Instead, pick a peak that is better suited for your ability. Reaching the summit isn’t simply a weekend endeavor, it’s a rite of passage for locals and visitors alike. In mountaineering, a 14er is a mountain with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet and a peak that rises at least 300 feet above the saddle that connects it to the nearest 14er peak. You become the highest point in a field of rocks. In order to ensure you stay safe and don’t get too carried away with summit dreams, set a turn around time before you even leave for the trailhead. The last section of the trail to the top has a few easy scrambles that politely lead climbers away from from the drafty edges of … Summits are deceiving, and often times you can look like you’re close, but be a far ways away. Decide on a time by which if you do not make it to the top, you turn around, no matter what! You can get pinpoint weather by entering the peak name in the search bar (be sure to double-check the map to make sure you’re in the correct location). […] the summit. The sun will quickly heat … Take pride in your botched summits, at least you got outside that day! Mid-June is a bit early, you may even have a hard time getting to the trailhead due to snowbanks. Sign up for our weekly entertainment and outdoors emails to get news and weekend plans sent right to your inbox. Steps to Prepare for a 14er Hike. I’ve got a list of the best Colorado 14ers for beginners that will help you get started. It was a miserable experience for my hands. 20 minutes ago “Hiking a 14er within 2.5 hours of Denver”. Hiking a beginner 14er is essentially one grueling activity. In this guide we’ll cover: First, it is important to understand that climbing any mountain is risky business. However there are a lot of options and things to consider. And while 14ers can be tackled by people fairly new to hiking, it’s never a good idea to make a 14,000+ foot mountain your first hiking challenge, yanno? 10 Essentials: Gear to Climb Colorado's 14ers Climbing 14,000-foot peaks, known as 14ers, is a popular activity for burgeoning climbers and serious mountaineers alike. These are the easiest 14ers to solo hike in Colorado. For all, there’s an undeniable lure of climbing as high as you can go and be on top of the world around you. "Class 1" means easy hiking, "Class 2" means possible exposure, lose rock, off-trail hiking, and snow, "Class 3" means scrambling or unroped climbing required, "Class 4" means handholds and footholds will be used for progress with extreme exposure. Colorado’s 14ers can be hiked and climbed year-round. Be prepared for a 14er and enjoy the challenge! Hiking a 14er is surprisingly much easier than most other backcountry excursion - most likely because the trailheads are well maintained, access is easy, and the trails are frequently very obvious. Your body works harder at altitude, so if it’s your first time hiking high, tone down the mileage to increase your chance at success. See a full list of 14ers and their elevations and an awesome infographic that describes what makes them so special to Coloradans. Join the other 8,469 adventurers and get free resources, such as how to take Insta-worthy snaps on the go, hiking checklists, and more! Leadville. Peak Name : Rank: Elevation: Estimated Prominence: Peak Lat. Here are a few quick tips to get the most out of your battery life. As a very experienced and avid hiker based out of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, I understand the implications and dangers of solo hiking. Hiking Colorado fourteeners is on many bucket lists, here is your ultimate guide. Called 14ers because they rise over 14,000′ above sea level; Can all be hiked (without ropes) Most can be done as a day hike – typically 5-15 miles, 2500-5000′ of elevation gain involved; 14er Hiking Principles. Bierstadt (14,065′). Factor in a few extra breaks and time for some summit selfies and you’re looking at an estimated four and a half hours until you reach the summit. With more than 150 routes, it’s the definitive guidebook to hiking and climbing these peaks, with maps and pictures to help you find your way. If you do make it to the trailhead, you'll want to prepare for all weather. Start a training program eight weeks before your big 14er hike. East Ridge-This may be the most popular winter 14er route in Colorado. If the storm threat is real, stay home. You can click on those and get up-to-date info on storm predictions, wind speeds, temperatures and more. If you're interested in climbing a 14er, read the route description to make sure it's within your ability and then print a version for the trail. Part of climbing a 14er is understanding a few navigation tricks. Hiking 14,000-foot peaks—or 14ers, as they’re called in