So you are ready to tackle some more difficult 14ers? When I first started doing 14ers, I thought I would never do the more challenging ones. When I saw pictures of Maroon Bells or Capitol...my stomach tied in knots and I started to panic. But then I did Wetterhorn, and then Longs...and I found myself loving these 14ers the best. I loved both the mental and physical challenge of them, the planning, and of course the excitement. If you do your research, go with the right hiking partners, and build up your confidence by hiking some intermediate 14ers first-you will find yourself ready to take on the more challenging ones.
I am no expert by any means. I am still currently trying to complete them all (I only have five left!). But, I do get a lot of questions and help many friends trying to complete the 14ers, so I have a lot of insight. Friends have helped me in the past and been a huge resource, and I would love to do the same for you. If you have any specific questions, please reach out on Instagram and DM me!
The following 14ers are ones I would recommend for starting to tackle your more spicy 14ers. These are Class 3, and start getting into more scrambling, route finding, and exposure. I personally don't mind exposure, but hate steep scree. Everyone is different however, but I always use the rating systems as follows:
Class 1: Easy hiking, usually on a well defined trail
Class 2: More difficult hiking that may be off-trail (might need to use your hands).
Class 3: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. More route finding required.
Class 4: Climbing. Must utilize handholds and footholds. Falls can be fatal.
Class 5: Technical climbing. This could be considered rock climbing and with use of ropes.
So, after you get some of the Sawatch range under your belt, or have practiced scrambling or bouldering-these are the 14ers I suggest to get some experience under your belt. Also this is where you should consider buying a Garmin, pack an Emergency pack, really study the route, download an offline map, go with experienced friends who you trust, and of course use your common sense (yes I have to say this). Also don't forget, once you climb any Class 3, wear a helmet! Rockfall can be very dangerous! Use 14ers.com for maps, pictures, routes, reviews, and so many other amazing resources.
Wetterhorn Peak, Class 3, 7 miles, 3,300 elevation gain
Wetterhorn is one of my favorite 14ers. There are walls to climb up, but on mostly sturdy rocks and there are amazing views. The route finding is challenging, but definitely doable. The exposure is great, but I never found myself too scared. I did see some hikers stop before the wall by the summit, but this one is a great introduction to Class 3. Study the pictures on 14ers.com, practice your scrambling, and take in all of the beauty!
Windom Peak, Difficult Class 2, 17 miles, 6,000 feet elevation gain
This one requires a long backpacking trip and a train! There are four 14ers in the Chicago Basin area. It is the most beautiful place I have ever laid my eyes on. Mt. Eolus, North Eolus, and Sunlight are also located here. All but Sunlight, are great 14ers to practice on. These require more route finding because
of them being so remote. Also it is 6 miles to hike in from the train, so Windom is really only 2.5 miles from camp. I got off route a couple of times, but with a good hiking partner, we reassessed and found the correct way after studying maps. There is some
fun climbing, tons of mountain goats, and some of the most remote mountains in Colorado. Don't forget to buy your train tickets in advance because they sell out! The train ticket (for now) act as a permit to backpack and camp in Chicago Basin.
Longs Peak, (Keyhole Route), Class 3, 14.5 miles, 5,100 feet elevation gain
This one is crowded. Many people die. I am not saying it's not dangerous, but a lot of people attempt this 14er making really bad decisions. Another thing to understand, is some really experience hikers die on 14ers like this. When attempting any 14er, you have to accept that getting seriously injured or dying is a possibility. I know this sounds morbid, but trust me I would not climb 14ers if I didn't think it was worth it. Ok back to Longs...there is exposure but plenty of solid rock with handholds-and of course the infamous bullseyes to keep you on route...and a 100 people to help you if you are in danger.
Mt. Sneffels, (South Slopes/Standard), Easy Class 3, 6 miles, 2,900 feet of elevation gain
In the most gorgeous mountain town of Ridgway (where I grew up), lies Mt. Sneffels. There are a few amazing routes, but I would start with the standard, south slopes. The steep scree field is intimidating, so just bring poles and your sliding skills. The notch is not as intimidating as everyone says, just take your time and study the pictures. You can see the Blue Lakes from the top, which makes this summit one of the best.
Castle and Conundrum Peaks, Difficult Class 2, 14.5 miles, 4,850 feet of elevation gain
These two are a great introduction to the Elks, the notoriously dangerous mountain range near Aspen. The rocks break beneath your hands and feet (super important to practice the three points of contact-where you always maintain contact with one hand and two feet). It is steep and long, but really helped me gain more confidence in the mountains.
Kit Carson and Challenger, Class 3, 15 miles, 6,250 feet of elevation gain
I did these two as my first solo backpacking trip. I was certain a bear was by my tent, I cried at the end in relief of finishing, and it was one of the most challenging hikes I've ever done. However, it was for me, more challenging mentally than physically. Backpack to Willow Lake. It is beautiful and a great stop before the 14ers to gain some rest. I've heard over ten stories of hikers going past the Kit Carson Avenue and missing the turn on the way back, climbing down to some serious Class 5 and having to be rescued...so STUDY YOUR ROUTE. I almost did it myself to pee, even though I had read this a hundred times. It is steep and requires a lot of route finding, but I did not find the technical parts that challenging. Another great one to get some experience under your belt!
Happy 14ering, and enjoy yourself. These more challenging 14ers are the most exhilarating and my absolute favorite activity to do. They give me meaning and are some of the best memories I've ever had. Again, reach out if you have any questions!
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