Three 14ers in three days? Fitness and recovery...

[SeattleHc100er]

14ers!

In mid-July, I'm taking a serious look at trying to do solo climbs of Holy Cross, Elbert, and La Plata on three consecutive days. This will be my first go with the 14ers as I haven't stepped foot in Colorado for over 8 years. Given my fitness level by July ( +/- 8 summits of peaks in the Cascades with more prominence than these peaks, 25-30 miles of running per week at 7min. splits ), and assuming I acclimate well ( which I always have in the past above 12,000ft ), I feel it is possibly doable though not necessarily favorable or reasonable. I'm wondering if experienced 14ers have tried similar things, and whether I'm overestimating or underestimating the difficulty of the task. Also, if I'm underestimating the difficulty level of such, I would want to cut out either Elbert or La Plata to give myself a rest day. In which case, which mountain ( Elbert or La Plata ) is the more rewarding climb. If it helps give better advice to know, I always intentionally climb a class 2 or 3 route. I don't get much out of the path of least resistance I'm open to ALL advice when I'm new to a climbing region...

[Somewhat of a Prick]

Holy Cross in 1 day will be a long, tiring day. Just throwing that out there.

[Scott P]

whether I'm overestimating or underestimating the difficulty of the task.

It all depends on what shape you are in. If you are in good shape and acclimatized, it should be doable (though a bit tiring). Another alternative would be do do Huron or Sherman on day 2 as a "semi-rest" day. Huron is more interesting than Sherman, at least in summer. Huron and Sherman aren't very far from the area you will be in. (A 4wd vehicle makes Huron fairly short, though it's a bit longer with a 2wd).

[SurfNTurf]

Holy Cross in 1 day will be a Long, tiring day. Just throwing that out there.

It's really not that bad. I've done it twice and wasn't too exhausted either time. The trail is easy and pretty gradual despite the distance/gain totals, and the dreaded re-ascent over Half Moon Pass went by much quicker than anticipated.

If you're in good shape and your body responds well to altitude, there's no reason you couldn't do La Plata, Elbert and Holy Cross in consecutive summer days.

[iquack08]

With that much running, you're definitely in shape for your plan. It would really depend on how well you acclimate.

If this is your first 14er and you're going solo, I would recommend doing the standard route for Elbert first. There would be more people on the trail in case you run into any problem.

[mountainrev]

Holy Cross in 1 day will be a long, tiring day. Just throwing that out there.

Holy Cross via the standard North Ridge is not bad. I definitely wouldn't want to combine Halo Ridge with two more back-to-back 14ers, however. If you need to eliminate Elbert or La Plata, I'd vote for keeping La Plata. More scenic, less crowded.

[SeattleHc100er]

Holy Cross in 1 day will be a long, tiring day. Just throwing that out there.

Holy Cross via the standard North Ridge is not bad. I definitely wouldn't want to combine Halo Ridge with two more back-to-back 14ers, however. If you need to eliminate Elbert or La Plata, I'd vote for keeping La Plata. More scenic, less crowded.

Yeah, I'm getting the feeling that Holy Cross will be the last climb of the three that I do so I can make a judgement call on whether I want to climb it standard or take Halo Ridge based on how the other two climbs went. Most responses I've gotten seem to raise caution about doing Halo Ridge in these circumstances ( which is the route I really want to take ).

[Wish I lived in CO]

Just giv'r a try. If you're too wiped after HC, you'll know it. I usually hike three days or more in a row in my annual trip out there and I'm sure I'm in worse shape than you and probably older. (Along with some sort of training), it just takes determination to get up and out of bed on time. You don't have to burn it up the trails, just keep 'er movin'. Once I finally get on the trail for a half hour those mornings I'm usually glad I did. Pack smart, start early and enjoy. Worst case sleep in and enjoy a good beer of your choice on the second day and hit LaPlata on your last day.

[IronSkiMountaineer]

You can do it. Last year I did Elbert Friday, Castle and Conundrum on Saturday, then biked up Mt. Evans from Idaho Springs on Sunday. Though my legs were heavy on the ride, i just downshifted and kept pushing. Just start a little earlier and give yourself some more time and you'll be fine. The great thing about hiking is since there's little pounding like running, you can climb on super tired legs without actually doing real muscle damage, you'll just move a little slower.

[nfire]

la plata > elbert all day long

[Komojin]

I agree w/"wished I lived in CO" -- I think you stand a good shot at the 3x3, weather permitting. I prefer loops to out-n-backs, so I highly recommend the Halo Ridge route on Holy Cross, & return via the N. ridge route. Long but wonderful.

[James Scott]

My 2 cents:

I would do Holy Cross on day one, rather than wait until the last day. It will be unpleasant with spent legs. Whichever route you do, try to start early enough to be done early afternoon rather than early evening. You'll need some time for stretching, hydrating, sleeping, and eating. Get to the next day's TH and relax.

Elbert is a much easier day, even though the false summits can be frustrating. Get some extra sleep, understand that the first half mile will be brutal getting loose, and enjoy- it's a good path.

I would consider the Winfield TH for La Plata on day three- it's a much more gentle climb- some steep, challenging sections, but the RT and elevation will be far more agreeable for tired legs.

If you have time, it would be really wise to get down to the Cottonwood Hot Springs between day two and three to help your legs regain some life.

Enjoy!