Which 14er do you fear the most?

[Stephen Butler]

I would have to say Little Bear followed by North Maroon and Capitol.

[BillMiddlebrook]

"Sunlight Spire"

But I think I fear the train ride more than the climb. I hate that friggin' train!

[Bean]

Mt. Hunter. Probably won't ever attempt it.

[Billy the Kid]

I think I am only echoing what others have said over and over on this thread, but of my 9 remaining 14ers, DEFINITELY Little Bear is the one that gives me the most anxiety! That hourglass just looks nasty and unpredictable! From what I have gathered from trip reports and other peoples’ accounts, the ascent isn’t too bad. It’s coming back down that is the tough part. I did the Bells and Pyramid last summer, and for me, they were not near as bad as I thought they were going to be. Other than the lose rock issue, I found there to be very little exposure and I would go back and do them again, anytime! I just can’t wait until Little Bear is behind me!!

[sheller]

The Bells and Little Bear. We did Snowmass in April and I felt the worst part was the river crossing. We cramponed up the glacier which was long and tiring, but definitely nothing to fear. Glissading down was a blast, just watch out for crevasses.

[screeman57]

Interesting, the variety of responses. Many of the ones I feared the most before I did them (Pyramid, Snowmass, Crestone Needle) I realized afterwards I had catastrophized. But perhaps my fear generated some necessary vigilance and care--I've heard too many stories of over-confidence leading to carelessness.

Anyway, to answer the question, North Maroon and Little Bear. I've turned around on Little Bear twice--once in the hourglass when I realized my boots were worn-out and slipping, again last weekend on the SW ridge because the day got away from me after bushwacking for 2 1/2 hours to find the ridge.

I suppose, in general, nothing scares me more than loose rock--the seeming randomness of it.

[snowypeaks]

For me, I don’t know at “fear” is the right word.

There are clearly situations that garner heightened awareness, judgment, skill, and precision going into them. Focused decision-making is key, based on one’s ability, weather, team, and a myriad of other factors. If you handle a situation well and on-average make wise decisions, one would expect perhaps a challenging, but relatively calm and fear-free climb. This is why climbing challenging peaks is so fun.

Fear jumps front and center when something goes unexpectedly south and I have lost control of my situation, even momentarily.… count among them a big bolt of lightning that is too close for comfort, climbing beyond my ability with a poor belay, nasty fall, or something of that sort. For me, fear is usually a sign that I did something wrong somewhere along the way and I need to learn from it.

So, for example, I often fear too many people on a mountain (like Little Bear, Bells, etc.), so I climb when there are fewer folks around and my sense of safety isn’t violated before I even begin climbing.

[wildlobo71]

The next one.

This has been my go-to standard answer. I didn't fear any I climbed - I knew I could handle the task before me and I was in control of what I could control. That being said, I have nerves before every climb I go on, no matter how simple or hard. Lastly, I have sweaty mad respect for Little Bear and Mount Wilson; I will probably repeat them both - and I am looking forward to them the least.

[geojed]

I don't feel "fear" for any of them. Just respect them for each of their unique challenges.

[Tornadoman]

I knew when started this thread that 'fear' might not be the correct word. Replace it with 'gets the most respect from me', is 'intimidating', I think I am most likely to get killed trying to climb, etc.

I have never been afraid while actually climbing any of the 14ers due to the route being too difficult. However, I was afraid on Antero when I was caught in a snow thunderstorm above treeline!

[Tornadoman]

Little Bear by far, but also The Bells and Snowmass... Not only for their appearances but their histories of taking the lives of experienced climbers.

I think we are in agreement. My order would be Little Bear, Snowmass, then probably the Bells.

[Tornadoman]

I think you have to separate this into multiple categories. On first glance I would say Little Bear (hourglass) and El Diente primarily because of loose rock. However, I have had unpleasant experiences on Mt. Massive and Mt. Columbia with unforecasted inclement weather that I don't want to repeat. This also applies to snow climbs were I was quite bothered by avy danger. Then there is always the the long round trip mileage fear and the human factors such as broken ankles such that go along with that.

Did you climb El Diente from the Kilpacker/South Slopes route? I didn't think it was too bad, but that north side looks sketchy.