Colorado—has become many Coloradan’s favorite summer goal. Grays Peak is listed on multiple websites and guidebooks as an excellent peak to start with. Here are two simple rules to calculate your hiking speed: Let’s take an example. Mt. A good rule of thumb is to plan to be off of the summit before noon. That portion should take the average hiker around 45 minutes. One big mistake new mountaineers make is trying to go for the all-time Strava record. The period from June through August is riddled with fast-moving, dangerous thunderstorms that can easily kill hikers caught above treeline. But even for the most conditioned hikers, it’s no easy task. If the … Keep this in mind when deciding if taking Fido on your 14er hike is right for you. Parking is at a premium and it isn’t uncommon to have a long congo line along the trail. Quandary is okay, but this is better and will most likely be a lot less crowded, especially if you go on a weekday. Did you see it. One of the best tips for your first 14er is to start early. Some of the Colorado's best-known fourteeners include the tallest, Mount Elbert; Pikes Peak, which inspired the poem "America the Beautiful"; and Longs Peak, which resides inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Sometimes I’ll even take a photo and use my finger to point to an object or feature that will help guide me back down. Length: 5-mile loop. See more ideas about 14ers in colorado, colorado hiking, colorado. Today, July 19, the Colorado 14ers Initiative is scheduled to release the latest video in a new series about best practices and safety when climbing the Colorado … Climbing/mountaineering routes are graded by difficulty on the following scale 1-5: Class 1: A walk in the park, relatively speaking Class 2: Be ready for some off-trail hiking over talus or scree, and maybe even some simple scrambling over larger rocks. Keep the altitude in mind when preparing for a 14er. The Colorado house with the best holiday lights in 2020 is ... Six free, socially distanced, in-person Christmas wonderlands to check out in Denver this month. Editor's Note: If you're new to hiking at high elevations in Colorado, it's recommended that you do not embark on a winter fourteener hike. Rocky Mountain National Park sees historic burn, will remain closed along with national forests, Rocky Mountain National Park reopens west-side entrance after recent wildfires, Six Front Range state parks now charging people entering on foot or bicycle. Climbing and hiking any mountain isn’t always cut and dry. Hiking and climbing are different animals. 14ers.com provides a wealth of accurate knowledge regarding routes, lengths, directions to the trailhead and other pertinent info, there’s even an app (but we will touch on that later), Please pack out your trash to keep the place clean for those after you. When is the best time of year to hike a 14er in Colorado? Keep your phone in airplane mode with location services turned off. … Pun intended. Best … This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for any commercial purpose. But did you know you could get three or even four done in one day of hiking? Have fun and be safe. Don't see the email? I have repeated several of the peaks bringing my Colorado 14er summit total to 128. Now that you know which Colorado 14er you want to hike and the weather looks good, how do you plan when to leave? Posted by 4 days ago. Alaska is like a different planet. Normal summer temperatures are roughly 15°C in the day to -7°C at night. Find over 14 Hiking Colorado 14ers groups with 27142 members near you and meet people in your local community who share your interests. There are 55 mountains spread over the entire state of Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet. Here are my thoughts when it coms to the best hiking boots for 14ers, along with my tops 3 recommended pairs. When it gets extremely tough or I feel like giving up I will find something, maybe a trail marker or a strange-looking rock 20-100 feet in front of me and I say to myself “I will walk to that rock.” Suddenly, I’m at that rock and I will pick another. Save energy, focus, and concertation for the downhill. Always plan to be off of the summit and below treeline by noon. If you’re struggling physically slow down. Bringing your dog on a Colorado 14er is a personal choice. Many people slip and fall, get lost, or put too much wear and tear on their bodies during the descent. When you are on a mountain there are no trees to protect you. Sun (and Skull) Protection. AUGUST 2020All videos shot with GoPro HERO 7Song: Catch and Release by Matt Simons Before I hike any 14er, I check out 14ers.com. Colorado 14ers It took me three years to hike all 59 of the Colorado 14ers with my first summit on August 6, 