Skiers can also delight in more than 790 acres of ski slopes situated at nearby Aspen Highlands, with 52 percent red and black trails and 25 feet of snow each winter. Maroon Creek Campgrounds 2, 3 and 4 offer similar accommodations and can be found within about two miles of each other.

Weller Campground

Weller Campground is nestled 9,400 feet above sea level in an aspen grove off Independence Pass Road, about nine miles east of Aspen. The family-friendly property features 11 sites suitable for 55 people total, or five campers per site, while offering easy access to points of interest like Roaring Fork River and the Weller Lake Trail. Like Lincoln Creek, stays are limited to five days and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The site rental fee also includes water and trash collection.

Lost Man Campground

Lost Man Campground is located about five miles east of Weller, tucked away in one of the White River National Forest's lodgepole pine thickets at nearly 10,500 feet above sea level. Each of the 10 single-unit sites has a maximum spur of 30 feet, and renters have access to vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and free firewood. The campground is only open from mid-June through mid-September and is not handicap accessible. Pets are permitted, but must be on a leash at all times.

Difficult Campground

Difficult Campground is the largest in the area, boasting 47 different sites that can accommodate 235 people. The premises are situated five miles southeast of Aspen along Highway 82 at an elevation of 8,180 feet. Reservations are accepted for select sites only (1-27, 30 and 47), and the maximum RV size permitted is 40 feet. Most sites are heavily shaded by mature trees while providing easy access to several trailheads and popular fishing spots. Peak season is Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Castle Creek Campground

Castle Creek is yet another primitive campground, based 14 miles south of Aspen near Ashcroft Mountain. Cozy tent sites lie near the creek, making it ideal for anglers seeking brown or rainbow trout. Snowmass offers skiers 84 different slopes with 21 lifts close by. Visitors can find the campground entrance close to the fork at Castle Creek Road and Express Creek Road. A modest four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to navigate Castle Creek’s dirt mountain passes at 8,000 feet.

Contact Information

Intentionally underdeveloped campgrounds, such as the ones in this area, can be a challenge to find and often do not have standard addresses. For further information on campsite locations, amenities and regulations, contact the Aspen Ranger District: 806 W. Hallam, Aspen, CO 81611; 970-925-3445; aspenrangerdistrict@fs.fed.us.