Beginner’s Guide to Colorado’s Fourteeners

Outdoorsy people know that the Colorado Fourteeners are some of the most thrilling hiking paths in the country. These mountains attract people from all over, and you have everything you might need, from easy climbs to complicated challenges in ragged cliffs.

Follow this Beginner's Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners to Get Started

Let’s dive into the easiest peaks to get on with, safety tips, the must-have gear, and the best times of the year to hit the trails. With the right equipment and a sense of adventure, you can be on your way to conquering these mountains safely and confidently.

As we stated before, not all fourteeners are equal in difficulty. If you’re new to high-altitude hiking, we recommend starting with the more accessible mountains rather than the most difficult ones.

Here are three beginner-friendly fourteeners:

1. Mount Bierstadt
   Many people consider it the best introductory fourteener. Why? The reasons are very simple. The mountain has a relatively easy 7-mile roundtrip route.
   Located near Denver, it’s also one of the most popular choices, so in the event of an emergency, rescue could be faster.
2. Grays Peak
   Grays Peak shares a trailhead with Torreys Peak, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you could potentially summit two fourteeners in one day. It’s considered moderately difficult, with an 8-mile hike, but the path is well kept, and the ascent is manageable.
3. Quandary Peak
   Located near Breckenridge, this peak has a straightforward 6.75-mile route. It is a bit steeper than the previous ones we mentioned, but it’s still considered a beginner-friendly peak, and it has excellent views.
   It is the most popular one too, with use estimated in the 25,000-30,000 hiker days range.

Be Prepared, Must Haves

Although you have beginner-friendly options in this mountain range, you still need to consider the following: these are high-altitude mountains with fickle weather. Accidents can happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Although hiking a Colorado Fourteener can be a day hike, it's a long day, and you must consider that things could go wrong. Here’s a basic gear checklist to stay safe:

• Hiking Boots: invest in waterproof boots with ankle support.
• Weather-appropriate Clothing: Layered clothing for insulation and flexibility, including a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece or down jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. These can save your life in emergencies.
• Trekking Poles: These can be incredibly helpful on steep or rocky trails, reducing impact on knees and providing balance. They’re also usefull for emergencies.
• Backpack with Hydration System: Many people prefer a hydration pack for ease of access to water. Bring enough for a long day hike, at least 3 liters.
• Navigation Tools: A GPS device, map, and compass, even if you have a navigation app. Some hikers use an American VPN app to access secure networks when service is available, providing extra security for any emergency or navigation apps they’re using.
• Headlamp: Start early, and be prepared if it gets dark on the way down. Headlamps are always useful.
• Snacks and High-energy Food: Trail mix, energy bars, and other high-calorie snacks to help. Again, these items can save your life.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, and any necessary personal medications you take.
• Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunburns are no joke!

Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners - SAFETY

Altitude, weather, remote locations, and navigation are some of the challenges you’ll have to consider if you want to hike a Fourteener.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start Early: Afternoon thunderstorms are more common than you’d think, so start as early as possible (most hikers begin around sunrise). This way, you can be safe and sound back below the tree line by noon.
• Bring a Map and a Compass. Do not rely entirely on your app. Mobile service in the mountains is spotty at best, and it can go from exceptionally good to unavailable quickly! Know how to read a topo map and use a compass.
• Bring your phone. Bringing your phone with an American VPN app and maps app is a good idea, too. However, make sure the battery is fully charged and bring along a solar charging device, just in case. (Amazon affiliate link)
• Watch for Signs of Altitude Sickness: Symptoms like headache, nausea, and dizziness are common. If they worsen, descend immediately. Acclimating by spending a day or two at altitude before hiking and chewing gum can help a great deal.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration happens faster at altitude. Drink water consistently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Hence, you should bring three liters with you.
• Be Weather-aware: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden changes, especially storms. Knowing how to build a refuge or where to stay safe in the mountains is key if you get caught in a thunderstorm.
• Practice Leave No Trace: Carry out all trash and leave the trail as you found them.