The right hiking boots are a necessity for hiking and scrambling up Colorado’s 14ers
. While you can use either shoes or boots, I recommend hiking boots for 14ers due to their superior ankle support.
How cold is it on top of a 14er?
The temperatures on any given fourteener can range from
30o-80o F
— and that’s in one day.
Can you wear shorts on a 14er?
Shorts might be OK
—but with tights or pants, you’ll be certain to be comfy. In the height of summer season, with perfect weather, you can probably get away with wearing running shorts (I personally love the Zendo Shorts) or synthetic soft shell hiking shorts if I want more pockets.
How do I prepare for my first 14er?
- Pick an easy peak for your first time. …
- Plan and study your route. …
- Be prepared for changing weather. …
- Hike with a buddy (or a few). …
- Take a small first aid kit. …
- Bring multiple layers. …
- Start out early. …
- Eat a hearty breakfast.
What time should you hike a 14er?
When is the Best Time to Climb a 14er? Fourteener season generally starts in
late June to early July
depending on how much snow fell over the winter and how dry the trails are. All Colorado 14ers can have patches of snow year round, but the trails generally are clear to hike by mid-summer.
What should I wear for Longs Peak?
- Gloves.
- Helmet.
- Water.
- Layers with good insulation, windproof (synthetic or wool) (midlayer and a puffy jacket)
- Rain jacket.
- Sun protection: sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- High-energy food and snacks.
- Sturdy footwear and extra socks.
What are good shoes for Colorado?
- Winter: Waterproof boots and cozy après-ski slippers.
- Spring/Fall/Summer: Hiking boots (or sturdy shoes), athletic shoes, comfortable sandals and shoes that can get wet.
How long does it take to hike 14er?
You need to be physically fit, expect
8 to 12 hours
of hiking, be acclimated to the elevation and also carry some common sense to the mountain. Climbing Longs Peak for your first fourteener probably isn’t a good idea.
How should I dress for hiking in Colorado?
Wear Layers
In the Colorado summer, we like to hike in
athletic shorts and a T-shirt
, but we pack a fleece pullover or a light jacket in our daypack as well. In fact, it’s never a bad idea to carry a waterproof jacket that doubles as a windbreaker, pants, beanie, and gloves — especially when hiking at higher altitudes.
Which Colorado 14er is the easiest to climb?
Pikes Peak
is arguably the easiest 14er in Colorado, but if you are looking for a little more help on your first mountaineering trip, be sure to check out our Pikes Peak guided hiking tour.
Can you climb a 14er without training?
If you’ve set your sights on the summit of a 14er, odds are you’re already pretty active, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to train for the trek. While some hikes to the summit are easier than others, all are arduous and will require both strength and endurance.
Can you climb a 14er in one day?
When it comes down to it,
there are a lot of 14ers you can combine into one trip
, certainly more than just the ones on this list. Other popular routes include the Chicago Basin Peaks (Sunlight, Windom, and Eolus); Kit Carson & Challenger Peaks; and Blanca & Ellingwood.
How hard is it to hike a 14er?
It Isn’t Easy to Climb a 14er
.
Even the easiest 14ers involve several thousand feet of elevation gain at a high elevation above 12,000 feet. Even at lower altitude, that much gain can be exhausting, especially if you aren’t in shape. High at altitude where there’s much less oxygen, it can be extremely exhausting.
How many calories do you burn climbing a 14er?
Depending on your weight, hiking can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories per hour. That means on a climb like Long’s you can burn
upwards of 9,000 calories
. Without proper nutrition, your body won’t be able to carry you to the summit. Foods high in protein and carbs are good options.
Why is 14000 feet important?
A 14er is a term used to describe mountains that are at 14,000 feet or higher. Mountain climbing enthusiasts seek out these natural wonders to hike, climb, and simply enjoy. At 14,000 feet
you have the normal challenges that you have on any other hike along with the added potential to get altitude sickness
.
Can a beginner climb Longs Peak?
2 –
Longs is not a good first 14er
.
If you are new to 14ers, it is a very good idea to start with some of the less difficult summits: Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Sherman, Quandary Peak, and Handies Peak are all much better mountains to serve as a first 14er.
What should I eat before a 14er?
The prep for a 14er starts two days ahead of the actual hike. Drink lots of water; eat
protein and carb rich foods
and lay off the booze. If two days ahead is a serious fast for you than at least the one day before hand volunteer to be the designated driver.
What is the most difficult 14er in Colorado?
- Capitol Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
- Little Bear Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
- Pyramid Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
- Maroon Peak – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
- Mount Wilson – Class 4 (Most Difficult) …
- Crestone Needle – Class 3 (Most Difficult)
What should I bring to Longs Peak?
Rain gear: most afternoons on Longs Peak are met with thunderstorms, so it is essential to bring both
rain jacket and rain pants
. Headlamp: just in case it takes you longer to get down than you had anticipated.
What time should you start Longs Peak?
It’s wise to start your 10- to 18-hour round-trip hike around
3 a.m.
so that you can reach the summit by noon and start descending before the peak’s almost-daily afternoon thunderstorms.
How high is Pikes Peak?
14,115′
Can I hike in Timberlands?
The classic yellow Timberland boots are
not recommended for serious hiking
. They do not have the level of comfort, support and traction that you can expect from a true hiking boot. Timberland does produce some higher end boots more specific to hiking but your best bet is to go another route.
Can you hike in tennis shoes?
Most sneakers and tennis shoes are designed with a light tread, which is essentially useless when hiking through rocky, uneven terrain, or up and down hills
. If you’re heading for a walk on a flat trail, any sneakers will suffice. Trails with tougher terrains require better treads with increased traction.
Can I wear trail running shoes for hiking?
Running shoes designed for trails have grippy bottoms for good traction, and a rock plate for comfort and protection on rough surfaces. As you look at these features, you might be realizing that the needs of hikers are pretty much the same! This is why
trail running shoes are great for hiking
.
