Are you ready to try a 14er in Colorado? We’ve put together a list of some beginner-friendly ones for you to check out. But before we start, it’s important to know that no 14er is truly “easy.” A 14er is a mountain that’s over 14,000 feet above sea level, and hiking takes practice, planning, and training. The high altitude can be tough, but the amazing views from the top make it all worth it!
We’ve picked 5 of the easiest Colorado 14ers for beginners, but remember, they’re still challenging because of their height and how much you have to climb. Before starting your first 14ers, make sure to read our tips on how to get ready.
And one more thing: Colorado often has summer thunderstorms that can pop up fast, so always check the weather and start your hike before sunrise. That way, you can finish before the storms come in the afternoon.
1. Quandary Peak
- Length: 6.75 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,326 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Day-use fee: Free to hike, but parking at the trailhead may require a fee
- Pets: Yes on a leash for their safety
Quandary Peak is one of the most popular and easiest 14ers in Colorado, and it’s easy to see why! The trail is rocky and steep, but you won’t have to do any tricky climbing like on some other beginner 14ers. You might even spot mountain goats while you’re hiking!
If you’re planning to hike between June 1 and September 30, remember that you’ll need to reserve a parking spot ahead of time. If you can’t get a reservation or have a small group, there’s a shuttle you can take. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., between June 15 and September 18, from the Breckenridge South Gondola parking area. It costs $5 for locals and $15 for non-locals.
2. Mount Bierstadt
- Length: 7 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,729 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Day-use fee: Free to hike, but there may be parking fees at the trailhead
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but must be leashed
Mount Bierstadt is one of the shorter climbs for a 14er, and since the trail starts at Guanella Pass (over 11,000 feet up), the hike isn’t very long or super steep—making it a great choice for a first 14er!
Another cool thing about Mount Bierstadt is that it’s close to Colorado’s Front Range, which means it’s easy to get to. If you wake up early, you can drive from Denver, hike to the top of this huge mountain, and be back in town by late afternoon (just be careful with the high altitude!). With its easier trail and convenient location, Mount Bierstadt is a great 14er to start with!
3. Grays Peak (or Grays and Torreys Peaks)
- Length: 8 miles round trip for Grays Peak; 8.5 miles if you also summit Torreys Peak
- Elevation Gain: 3,550 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Day-use fee: Free to hike, but parking at the trailhead may have a fee
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but should be on a leash, especially in crowded areas
Have you noticed that the most popular 14ers can get really crowded? The mountains close to Denver, Boulder, and Golden attract lots of hikers, but don’t worry—there are less crowded 14ers later on the list.
Grays and Torreys Peaks are super popular, with both people and their dogs flocking to them. Many hikers climb both mountains in one day because they’re connected by a wide ridge called a saddle.
From the saddle, it’s only a 30-40 minute hike to reach each peak, so grabbing two 14ers in a single trip is totally possible! The hike begins in the old mining area of Stevens Gulch, and you can even spot some ruins from the trail. As you climb higher, you’ll come out of the forest and onto the mountain, where switchbacks take you up to Grays Peak. Most people can’t resist walking over to Torreys from there!
4. Mount Antero
- Length: 16 miles round trip (shorter if you drive part of the way up)
- Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
- Difficulty: Easy to Hard
- Day-use fee: Free to hike, but some 4WD roads may require a parking fee
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but should be leashed due to steep and rocky sections
Mount Antero is a massive 14er with a huge, rounded shape that was carved by ancient glaciers. Thanks to thousands of years of erosion, there’s even a mining road that goes all the way to within a quarter mile of the summit! To drive that far up, though, you’ll need a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. Some SUVs can make it if they have good tires, but the road is rough, with bumps and narrow spots that might scratch your car.
The hike follows the Jeep road up to the last quarter mile, where you’ll finish with a simple Class 2 walk on a rocky trail to reach the top. From the summit, you’ll have amazing views of the Sawatch Range, which has some of the highest mountains in Colorado. If you’re lucky, you might even spot small red garnets near the summit! It’s a pretty straightforward hike, but the wide-open views are well worth it.
5. San Luis Peak
- Length: 13 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,600 ft
- Difficulty: Easy
- Day-use fee: Free
- Pets: Dogs are allowed but should be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure safety
Don’t let the long distance scare you! San Luis Peak is 14,014 feet tall and is a Class 1 hike, meaning the trail is straightforward and not too difficult. You’ll pass through some of the prettiest alpine scenery in Colorado. The lower basin is filled with colorful wildflowers, and gentle streams flow down the mountains, joining together at Stewart Creek.
The hike has a steady, gradual climb, which makes it longer but not too steep. As you get closer to the top, you’ll reach the rocky side of San Luis Peak, where patches of red grass grow. Finally, you’ll reach the flat summit with amazing views all around!
Important Tips for Your First 14er
- Start Early: Many hikers begin their 14er hikes before sunrise to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, which are common in Colorado’s mountains.
- Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: You’ll need extra energy and hydration as you climb higher, so pack plenty of water and nutritious snacks like trail mix, fruit, and energy bars.
- Layer Up: The weather can change quickly in the mountains. You might start your hike in the sunshine, but it could get cold and windy at the summit. Pack layers, including a warm jacket, even in summer.
- Take Your Time: Climbing a 14er is hard work! The air gets thinner the higher you go, which can make breathing more difficult. Take breaks when needed, and don’t rush.
