Your First 14er

Everything you need to know before your first summit

What Is a 14er?

A "fourteener" is any mountain peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet. Colorado has 58 of them—more than any other state in the lower 48. They range from straightforward trail hikes to serious technical climbs requiring ropes and specialized gear.

Climbing a 14er isn't like a typical day hike. The altitude changes everything. Air pressure is about 60% of what it is at sea level, which means less oxygen with every breath. Even fit people struggle. That's part of what makes reaching the summit so rewarding.

When to Go

The prime climbing season runs from mid-June through early September. This is when most trails are snow-free and conditions are most stable—though "stable" is relative in the mountains.

The Daily Pattern

Colorado summer days follow a predictable rhythm:

4-6 AM Pre-dawn: Clear, cold, calm. Best time to start.

6-10 AM Morning: Sun warms the valleys. Thermals begin rising.

10-12 PM Late morning: Clouds start building over peaks.

12-4 PM Early afternoon: Thunderstorms develop. Lightning is deadly.

Evening Post-storm: Storms pass. Too late to start a hike.

Start Early, Finish Early

Plan to be off the summit by noon. This isn't a suggestion—it's how you avoid getting caught in lightning. Most summit attempts start between 4-6 AM.

Shoulder Seasons

May-June and September-October can offer great conditions but require more experience. Snow lingers on many routes into July. Fall brings shorter days and unpredictable early-season storms. These months are best saved for after you've got a few summer summits under your belt.

What to Expect

The Physical Challenge

A typical 14er involves 6-12 miles of hiking and 3,000-4,500 feet of elevation gain. That would be a solid workout at sea level. At 14,000 feet, it's significantly harder.

Expect to move slower than you think. What takes you an hour at home might take 90 minutes or more at altitude. Your heart rate will be higher. You'll need more breaks. This is normal.

The Terrain

Colorado 14ers are rated using the Yosemite Decimal System:

Class 1 Trail hiking. Following a path. No hands needed.

Class 2 Off-trail hiking. May use hands for balance occasionally. Rocky terrain.

Class 3 Scrambling. Hands required frequently. Exposure possible. Falls could cause injury.

Class 4 Climbing. Steep, exposed terrain. Falls would likely be fatal. Ropes recommended.

Start with Class 1 or Easy Class 2

For your first 14er, stick to Class 1 routes. Master the altitude and endurance challenge before adding technical terrain.

Time Commitment

A typical first 14er takes 6-10 hours round trip. Add drive time to the trailhead (often 2-4 hours from Denver), and you're looking at a very long day. Many climbers camp near the trailhead the night before to get an early start and reduce fatigue.

Choosing Your First Peak

Not all 14ers are created equal. Some are walk-ups on good trails. Others require technical climbing skills. For your first summit, look for:

Class 1 or easy Class 2 terrain: Clear trail, minimal scrambling
Shorter distance: 6-8 miles round trip is plenty for a first attempt
Moderate elevation gain: Under 3,500 feet is reasonable
Good trail access: No 4WD required to reach the trailhead
Popularity: More people means more trip reports and a clearer path

Popular First Peaks

Common recommendations include Quandary Peak, Mt. Bierstadt, Grays & Torreys, Mt. Elbert, and Mt. Sherman. Each has well-maintained trails and straightforward routes.

Find Your Peak

Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your experience, fitness, and preferences.

Find Your First 14er

Answer 5 quick questions and we'll recommend the best peaks for your first summit based on your experience, fitness, and preferences.

Before You Go

Once you've picked a peak:

Read recent trip reports — Conditions change. Check what other hikers encountered in the past week or two.
Study the route — Look at maps, photos, and descriptions until you know what to expect.
Check the weather — Not just for your summit day, but for the days before. Recent storms affect trail conditions.
Tell someone your plan — Route, start time, expected return, when to call for help.
Pack right — See our gear guide for what to bring.
Get sleep — You're waking up at 3-4 AM. Don't start exhausted.

It's OK to Turn Back

Weather changes. Bodies don't cooperate. The summit isn't going anywhere. Making the call to turn around is a sign of good judgment, not failure. Read our safety guide for more.

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