Tips for Conquering Your First 14er and Potentially Finding Pleasure in the Process
Hey there!
Brace yourself for an epic adventure—tackling a 14er! At 14,000 feet above sea level, these peaks offer sheer natural beauty and challenges that'll leave you breathless, in more ways than one.
Well, they don't exactly look effortless on Instagram: summit selfies, wide grins, and no sweat in sight. Don't get fooled; hiking a 14er ain't a walk in the park. There's the altitude, burning legs, moments questioning your life decisions, but boy, is it worth it!
Here's the deal: hiking a 14er can be one of the best damn experiences—if you prep right, got a bit of grit, and a solid plan. These 14 tips will steer you clear of rookie mistakes, keep you steady on your feet, and help you enjoy the climb as much as the summit.
But first things first, what's a 14er?
A "14er" refers to any mountain that exceeds 14,000 feet. These peaks are steep, high, and damn addictive. Good luck trying to stop once you get hooked!
We lived in Breckenridge and became quick fans of the 14er adventure scene. We summited 5, and every single one was tough, beautiful, and unforgettable in its own way.
Now, when's the best time to climb a 14er? Late summer into early fall is your best bet. By mid-July, most of the snow is gone, trails are more reliable, and afternoon storms are starting to wane. September is a good time too, thanks to the cooler temps, fewer crowds, and those majestic fall colors.
Easy-ish 14ers for your first one:
We started with Quandary peak—a solid bet with a steady elevation gain, no technical climbing. The Decalibron Loop was another favorite; it's a similar distance to Quandary but lets you summit four peaks in one go, and the views are freakin' insane!
Now, for your first 14er, stick to a non-technical route. Look for trails rated Class 1 or Class 2—no scrambling or climbing. Some peaks have multiple routes, so pick the easiest one. Need help choosing? 14ers.com is a great research resource—just be sure to check trailhead access, as some will require 4WD.
Here's a list of beginner-friendly options:
- Mt. Bierstadt
- Mt. Sherman
- Grays Peak
- Handies Peak
Now, to the wisdom we wish we'd known...
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance:
A 14er doesn't just happen; it takes time, preparation, and a solid plan. Once your plan is set, share it with someone who gives a shit—let the know your route and when you expect to return. This tiny step adds a whole layer of safety.
And don't skip the research. Know your route, read recent trail reports, and watch for closures or weather changes. Weather can change VERY fast in the mountains.
We Love a Good Checklist!
It helps us to stay on top of packing and make sure we don’t forget anything important.
Don't Just Hike It—Train for It:
We shoulda trained more before our first 14er. It was rough, but we made it. These hikes are steep, long, and the altitude hits you hard, even if you're relatively fit.
Simple Pleasures:
The best thing you can do to prepare is train by hiking. Hiking builds endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness—all essential for conquering a 14er.
For specific exercises recommendations and more details, check out REI's article on training for a 14er.
Keep Your Expectations in Check:
I thought we'd breeze through, take a summit snap, and still make it to happy hour. Ha! We barely made it to dinner. Training makes it easier, but having high hopes won't make it easy—you'll get winded, feel the strain, no matter how fit you are.
Altitude Can Hit You Hard:
Altitude impacts you—trust us. It causes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, even if you're living at higher elevation close to the trailhead. To cope, ease into it: spend a couple days at mid-elevation, do some warm-up hikes, and give yourself time to adapt before summiting.
Know When to Push and When to Stop:
You may feel like giving up, but press on. Have faith in your abilities, and your body will get you through. But if you're dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or can't think straight, it's time to turn back. The summit ain't worth risking your safety.
Remember, It's Not Just About the Summit:
Savor the climb as much as the summit. Take your time, appreciate the journey, and enjoy the ride.
Once you're ready to gear up, check out our go-to packing list:
- Clothing: ditch cotton—Merino wool or synthetic fabrics are your best bet.
- Gear: Invest in the right stuff, like a lightweight backpack, trekking poles, GPS device, and layers to keep warm.
- Food: Fuel up with high-energy snacks like nuts, energy bars, and gummies.
Happy climbing, and remember: altitude and fatigue may lurk around every bend, but you got this!
Related Posts:
- Best Snacks for Hiking
- Must-Have Gear for Summer Hiking in Colorado
- Day Hiking Essentials
Weather conditions can greatly affect your 14er adventure, so check the forecast before setting out and pack appropriate gear like waterproof jackets, gloves, and hiking boots.
Health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise are essential for hiking a 14er. Make sure to train regularly, focusing on building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness.
If you're new to mountaineering, stick to non-technical trails rated Class 1 or Class 2 for your first 14er. Research beginner-friendly options like Mt. Bierstadt, Mt. Sherman, Grays Peak, and Handies Peak.
A proper plan and research are crucial for a successful 14er climb. Check recent trails reports, watch for closures or weather changes, and share your plan with someone who gives a shit.
Proper gear is essential for any 14er adventure. Invest in quality gear like a lightweight backpack, trekking poles, layers to keep warm, and a GPS device for navigation. Ditch cotton and opt for Merino wool or synthetic fabrics for clothing. And don't forget high-energy snacks for fueling your climb.