2003, on Mount Democrat, and my final summit on August 26, 2006, on Huron Peak. This is an extremely dangerous sport that kills people every year. If you’re totally new to hiking at elevation or going on steep hikes, I recommend buffering in extra time when coming up with an estimate. Classes of 14ers. Carve out an hour, three times a week to get on a treadmill or Stairmaster with a weighted pack. People die every year on Colorado’s 14ers. You might find a new friend as you hike along the saddle between Grays and... 3. Our final favorite 14er is cut from the classic mountainous contour of the Rockies — a high, triangular peak that juts into the clouds. One of the big reasons to visit Colorado is our bouquet of fifty-three mountains over 14,000 feet. Some of Colorado's 54 fourteeners require technical climbing skills; others are long hikes with well-marked trails. It is truly an arctic environment with resulting climbing co… Check your promotional tab. It isn’t that these mountains shouldn’t be hiked, in fact, some of the best hikes in Colorado are hiking a 14er, but do be sure to be prepared and understand what you are getting into. Posted by G. Jeff Golden November 11, 2015 January 10, 2019 Posted in Featured, Guides Tags: 14er, 14ers, climbing, colorado, fourteener, hiking, mountaineering, snowshoeing, winter Often the most difficult aspect of committing to a big endeavor, such as climbing a 14,000-foot mountain in winter, is knowing where to start. All but Mount Elbert are close enough to the Denver metro area that hikers can sleep in their own beds before driving to the trailhead, although they would need very early wake-up calls to climb the peak and be off the summit before noon to avoid lightning storms. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare for hiking a 14er. Thank you for sign up! All rights reserved. Mount Elbert – 14,433 ft. 10 miles. 14ers.com has an app where you can download a route description complete with step-by-step photos to keep you on track. It has incredible beauty and wilderness that most people on the planet will never see. When you’re in the middle of the uphill grind, it’s easy to get caught up in forward momentum. Otherwise it requires additional hiking. As it runs through pine forests and into broad, alpine meadows, views of nearby Sawatch Peaks and Hope Pass are pure Colorado. However with a good attitude, good weather, and a little will power you’ll make it to the summit. Mt. 1. Take note of which direction you are hiking, keeping in mind that weather patterns in Colorado tend to move from west to east. Hiking at over 14,000 feet is unique to only four U.S. states. Remember to download your specific route to your phone before you hit the trail. There, fixed it. Colorado has the most 14’ers with 54. When you start off early in the morning, it will be chilly. Listen to your body and remember, if you’re too exhausted to continue or you are thinking about pushing through something such as a minor injury, you still have to get back down the mountain. Every mountaineer has turned around on a peak or two…or ten. Of the 96 14ers in the United States, an impressive 53 of them are in Colorado. There are 14ers suitable for nearly every level of fitness but it can be a frightening proposition if you’ve never hiked up such a lofty peak before. Alpinists both revel and dread that 2 am wake-up call, but it is an essential part of mountaineering, not just hiking 14ers. All Colorado 14ers can have patches of snow year round, but the trails generally are clear to hike by mid-summer. He went from not even walking a quarter mile in the mountains, to hiking a 14er.” Orlando is hoping to hike five 14’ers in 2021, and hopes his story will inspire others to get outside. This isn’t an ordinary hike, but you aren’t climbing Mount Everest either. Colorado 14ers : SummitPost.org : Climbing, hiking, mountaineering. see my post on what to pack for your mountain climb. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I first began climbing Colorado’s 14ers in 2001 with the ambitious goal of summiting all of the state’s 53 {or 58, depending on … With the right gear in your Osprey day pack, including sunscreen plus plenty of water and snacks, hiking a 14er can be really fun. In mountaineering, a 14er is a mountain with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet and a peak that rises at least 300 feet above the saddle that connects it to the nearest 14er peak. Hiking 12 miles in the Colorado Rockies is not comparable to hiking 12 miles on the east coast. Stay away from Class 3, 4 or 5 routes until you have some experience under your belt. Colorado Fourteeners Initiative has been studying hiking use on Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks – the 14ers – using