Great pics and awesome trip, Jim!
Having just finished my third summer as Colorado resident (having moved from California), one of the things I love the most here is the amount of wilderness space we have, and the flexibility (due to lack of permitting) to explore it and change plans. Each summer at least one backpacking trip has gotten planned or changed last-minute, and we can always find some awesome quiet places to visit.
The 14ers end up being uber popular with the weekend warrior crowd, but doing them mid-week, or getting off those trails completely, there is an abundance of beautiful places to explore.
For future reference, the Elbert register isn't on the summit, but off to the side on the final approach. If I looked at the map, I could probably pinpoint the location. If I hadn't seen someone else signing it as I came up, I don't believe I would have found it last year, myself!
Glad you had a great visit!
