What Is The Easiest 14er To Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Quandary Peak. …
  • Grays Peak / Grays and Torreys Peaks. …
  • Mount Antero. …
  • San Luis Peak. …
  • Culebra Peak. …
  • Redcloud Peak. …
  • Mount Sherman. Summit Elevation: 14,036′ …
  • Mount Elbert. At 14,433 feet, Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado as well as the highest summit in the entire Rocky Mountain chain.

Which 14er Should I hike first?

It goes without saying, but we will: Please start

on a Class 1

. The good news is that there are many close-by Class 1 peaks perfect for fourteener newbies: Quandary Peak, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans, Grays and Torreys Peak are all great options. When in doubt, reference 14ers.com.

What is the hardest 14er to climb?

  • 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)

Is Bierstadt the easiest 14er?

Colorado’s 14ers are an iconic hiking challenge, but if you’re looking for a slightly easier introduction to these immense mountains, this Mount Bierstadt route is a good option. The hike is challenging, but

easier than

most other Colorado 14ers. Other easy 14ers include Grays Peak, Torreys Peak and Mount Elbert.

What is the easiest fourteener in Colorado?

Easier:

Grays Peak

, Torreys Peak, Handies Peak, Mount Sherman, Mount Democrat, Mount Bross, Mount Lincoln, Quandary Peak, Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Antero, Pikes Peak, Mount Princeton, Culebra Peak, San Luis Peak, Huron Peak and La Plata Peak.

Can you hike a 14er in a day?

Part of the Sawatch Range, get ready for a long day:

14 miles round trip with 4,400 feet of gain

. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful views to keep you distracted: the Arkansas Valley and the town of Leadville stretch out below, and you can also see Turquoise Lake and the Arkansas River along the way.

Is it hard 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.

Which 14er has the most deaths?

1.

Longs Peak

– 19 deaths. Notes: Located in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak also has the highest “failure rate,” meaning that a high percentage of climbers fail to reach the summit.

Has anyone died on Quandary Peak?

“I’ve summited Quandary like a dozen times, and I’ve only seen it in daylight once.” Fatalities are rarer than helicopter extractions, but they do happen—in recent summer incidents,

one woman fell down a couloir and died

, and another suffered a cardiac arrest on the summit.

What is a Class 1 14er?

Class 1 peaks such as Quandary Peak and Mt Elbert have a firm trail that

you can hike all the way to the summit

. These routes are the easiest class, with no scrambling or climbing – you won’t ever have to use your hands. Note that some class 1 hikes can still be difficult due to their length and inaccessibility.

How long of a hike is Bierstadt?

Hike Distance

1 to 7 miles Round Trip
Difficulty Easy to Difficult Duration 1 to 6 hours Trail Type Out and Back Elevation Gain Up to 2400′

What should I pack for a 14er?

  • Quick-dry short-sleeve or long-sleeve top.
  • Shorts and hiking pants.
  • Hiking socks.
  • Hiking boots or shoes with plenty of tread and ankle support. Be sure this isn’t your first time wearing new shoes!
  • Warm mid-layer or insulated jacket.
  • Rain Jacket.
  • Gloves.
  • Hat.

How do you prepare for a 14er?

In preparing to tackle a 14er, aim to

work out at least five days per week

, with at least one day of active rest that includes light walking or a stretching/foam-rolling session.

What is the prettiest 14er in Colorado?

  • San Luis Peak – Class 1 – 14,014 ft. …
  • Longs Peak – Class 3 – 14,255 feet. …
  • Blanca Peak – Class 2 – 14,345 feet. …
  • Windom Peak – Class 2 – 14,082 feet. …
  • Uncompahgre Peak – Class 2 – 14,309 feet. …
  • Mount Huron – Class 2 – 14,003 feet. …
  • Mt. …
  • Mount Massive – Class 2 – 14,421 feet.

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.

What’s the hardest hike in Colorado?


The towering sentinel of Longs Peak

is the undisputed king of the northern Front Range, visible from downtown Denver to Fort Collins. The trail to the top of this 14,255-foot mountain is staggeringly difficult and accounts for more failed summit attempts than most other 14ers, according to the National Park Service.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.