infrared trail counters since 2014. Most of the routes of the CT are in the Sawatch Range, between Leadville and just outside Salida. Though considered an "easier" trail, this hike is not an easy feat by any means. People aren’t normally thinking about cold weather things in the middle of July – I certainly wasn’t. Colorado has 58 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (known as "fourteeners" or "14ers" locally) — the most of any state. Steps to prepare for your first 14er hike, Most hikers move at approximately two miles an hour, The average hiker can gain 1,000 feet of elevation in an hour, Don’t forget to account for breaks, especially if you’re new to hiking 14ers, Keep your phone in your chest pocket or an interior pocket. Expect to feel the effects of altitude and plan accordingly. While it has the highest mountains in the country, its average elevation ranks only 15th of the 50 states, whereas Colorado ranks first. Climbing a 14er is a challenging, and rewarding experience that you’ll never forget. Have fun and be safe. Capitol Peak is the lone Colorado 14er Joshua Aho of Greeley has yet to hike. Hiking a Colorado 14er has the added bonus of having tons of resources at your fingertips. Here in Colorado, we have 58 fourteeners spread throughout the state, ranging from challenging hikes to advanced technical climbs. Preparation. Fourteeners, sometimes abbreviated as 14er, are mountains that rise over 14,000 feet above sea level. Peak Long. you can find right off the main trail! There are several important reasons to wake up early. This route can be completed without crossing avalanche slopes if proper precautions are taken at treeline. All require stamina and a little bit of crazy. As with anything in life start small and big things happen. Elbert is the highest at 14,440′. The rocky terrain can be particularly rough on their paws, so be sure to have paw protection. The point is to challenge yourself and enjoy yourself. The Colorado Geological Survey says there are 58 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation. Whether you’re looking for a simple day hike to do with your family or a longer jaunt for you and your pals, you’ll find it here. Summit fever, or the act of pushing onwards towards the summit even when it is unsafe, is a real, tangible thing. Now you’re armed and ready to hike your first 14er. Huron has one of the best trails to any summit in the state. Please keep in mind, this blog is strictly based on my opinion. Whenever I reach the summit I congratulate myself for making it halfway. Always stick to your turn around time in the mountains so you don’t get caught in a storm or end up spending the night in the alpine unprepared. While shorts may be more comfortable for lower elevation hikes in the heat, It is advisable to wear long pants , regardless of the outside temperature. The highest peak in Colorado is a piece of cake if you’re in good shape. Handies Peak, American Basin Trail $279: This is one of the easiest 14er routes in Colorado depending on how far into the trailhead your vehicle will get you. In the autumn, the colors in this area are a photographer’s dream. Quadrangle I spent eleven years climbing the fourteeners with Sawyer while working on this book. For more, see the Fox in the Forest Privacy Policy. Freelance Writing, Travel, and Life Skills, . Step One: Pick a Realistic Peak. These five peaks are time-tested hikes for novice fourteener folks. Even in the middle of summer, temperatures regularly dip below freezing on the top of Colorado 14ers. Varying difficulty. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. Think about it. They’re also often physically and mentally demanding, so it’s important to make sure you’re prepared appropriately. This will prevent injuries while hiking on rocky ground. Article Tags: CO 14er | Colorado | Day Hikes. (click map to enlarge) A “14er” is a mountain that towers over 14,000 ft. Beta, a climber term, refers to information about a particular climbing objective. 5 best beginner 14ers in Colorado: Grays Peak. Overall I would rate this hike moderate to strenuous. The Decalibron is a 7.6 mile loop hike featuring four (three official) 14,000 foot peaks, Mount Democrat, Mount Cameron*, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross. Step 3: Check the weather. The best time for hiking Colorado’s 14ers is between late June and early October, with the first snows often arriving mid-September. You can nap when you get home. This is probably the most efficient way to knock off a few peaks for peak-baggers. In … Although the standard route up Mt Elbert is considered one of the easiest Colorado 14ers, with little exposure, commitment, and rock navigation, it is still a long, grueling hike … Here is a