So you want to climb some 14ers? Let me share a tiny bit of my experience.
First of all, spend a few days in Denver. Enjoy the city and get any gear you need for the trip. You might also benefit from some acclimatization. I was there during the 4th of July celebrations which added to the atmosphere of the bustling city.
With a few days of adjustment under your belt, now you are ready to head into the mountains! As you are making your way out of Denver, don’t forget to stop by the Red Rock Amphitheatre. The day hikes behind it up to mount Morrison give excellent views of the surroundings.
I highly recommend using Leadville as a base camp for some of your 14er attempts. The highest city in the US is relatively budget-friendly, with easy access to gear and groceries. This place is long famous amongst trekkers, runners, and mountain bikers. The CDT, CT, and trailhead to many 14ers all are within an hour’s drive.
The town of Leadville itself is incredibly charming with a rich mining history. The most famous of them all, the matchless mine and the story of the Tabors. Now you can still visit some of the historical sites: Matchless Mine, the Tabor Opera House, the Mining Museum, Healy House Museum & Dexter Cabin, the old Tabor House, the Silver Dollar Saloon.
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If you are heading to Quandary Peak, then you would need to stay in the city of Breckenridge. Slightly lower than Leadville and way more touristy. It’s actually so touristy that you won’t find any trekking gear in town even though there are outdoor stores. However, the nearby Country Boy Mine is really fun for a quick rest day getaway.
Enough of the sites, let’s talk mountains. There are quite a few peaks near Leadville: Elbert, Massive, Sherman, Belford, Oxford, Missouri, Harvard, La Plata, Huron Antero, Columbia, Princeton, and Yale. Plenty to choose from.
Now let’s get into the tips.
- Easiest 14ers?
If you are not used to ascending at least 2000 feet a day, then sadly none. Most of the 14ers are harder and usually involve ascending 4000 feet a day. Brace yourself for a long day regardless.
- Start EARLY!
Due to the mountain weather and the limited parking space, be sure to get to the trailhead between 4am to 5:30am. Aim to get back to the treeline before noon. The afternoon thunderstorm is not a joke. People have gotten hurt before!
- Bring snacks
You will need energy snacks. Even trail runners do. So bring snacks!
- Water
Conventional wisdom always says to bring lots of water. However, I will list a few more things to consider. First, the more water you carry the more you sweat, the slower you go. As a result, you will need more water. Second, water does help you acclimatize if you aren’t already. Third, electrolytes can reduce the amount of water you need to carry. Four, there is basically no place for you to get water once you are above 11000 feet on most peaks. Decide for yourself!
- Shoes
Most peaks have a decent section of rock/boulder field. Your shoes should be able to handle the jagged rocks while still helping you to slip less downhill.
- Crowds
Quandary is probably the most crowded with the most under-prepared hikers. Most of the other peaks had an acceptable level of the crowd when I went. Just make sure you are always aware of the people in front or behind you. Make ways for people who are faster or coming downhill. And please, DON’T sit in the middle of the trail!
- Altitude
Altitude is a factor here. You will find yourself moving a lot slower than you do at seas level. If you are not acclimatized, I highly recommend starting with a few gentler hikes near Leadville. If you are getting bad headaches, feeling a little drunk, have brain fog, or have other abnormalities, chances are you are experiencing some altitude sickness. Take it easy and rest. Worst, drive back down to Frisco to recover a bit.
- Layering
Because you are starting so early, the weather is super changeable, and the altitude sun can be a killer, bring lots of different layers for different situations. Rain jacket, sunglasses, sun hat, gloves, beanie, light down jacket, sunscreen, are some of the gear that I carried.
Well, that’s it for now! Enjoy your hikes! Let me know if you have any questions! Happy to answer them.
