photo courtesy of Pixabay
In Colorado, novice hikers and serious climbers alike are all eager to take on the 14ers. “14ers” refers to mountains with elevations that exceed 14,000 feet. These high, beautiful mountaintops attract avid adventurers and outdoor lovers from all over the country. For beginning hikers, there are several manageable 14ers to try out. Here are our top suggestions:
Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is located in Clear Creek County, about 70 miles southwest of our Habitat Apartments in North Boulder/Gunbarrel. It’s considered the easiest of the 14ers to hike, making it popular with beginners. The summit of Guanella Pass is a great base to start your hike—you can park your car there and continue on foot for three miles to Mt. Bierstadt’s peak.
Mount Evans
Also located about 70 miles away from our rental community, Mount Evans is Bierstadt’s closest neighbor and fellow 14er. The two mountains are connected by The Sawtooth ridge, which is not for amateurs. Instead, you can take the Mt. Evans Scenic Byway—the highest paved road in North America—to Echo Lake Park and take the hiking trail to the summit from there.
Grays Peak & Torreys Peak
Another set of mountaintops located 70 miles southwest of our apartment complex is Grays and Torreys Peaks. The two are connected with moderate trails, making them easy to hike in one day. Grays Peak and Torreys Peak are incredibly popular with Denver hikers and the trails are often crowded on the weekends. Most hikers start at Stevens Gulch Trailhead, which lies on the Continental Divide.
photo courtesy of Pixabay
Quandary Peak
While the aforementioned mountains are all a part of the Front Range, Quandary Peak belongs to the Tenmile, a mountain range further southwest. It’s located 10 miles south of Breckenridge and a 2-hour drive from our apartment community. The standard trail to the summit is the East Ridge, which is a relatively easy ascent to hike. Since Quandary Peak is the tallest in the Tenmile Range, the summit offers stunning panoramic views.
So many of Colorado’s 14ers offer moderate trails and beautiful views for beginning hikers and climbers. Other Class 1 mountains (ranked as the easiest to ascend) include those belonging to the Decalibron Loop: Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Bross.
While each 14er has its own unique trails to the top, they all require that you remain cautious about altitude sickness. Beginning climbers need to be aware of the side effects of high altitudes, which include headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Each hiker feels the effects differently, but in general it’s important for everyone to stay hydrated and avoid over-exertion. You can have a wonderful workout and exhilarating experience on Colorado’s 14ers, as long as you start with an easy climb and take it slow.