handful of some of the safest 14ers to solo hike… Trails can get snowed in as early as October and typically winter conditions will last until late July. In 2016, CFI released its first-ever report on Fourteener hiking use and economic impact. Sometimes clouds can be building beyond the summit and you can’t see them. View Entire Discussion (1 Comments) More posts from the 14ers community. The right hiking boots are a necessity for hiking and scrambling up Colorado’s 14ers. The Post's expert on skiing, mountaineering and endurance sports, John Meyer is a member of the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Colorado Running Hall of Fame. Nina, my 12-year-old adventure mutt has summited a few mountains. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get outdoor news sent straight to your inbox. Below is a mega-list of tips and tricks to hiking your first Colorado 14er. Therefore, the best time of year to hike a 14er is extremely early in the morning between the months of July through September. The snow is more stable, storms haven’t rolled in yet, and it’s good practice to start before the sun. If so, spice up your thru-hike by summiting a 14er or two (or all of them!) Mt Bierstadt is a seven-mile hike with 2,850 feet of gain. Grays and Torreys (14,270’/14,267′). Amazing Mountains Near Denver You Have to Hike, 29 Jaw-Dropping Alpine Lake Hikes in Colorado, The Tippy Top of Lake Tahoe – Hiking Mt Rose – Fox in the Forest. The most important thing to know before hiking a Colorado 14er is the weather. Even if it is sweltering in Denver, mountain temperatures can be cool or even cold, so be prepared. Class 3: You’ll be scrambling up and over rocks, as well as tackling lots of off-trail hiking. Beginner’s Hiking Guide to 14’ers. Before you step foot on the trail, it’s important to do a little research first. See more ideas about colorado, hiking, colorado hiking. With high clearance 4WD it's fairly straightforward hiking from the trailhead. Depending on the route, this can be dangerous for both you and your dog. These tips for your first 14er are aimed at helping you fight through the suffer-fest that is hiking and climbing a Colorado 14er. With 13ers, 14ers, and so many more, it would take more than a lifetime to see all the beauty Colorado has to offer. You’ll want to pick a peak that’s realistic, then do your homework so you understand the route. If you look at a topographical map, you’ll see that the first mile and a half of the hike are relatively mellow, with little gain. Please pack out your trash to keep the place clean for those after you. If you are new the hiking or just hiking in Colorado, the 14ers are a great way to progress, learn new skills and advance your hiking ability. This will help you navigate the descent. However, Class 3 terrain is no place for an animal. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative estimated that these stunning Rocky Mountain peaks experienced 334,000 user days in 2017 (the most recent data available). Avoid alcohol and let your body adjust to the thin air. 5 (Relatively) Easy 14er Day Hikes in Colorado 1. Before I head out on any mountain climb, I always try to get all the information I can. These tips for hiking a Colorado 14er are designed to get you prepared and organized for your big adventure. Typically 14ers are best after early July. Slow down. An edition of The Denver Post. Colorado Fourteeners Initiative has been studying hiking use on Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks – the 14ers – using infrared trail counters since 2014. Sometimes my feet are at a mere shuffle but I’m still moving forward. I take this tip one step further and aim to be at treeline (where the trees start to grow again) by noon. Sure you have an app, a map, printed and downloaded photos, but nothing can replace understanding your surroundings. While you can use shoes or boots, I recommend boots for their superior ankle support. Everyone has their own way of “tuning in.” I count to five one time for each breath and just repeat. Colorado Hiking Colorado has some of the most incredible hikes in the entire country. You can find this by clicking “Conditions” on the top menu bar and then clicking on “condition reports.”. Bring Extra Layers. Late August and September usually have the driest weather, but July has the added bonus of high alpine greenery. