It’s almost summertime in Colorado. That means the return of hiking season in the Rockies, and tackling a Colorado Fourteener is as Coloradan as it gets. While hauling yourself up a 14,000-foot mountain may seem like a daunting task, take our advice on how to prepare for the climb, and you’ll be on top of the state in no time.
A fourteener is a mountain that rises over 14,000 feet above sea level. In Colorado, there are 54 fourteeners scattered across the western half of the state, ranging in difficulty from a challenging day-hike to full-on technical rock climbing that calls for a rope and helmet. For now, we will focus on the easiest ascents and give you some tips on how to prepare you for your first fourteener.
While many of Colorado’s fourteeners can be done in half a day, you still need to have a backpack full of gear to hike them safely and responsibly. The weather can also change rapidly, so layering is crucial to your comfort. Below is a checklist of things you’ll want, along with a few specific recommendations.
Quick-dry short sleeve top – Avoid cotton clothing! Hiking up to over 14,000 feet will cause you to sweat, and cotton does not dry fast enough. Wet clothes at the top will chill you to the bone, making for a miserable experience.
Hiking Boots (men’s/women’s) or shoes with plenty of tread and ankle support. Be sure this isn’t your first time wearing new shoes!
Any extra layers for warmth depending on the weather forecast and/or if you know you get particularly cold.
First Aid Kit: ibuprofen, band-aids, blister bandages and more. You can buy tiny, inexpensive first-aid kits at REI and other outdoor stores.
A comfortable and durable backpack that can fit everything. This Mountain Hardwear waterproof Outdry pack is a great option.
Water: At least 2 liters per person. Consider bringing a three liter hydration reservoir.
Food: gels, bars, and trail mix to eat along the way, and pack a lunch to eat at the top.
Optional: Celebratory Beer or treat of your choosing!
Step 2: Plan your route!
There are plenty of resources out there to research the trails on your fourteener of choice, but the best might be 14ers.com. Some mountains have multiple trails to the top; choose one labeled Class 1 or Class 2 (or go with the most common route).
Finally, be sure to check and make sure that you can get to the trailhead. Some trailheads are located on rugged dirt roads that require a 4WD vehicle. Others are on roads that most normal cars can handle. Double-check before you go!
For your first time up a fourteener, it is best to have at least one other person to hike with. Finding someone who is experienced with fourteeners would be best, but if you and a buddy want to tackle your first one together, make sure you are both prepared mentally and physically. Having someone along with you is especially helpful in case something goes wrong – be it altitude sickness, a sprained ankle, or if you just aren’t having any fun – having someone there to have your back is a huge asset on any big hike.
One of best ways to avoid altitude sickness is to get acclimated. Basically, this means you are getting your body used to the altitude gradually. If you are traveling into Colorado from a lower elevation, try to spend at least one night either in Denver or in the mountains before you climb. The more time you spend at altitude, the better adjusted your body will become.
Altitude sickness is the most common problem people run into on their first fourteener. This write-up will help you prepare and hopefully prevent it.
Along with acclimatizing, drink plenty of water and eat a big dinner the night before. Being properly fueled before you push yourself at altitude is crucial to preventing altitude sickness.
Finally, do a last minute check on the weather conditions for your hike and make sure it is still safe to go. Make sure you know how to get to the trailhead and double check that everything is in your pack. Then, when the alarm goes off, you’ll be set!
After all that preparation, you’re ready to climb! Be sure to get an early start—we’re talking pre-sunrise. That way, you’re off the mountain (or at least back below treeline) before any notorious afternoon thunderstorms roll in. Keep an eye on the clouds, and plan to turn around no later than noon or earlier if the weather turns sketchy. Getting caught in a lightning storm above treeline is downright terrifying, not to mention life-threatening.
As you are climbing, pay attention to YOU. Check in on your buddy and see how they are doing, but do not push yourself too hard in an attempt to keep up. Hiking at altitude is difficult. You’ll get tired faster, breathe harder, and your heart will be pounding.
Remember, you don’t have to reach the top in order to have fun! Yes, the summit is the obvious goal, but if weather is moving in early or you feel sick, don’t push your luck. The mountain will still be around later; your job is to make sure you will be too.
Finally, enjoy yourself! Soak in all the big mountain views. It may be harder than you expect, but push yourself safely and it will all be worth it. Remember our advice and we’ll see you up there!
WHAT PEAKS ARE YOU GOING TO TACKLE THIS SUMMER? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW, TWEET ME, OR WRITE ME A POST ON FACEBOOK.
I love geeking out over 14er accounts. Being in Pennsylvania makes tackling one fairly difficult, but I hope to get out west soon and see what all of the fuss is about. 😉 This is a good guide, so thanks to Ben and Jenna!
Great list and article, lovely pictures, and wonderful suggestions for beginner hikes.
I would also recommend bringing sunscreen. The exposure to the sun through the thin atmosphere at 14,000 feet doesn’t seem like a big deal when you’re on the climb, but burns happen quickly and quietly. Even if you’re wearing long sleeves and pants, cover your face with plenty of high SPF sun protection.
Ah, yes!! Thank you Dan and thank you Kristen for updating the post! Somehow sunscreen got lost in one of our edits, but it is SO important. I have fried from not reapplying, I can’t imagine a day completely without it at altitude.
Great story. I’ve done a couple 14ers in South America. This is all good advice.
Great article! Hopefully I can do one of the 14er for the first time. I would also recommend to get the book “freedom of the hills” it’s a great guide for beginners in mountaineering.
Thanks for the tip Angel. I’ll definitely check that out.
I just wanted to give you some quick advice – you might want to reach out to photographers before using their photos on your blog. Most, like me won’t mind at all, but if the photo you use is licensed by a stock photo agency you could rack up some fees and negative press.
Awesome article. I’m using your site to prepare for my through hike on the JMT next month! Hiking 14ers is getting me prepared.
Great tips! I’ve done one 12K hike in CO 6 years ago, and a hike-to-ski in Breck this past year. Heading back to my heart’s home and tackling a 14er in September. I’m so stoked, but am concentrating on the workouts for now. This list will save me time worrying about prepping in a few short months.
I would also add committing to a regular cardio regime and bagging a couple 13ers in preparation (if time allows) .