Day 16 | Climb a Colorado 14er
On Day 16 of 365 Things To Do in South Denver Suburbs I suggest you take a ROADTRIP and then a hike – to a specific mountain – a 14er to be exact.
There are 58 14ers in Colorado and there are some that are easier than others. Many folks throughout Colorado have made it a mission to hike 14ers and it is quite an accomplishment to keep track of. Some hike and climb 1 a year, others more, some see how many they can do in a short amount of time. Late July and August are prime 14er climbing months, but there are some that climb year round.
A 14er?
And if you are new to Colorado and are unsure of what a 14er is – it is a mountain peak that is at least 14,000 feet high There are other qualifications as well, but that is the easiest explanation.
Where to begin?
There are some 14ers all over Colorado, but some are relatively short trips from the Denver metro area and can be made as day trips IF you get an early start. So of the 14ers that people climb for their first ones include Torreys Peak, Grays Peak, Mount Massive, Mount Bierstadt, and Quandary Peak.
*Note – Many resources on line and guide books suggest arriving at Bierstadt by way of Georgetown off of I70 to Guanella Pass. To my knowledge, part of the road of this pass is still closed and will remain so through the rest of this summer. You must get there from the south part of this pass from 285. The closed section of Guanella Pass is tentatively scheduled to open mid-September but check Clear Creek County resources for details.
Kids?
You certainly will see families with children and youth hiking groups, especially on the trails of the mountains listed above. Climbing 14ers often becomes a treasured family summer activity.
Prepare & Stay Safe!
I am no 14er expert by any means. If you plan on climbing a Colorado 14er you need to do your research. Make sure you have completed thorough research on what 14ers is right for you. There are many Climbing, Hiking and Alpine groups throughout the Denver area and beyond – seek them out. A guide book that many recommend is “Colorado’s 14ers” by Roach. Two good resources are: Colorado Mountain Club and American Alpine Club
Make sure you have all the equipment you need, water, food, clothing, headlamps, shoes, etc. Prepare for the weather, prepare for the altitude, just prepare. Many resources will tell you how important it is to get an early start – and when they say early they mean it. Depending on where you plan to climb, it is not unusual for folks to start well before 4 am and it also is not unusual to hear stories from folks that had to turn around for one reason or another. The weather is likely to turn on you in Colorado, you must be prepared.
Have fun!
Climbing a 14er is a favorite pastime from folks that live in the Denver area. If you have recently moved to Denver, there is definitely still time to take this up, specifically the “easier” ones.
Another route that doesn’t involve Climbing?
Climbing a 14er is not for everyone. If you are determined to summit a 14er but time or other circumstance do not permit a climb, there are other ways.
Mount Evans, easily accessible from Denver, has the highest paved road in North America and is open through the summer months. You can drive right to the top of 14,240 feet. It generally closes Labor Day, but check ahead before making the trip.
Pikes Peak is also drive-able (Colorado Springs area) and is open year round, weather permitting. or you can reserve seats on the famous Cogs Railway. So there truly is something for everyone!
photo courtesy of my son, taken on his hike to Chasm Lake on the Long’s Peak trail last week. He did not summit Long’s, nor did he intend to, this was a sunrise hike that began at 2 am. I was incredibly proud of him, and wowed by the photos that he brought home.
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Other Things to Do in the South Denver Suburbs you may like:
Day 12 H2OBrien Pool – Parker, Colorado
Day 13 Daniels Park – Douglas County CO
Day 14 Murdochs- Littleton / Highlands Ranch CO
Day 15 Cantina Laredo – Centennial Colorado
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