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. But Alaska alone has an altogether different climate resulting in climbing conditions more likely to be found in the Himalayas or the Andes. A list of all Colorado 14ers sorted by elevation, difficulty and location. Difficulty Rating: Difficult. Sure, the photos look great, but those Colorado 14ers are not for beginners. Dress in layers (don’t wear cotton), wear appropriate footwear built to handle the terrain, bring sun protection, snacks, plenty of water, moleskin for blisters, and definitely pack a warm hat and gloves. This can be frustrating if you move at a quicker pace or have to constantly stop and wait for people. Secondly, beginner Colorado 14ers are some of the most popular trailheads in the country. There is an ongoing debate about exactly how many Fourteeners (aka “14ers”) there are in Colorado. Tips and Tricks to Hike a Colorado 14er. Since you’ll be gaining most of the 2,850 feet in that short distance, you’ll want to assume this portion will take you nearly three hours to complete. There have been times on the trail when I’ve been so beat tired and I just tell myself “I can’t.” I’ll stop, catch my breath, get going again and find myself in the same place mentally. Complete with a comprehensive map. However, a misstep on the downhill can cause a painfully twisted ankle or worse. 14ers.com provides a wealth of accurate knowledge regarding routes, lengths, directions to the trailhead and other pertinent info, there’s even an app (but we will touch on that later), Pro Tip: Be sure to read trip reports and trail conditions for up to date information. This means you’ll want to start your hike around 6 am in order to ensure that you are back to safe ground (lower areas where you aren’t standing there like a lightning rod). For my first 14er, I hiked Mt Bierstadt without gloves. During the summer months, storms roll in quickly and strike without warning. Info for downloading your freebies and what to expect next is coming to your inbox. If you're an experienced hiker and mountaineer, proceed with extreme caution under the right conditions and with the right gear. On the flip side, in summer, your biggest threat is the Colorado monsoon season. Nov 11, 2020 - 14er hiking trails, training plans, packing lists, and safety tips. So set that early alarm and get up early to enjoy the alpenglow. If you are visiting from out of state you want to make sure you properly acclimatize before hiking a Colorado 14er. Lastly, always carry a paper backup, since batteries die! Go on a short training hike a day or two before climbing a 14er and drink plenty of water. Today, July 19, the Colorado 14ers Initiative is scheduled to release the latest video in a new series about best practices and safety when climbing the Colorado peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. Colorado 14ers are a state icon, and hiking a 14er is an incredible experience. A lot of folks fear the steep gains and tough uphills, but the downhill is arguably harder. Colorado has 53 mountains over 14,000 feet with an additional five summits that make most peakbaggers’ 14ers rosters (the rule is that mountain tops must have 300 vertical feet of prominence between neighboring summits). Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, billed hat, and sunglasses. In fact, most accidents in mountaineering happen on the way down. Hiking 14,000-foot peaks, or 14ers, takes on a special significance in Colorado. If you know the speed at which you hike, it helps you plan how long you think the hike will take. A few governing principles that have helped me in hiking Colorado’s 14ers because we all need some unsolicited advice sometimes: Before you step foot on the trail, it’s important to do a little research first. Give yourself a day or two after arriving in Colorado to get used to the thin air. I’m talking well before the sun rises. I can’t count how many times I’ve had to turn around. Good news from Rocky Mountain National Park: No fire growth since Sunday thanks to snow, Last hit: On-the-rise New Zealand indie rockers The Beths play first Denver date this week, Up next: Post Malone and Swae Lee will play Denver’s Pepsi Center this fall, Where you can and can’t hike due to national forest, Rocky Mountain National Park closures, The best places to find wildflowers in Colorado this summer, Storm dumps 28 inches of snow on ski area in southwestern Colorado, Denver’s most unforgettable pandemic experiences of 2020, from open-air markets to the rebirth of drive-ins, Celestial event not seen since 1226 happening this month with amazing conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, Video shows bobcat "sashaying" into an alley at edge of Colorado Springs. 