Choose your 14er
Colorado boasts home to 53 mountain peaks with the summit sitting 14,000 feet or higher. Based on technical standards, only 48 of these peaks are considered true Colorado 14ers because the peak must rise a minimum of 300 feet above any connecting ridge or saddle. Most avid hikers will claim to count the unofficial 14ers when they check off their bucket lists. If you are eager to check off as many 14ers as possible, there are several peaks with joining saddles, allowing for 2-4 summits to be climbed in one day. Looking for a quad summit, check out Cameron, Lincoln, Democrat, and Bross; although Cameron is an unofficial 14er. Grays and Torreys make for a perfect double feature climb, as do Sunshine and Redcloud.
When planning a 14er trip, the best resources to use are 1) 14ers.com and a 2) Colorado Gazetteer. The website categorizes the 14ers by mountain range and difficulty, the lowest difficulty rating is 1 and the highest is 5. Difficulty ratings factor in the trail distance, elevation gain, and technical skill level required to reach the summit. 14ers rated at 5 often recommend being anchored in with ropes for certain sections of the climb. Those rated 1 and 2 are typically a hike to the top, although keep in mind the elevation gain can be steep in parts and requires a higher fitness level than hikes on mostly flat terrain. The website will also show the various routes to the top of the summit, along with a description about how to get to the trailhead. Reference your Colorado Gazetteer to study the topography of the summit, determine the best route to the trailhead, and see if the hike travels through any designated wilderness areas. The Gazetteer is also useful to identify camping areas near the trail.
About 16 years ago, I climbed my first 14er, and since then I have summited 18; two of these I made multiple attempts to reach the top, being forced to turn back during extreme weather. My first 14er was Mt Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado with a height of 14,433. Most recently, my husband and I checked off Mt. Shavano, located in between Salida and Buena Vista.
Some of my all time favorites include Sunshine and Redcloud, with great scenery, lots of wildflowers, and a beautiful deep red color found along the mountain sides. The red rock seen on these peaks is oxidized iron. Mt. Sherman has lots of awesome mining history with all sorts of historical artifacts to look at along the trail, which offers unique photo opportunities. Uncompahgre Peak also has amazing scenery, the peak itself is a prominent shape and is visible for most of the drive in and the hike up. Mt. Sneffels might just be my favorite thus far. Mt. Sneffels, rated as a class 3, is part of the San Juan Mountains, which is my favorite mountain range in the state. It also a distinct appearance, it’s hard not to love this peak. The trailhead is located in Yankee Boy Basin, near Telluride. Yankee Boy is well known for the views of the towering San Juan’s, crystal clear lakes, and wildflowers galore. Even if you are not up for a 14er, I highly recommend making a trip to Yankee Boy Basin for a hike or jeep tour.
Head for the Summit
Plan to get an early start because afternoon thunderstorms typically roll in around noon; I suggest starting by 6:30 AM at the latest. Camping is not permitted at the trailheads; however, dispersed camping is available along the forest roads leading into the peak. Many people backpack in a short distance to help with an early start the next day. Just a reminder, many designated wilderness areas require a permit for overnight use, do your research before you go. When backpacking in, it is important to know that there are not any toilets available; practice Leave no Trace principals pack a shovel to burry your waste or pack it out with you. Another advisory is to find a camp spot in the trees. While camping at the base of mountain offers a more advantageous start and better views, there is more exposure and a higher risk of having your tent stuck by lightning.
A few years ago, I backpacked into Huron Peak with my husband and dogs. We decided to set up camp at the base of the peak and then head for the top. We were about 1300 feet from the top when suddenly a storm rolled in from the other side of the mountain. As the good lord threw giant bolts of lightning right at us we sprinted down to our tent. While we lay inside, soaking wet and cold, we realized we chose a horrible place to set up camp. We actually debated whether we should stay inside or brave the elements one more time and rush for tree line. The storm finally passed and out came the sun, we stayed at camp and headed out early for the summit the next morning. We thought over and over about recent news stories of hikers who had been struck by lightning trying to summit a 14er. Never again will we camp above tree line, and we continue to move quickly for tree line in the event we encounter a storm on the way to the summit.
Often the route up to the top can be blue sky and few Clouds, but if the winds pick up the weather patterns can quickly change when hiking in Colorado. Should you encounter thunder on your way to the top, turn around and either wait it out in the trees, seek shelter under rocks, or chose to make an attempt for the summit on another day.
Remember to breathe! The higher you climb the less oxygen you have. Take deep breaths to give your muscles the oxygen they need to make it to the top. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. General rule of thumb is to drink 1-2 ounces every 15-30 minutes. Fuel your body, take snack breaks. Pack high protein and high carb snacks, and snack as you hike. If you wait until you feel hungry you may deplete your energy stores, which could result in “bonking”. If you bonk there is a good chance you won’t make it to the top, or it will take a really long time.
Dress in layers. Starting an assent before light can be a bit chilly, but on a summer sunny day you will warm up quickly. Colorado weather is unpredictable; offering sun, rain, sleet, snow, and wind all in a few hours. The summit can also be windy and cold. If you get sweaty on the way to the top, it is important not to get chilled, put on an extra layer at the top, at least while resting and enjoying the views. Poles can also be helpful for the decent, especially if you have bad knees. Collapsible hiking poles can easily be strapped to the outside of your pack and offer more support and stability for the way down. In addition, hiking poles can help you move faster when fatigued.
What to Pack
. 3 liters of water
. Snacks, lots of snacks (beef jerky, tuna kits, Lara Bars, string cheese, trail mix, applesauce squeezers, and fruit leather are all my go-to snacks)
. Hat and sunglasses
. Stocking hat and gloves
. Rain jacket or waterproof light weight down
. Dry-fit long sleeve shirt
. Rain pants or quick drying pants
. First Aid kit
. Hiking poles
. Headlamp
. Wool socks + extra pair in case your feet get wet
. Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots
. Multi-tool or pocket knife
. Matches and fire starter kit (I use a small container with a lid and fill it with paper scraps and a few paper towels)
. If you hike with your dogs bring extra water, collapsible bowl, treats, poo bags, and a leash
. If you plan to stay overnight, pack a tent, sleeping bag, extra clothes, essential toiletries, camping pad, extra food, backpacking stove, jet fuel, eating utensils, and cook kit. Solar blankets are also good to pack; they take up very little room and they offer a lot of warmth, plus it’s reflective in the event you need to signal for help.
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