14’ers in Colorado

Colorado is a landlocked masterpiece, with its beauty found in mountainsides, treetops, and glimmering lakes. It ranks number one in the United States for the most fourteeners, totaling at an impressive fifty-three. With panoramic views at the top, these landscapes create the wonders that make Colorado unique. Be sure to have plenty of water and snacks on hand before beginning. There are so many different fourteeners to explore, so take a hike!

Mount Bierstadt holds a reputation of being the best beginner fourteener. The hike is seven miles round trip, with a gradual incline up until last half mile. Although this part is a bouldering experience, any level of hiker can successfully achieve it. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with the most prominent view from the top being Torreys. The temperature is much lower at the top, so packing layers is recommended.

Another popular beginner peak is Grays. Featuring a well traveled trail, and an elevation gain of just 3,000 feet, this hike can be enjoyed by the most inexperienced hiker. It has beautiful landscape on the whole route, and with just 8 miles round trip, it leaves time to explore neighboring peak Torreys in the same days time.

A more challenging peak to attempt is Mount Elbert, but known as the “gentle giant”, it inclines nearly 5,000 feet at a moderate pace. It holds bragging rights for the largest summit in Colorado, totaling 14,443 feet. The top is dominated rough terrain, but standing on this perch will put you on the highest point of the world from California to France on the longitude axis, and on the latitude axis from Canada to Mexico.

If these sound too easy, consider trying a level three fourteener, such as Mount Crestone.

This mountain was one of the last peaks in Colorado to be climbed, as it was dubbed impossible to climb for most of its history, according to Summit Post. 800 feet of elevation must be lost and regained before summiting another 2,000 feet. It lies just behind The Great Sand Dunes National Park, and incredible views are situated at the top.

Fourteeners are an essential to any Colorado bucket list, and can be done with friends, family, or solo. Explore the great outdoors and take a hike!