Climbing a 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado is a big goal for many adventurers, whether they’re new to hiking or have been doing it for years. These mountains are not just tough to climb—they also take you to some of the most beautiful and hidden places in the state, like the Sawatch Range, Front Range, and Elk Mountains.

But as you might imagine, reaching the top of a 14,000-foot peak is no easy task, and getting ready for the hike can feel overwhelming.

I’ve climbed a few of these mountains, and while it’s challenging, standing on the summit is worth it. To help you prepare for your first 14er, I’m sharing my best tips on how to plan and get ready. So, start getting those legs in shape!

 

What is a 14er?

A 14er, short for “fourteener,” is a mountain that stands over 14,000 feet above sea level. There are 96 of these towering peaks in the United States, but in this post, we’ll be focusing on the 54 located in the western half of Colorado. These Colorado mountains are the famous 14ers that many hikers dream of climbing.

 

How to Choose Your First 14er

Colorado’s fourteeners, which are mountains over 14,000 feet tall, can be anywhere from a tough hike to a difficult climb that needs special gear like ropes and helmets.

If you’re trying your first 14er, it’s smart to pick one that doesn’t need any tricky climbing skills.

There are lots of guides to help you pick a trail, and a great one is 14ers.com, which has detailed info on each of Colorado’s 14ers.

Some mountains have different trails to the top, and we suggest picking a Class 1 or Class 2 trail since they’re the easiest. You can also choose the most popular route.

If you’re not sure where to begin, here are five good fourteeners to start with:

– Mount Bierstadt from Guanella Pass

– Mount Sherman from Four Mile Road

– Mount Democrat from Kite Lake

– Gray’s Peak from the Gray’s Peak Trailhead

– Handies Peak from American Basin

Finally, make sure you can get to the trailhead where the hike starts. Some trailheads are on rough dirt roads that need a 4WD vehicle, while others are on roads that regular cars can handle. Be sure to check before you go!

 

Plan Your Hike

Colorado has more than 50 mountains that are over 14,000 feet tall, and there’s one for every skill level! With the right preparation, climbing your first “14er” can be super exciting. Follow these tips, and you might be planning your next one before you even finish your first!

Do Some Research

Not all 14ers are the same. Trails have difficulty ratings from 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest). For your first 14ers, start with a Class 1 or 2. Class 1 is an easy hike on a clear trail, while Class 2 is harder and might need some scrambling over rocks.

Choose the Right Mountain

We spent a lot of time looking at trail details before picking our first 14er. We considered how long the hike was, how much elevation we’d climb, how easy it was to get to the trailhead, and how popular the trail was.

We chose Mt. Democrat, which is 4 miles round-trip with 2,150 feet of elevation gain. It’s a Class 2 hike with steep switchbacks and loose rocks, but it was just right for us!

Some hikers continue on the DeCaLiBron loop to climb four 14ers in one day, but we decided not to push it. Four miles at a high altitude was enough, and we had energy left to climb another 14er the next day.

Get Used to the Altitude

Altitude can make you feel sick, so it’s important to let your body get used to the higher elevation. Don’t go straight to high altitudes—spend a day or two at a lower altitude first. On longer trips, take rest days between high-altitude hikes.

We took a few days to adjust by doing longer hikes at over 10,000 feet before trying Mt. Democrat. After hiking to Ice Lake and Island Lake (both over 12,000 feet) and Blue Lakes (11,720 feet), we were ready.

Hike on a Weekday

Colorado’s 14ers are popular, and many people hike them. To avoid crowds, try to hike on a weekday. If you go on the weekend, you should pick a less crowded trailhead.

We hiked Mt. Democrat on a Friday, and there weren’t many people. But the next day, we hiked Mt. Bierstadt, one of the easiest and most popular 14ers. It was really crowded, and the parking lot filled up before dawn.

Start Early & Check the Weather

Afternoon thunderstorms happen quickly in the summer, and at 14,000 feet, you’re the tallest thing around! Plan to reach the summit by noon to avoid lightning. For longer hikes, start before sunrise, and check the weather forecast so you don’t get caught in a storm.

Dress in Layers

The weather can change a lot during the day. It might be cold in the morning, warm during the hike, and windy at the top. Wear layers you can add or remove, and don’t forget gloves and a hat.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking water is really important, especially at high altitudes where your body works harder. Bring plenty of water and drink more than usual. Sports drinks or juice can give you extra energy, too.

Eat the Right Foods

Your body uses more energy at high altitudes, so eat foods with lots of carbs before your hike. Bring snacks like trail mix, beef jerky, fruit, and sandwiches to keep your energy up during the hike.

Know Your Limits

Even if you get used to the altitude, you might still feel it above 10,000 feet. Hike slower than usual, take breaks, and listen to your body. If you start feeling sick, go back down to a lower altitude.

Have Fun!

It took us 39 years to climb our first 14ers, but doing it with our daughters was worth it. Hiking should be fun, so don’t worry about how fast you go or how far you get. Just enjoy the adventure! And remember to pack out all your trash to keep the mountains beautiful.

 

What to Bring for Your Hike:

– Lots of food and water  

– Headlamp for early morning hikes  

– Rain jacket that can fold up small  

– Gloves, a hat, and hand warmers

– Sunglasses

– First aid kit (including stuff for blisters)  

– Sunscreen 

– Chapstick  

– Hand sanitizer and wipes

– Trail map (download it to your phone before you lose service)  

– Camera 

– A handmade sign for a cool summit picture