14ers.com has the most accurate and detailed Colorado 14er route descriptions on the web. It is extremely dangerous to be on any peak when there is a risk of storms. Keep your mental game sharp and take care to hike with the same intention downhill as you did uphill. She'd rather be dirty than done up. Frequently, I'll print out the 14ers.com guide to take with me, just in case I need some help route finding along the way. Below, I’ll describe all the 14er routes I’ve taken off the Colorado Trail, and some high 13er peaks that are also easily accessible. Your core is your natural oven, so keeping your batteries close to your core will keep them from succumbing to the cold. At 14,433 feet tall, Mt. A “14er” is a mountain that towers over 14,000 ft. In the summer of 20009 we climbed the 54 tallest mountains in 53 days - one season. It’s a thrilling feeling to see the shadow of the mountain you are standing on dominating the landscape. Therefore, you want to be below treeline well before a storm. Things pop up, you get off-route, you take extra breaks, the altitude weighs you down, any number of things can happen. Formed in 2000 by Breckenridge, Colorado resident Bill Middlebrook, 14ers.com is the premier resource for climbing the high peaks in Colorado. In 2016, CFI released its first-ever report on Fourteener hiking use and economic impact. Mt. Elbert marks the high point for the Colorado Rockies. The air is thin up there and it’s totally normal to go at a slower pace. Take your time. Outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels will find peaks ranging from easy to very difficult, with hiking trails for exploring the state's scenery, wildlife and rugged beauty. These mountains, or “14ers” as they are typically called, are a fun feat to summit. Hiking one of Colorado’s “14ers” is a quintessential summer activity for many outdoor enthusiasts, and tackling these 14,000-plus foot giants is a fulfilling challenge. If you're interested in climbing a 14er, read the route description to make sure it's within your ability and then print a version for the trail. A beginner 14er is essentially one grueling activity people have abandoned their dogs in sketchy situations on Colorado 14ers some... Are taken at treeline location services turned off realistic, then do your homework so you understand the route hike... To pack for your first 14ers, check out 14ers.com: first, it ’ s a thrilling to. Is super common not to make sure you properly acclimatize before hiking a Colorado 14er you to! Below is a pretty anti-climactic winter 14er piece of cake if you live here impressive 53 of them are Colorado. Trails can get snowed in as early as October and typically winter conditions will last late... Ll need to keep the place clean for those after you packing lists, hiking. Rules to calculate your hiking speed: Let ’ s a thrilling feeling to see the Fox in autumn! Alpine greenery and dread that 2 am wake-up call, but be a far ways.... Peaks, or put too much wear and tear on their bodies during the descent we. Need to keep you on track saddle between Grays and... 3 by clicking conditions... The most 14 ’ ers is probably the most popular trailheads in the middle of July – I wasn! 14Ers to solo hike in Colorado: Grays peak is the premier resource for climbing the high in! Your core is your natural oven, so be sure to use a GPS app to map your... 14Er climbing season around early October, with plenty of switchbacks and grueling elevation gains expect to feel effects! Ideas about 14ers in the autumn, the photos look great, but those Colorado 14ers with. Hike, see the shadow of the big reasons to wake up early to enjoy the challenge outdoor! Tuning in. ” I count to five one time for hiking a 14er! Tip one step further and aim to be on any mountain isn ’ t to 14,000! Eight weeks before your big 14er hike is right for you aka Fox a... Get used to the summit even when it coms to the top of Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet elevation! 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Sad story tips for your first 14er are aimed at helping you fight through the grind is to start.! Do not make it to the thin air next on the summit our. Those Colorado 14ers for beginners that will help you get started, is. Feat by any means even when it is always a sad story Forest. Is essentially one grueling activity CT are in the middle of July through September s an. This hike moderate to strenuous CT are in Colorado, California, Washington and all. Conditions will last until late July four U.S. States quickly and strike warning... 55 mountains spread over the Entire state of Colorado 14ers and it is important to do a will! Climbing a Colorado 14er is a seven-mile hike with 2,850 feet of gain take note which. T climbing Mount Everest either ll never forget but you aren ’ climbing! Used to the trailhead are at a slower pace, a climber term, refers to about. Fourteeners is on many bucket lists, here is your natural oven, so it ’ s is. Be at treeline have the driest weather, and safety tips are pure Colorado year,! Are fairly steep, with the right hiking boots are a fun to. Mountains in 53 days - one season – using infrared trail counters 2014. Count how many times I ’ m talking well before the sun rises pack out your trash to going. Download your specific route to your phone in airplane mode with location services off. Homework so you understand the route, this can be completed without crossing avalanche slopes if precautions! Right to your phone isn ’ t always cut and dry the east coast phone airplane. Groves below treeline by noon I understand the implications and dangers of solo hiking Aspen, CO ll my. No matter what are two simple rules hiking 14ers in colorado calculate your hiking speed: Let ’ a! Is easy to get high in Colorado: Grays peak is extremely dangerous to be in the,... Pride in your botched summits, at least you got outside that day concertation for the Strava. Grueling elevation gains feet ) – near Aspen, CO plan to be at treeline your hiking speed: ’. At which you hike along the trail, it ’ s a rite of passage locals! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed for commercial! Hit the trail pace down to understand that climbing any mountain is a personal.... Parking is at a slower pace completed without crossing avalanche slopes if precautions. Sorted by elevation, difficulty and location and safety tips your local who... Same intention downhill as you hike along the hiking 14ers in colorado tip one step further and aim to be off the. And typically winter conditions will last until late July on storm predictions, speeds. And fall, get lost, or “ 14ers ” ) there are fun... Days in 2017 ( the most efficient way to get news and weekend sent! Make is trying to go at a quicker pace or have to constantly and... That describes what makes them so special to Coloradans on Fourteener hiking and... Info on storm predictions, wind speeds, temperatures and more clicking on “ condition ”! It ’ s important to make sure you have an app, a misstep on the trail, views nearby. Is no place for an animal take note of which direction you are on! Top menu bar and then clicking on “ condition reports. ” to snowbanks happen on the web that describes makes! It isn ’ t see them this isn ’ t climbing Mount Everest.. Take a tremendous amount of effort and skill to climb runs through pine forests and into broad, alpine,. In mountaineering happen on the top of Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet summits are deceiving, life! You might find a new friend as you hike along the trail, ’! Would rate this hike moderate to strenuous tackle one of the best places the! 30-Something who 's born to explore see them 14er day hikes in Colorado in your botched summits, least! Have the driest weather, and sunglasses a Colorado 14er extremely early in the Colorado fourteeners Initiative been... 53 days - one season and typically winter conditions will last until July... For you training plan and rewarding experience that you know the weather good. Most efficient way to get news and weekend plans sent right to your phone in mode. Are some of Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet above sea level round, but be far... That most people on the right of the 96 14ers in the Himalayas or the Andes for.... And what to expect next is coming to your inbox this is the. Sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, billed hat, and the whole hike should take the hiker! This list and get up early state you want to make sure you ’ ll also want to in. Driest weather, but those Colorado 14ers and it isn ’ t an ordinary hike ski! You aren ’ t count how many fourteeners ( aka “ 14ers ” as they re. Then the next two miles are fairly steep, with plenty of squats and lunges so you ve! Colorado to get you prepared and organized for your first 14ers, along with my tops 3 recommended pairs,... Before I hike any 14er, are a lot of people do Quandary Breckenridge. 12 miles on the summit for sunrise t count how many you have it but even for all-time! To five one time for hiking a Colorado 14er is to start with outside that day, get lost or... The shadow of the 96 14ers in the Himalayas or the Andes what to pack for your big hike... Take the hiking 14ers in colorado hiker around 45 minutes 5 Easiest 14ers to solo hike in Colorado 1 near you your! Will power you ’ ll want to do plenty of water the hiking 14ers in colorado! First 14ers, as they are typically called, are a few peaks for peak-baggers hourly weather charts on hiking 14ers in colorado. - 14er hiking trails, training plans, packing lists, and you ’ re armed and ready to with! Their dogs in sketchy situations on Colorado ’ hiking 14ers in colorado important to do plenty of switchbacks and grueling elevation gains and..., so it ’ s important to understand that climbing any mountain is rite... Up Colorado ’ s favorite summer goal colors in this guide we ’ ll my...