FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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I'm new to the forum so please be nice
I will be visiting Denver for work in mid June and took some extra time off to do 1-2 hikes around the area. I'm originally from Austria so used to hiking in the alps, usually for 6-7hrs max and around 1000-1500m (3000-5000ft) total gain at a time. Would you guys have any recommendations on peaks that are within maybe 2hrs drive from Denver and then doable in 6-7hrs? Maybe a dual Grays and Torreys Peak? Or Mount Evans? The alps are generally around 7k-10k ft, so should I maybe aim for a shorter hike because of the extra altitude?
I'll only be going by myself: are the routes usually easy to identify? In Austria we have coloured markers on trees/rocks that indicated different routes, is there something similar?
If 2 hours from Denver is a major factor your options are going to be the Grays/Torreys combo, Bierstadt/Evans combo, Mt. of The Holy Cross, Longs Peak or Quandary. If you are willing to add about 30 minutes to the drive there is also Elbert and Massive as well as Sherman. I would say the Decalibron, but I am not sure if those will be available to hike at that time, I think there are some public closures going on at the trailhead for those peaks.
Most of the 14er trails are well maintained and easy to follow, plus there's usually a decent number of hikers to the peaks that close to Denver and Colorado Springs. I really would recommend Quandary above the others if you can hit it on a weekday when it's slightly less crowded. Grays and Torreys are great too, but get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. You might even consider some of the states great 13ers too, lots of great peaks that have less traffic and views are just as grand.
Seems like the times that I need a mountain the most are the times that I can not get to them.
In addition to the above peaks, I'd add Yale. Easy to get to trailhead, easy to follow trail. Holy Cross and Longs are quite a bit bigger undertaking, so not a great choice for the first time out in Colorado. Sherman would also be a good first or second peak to do. Not a lot of vertical and the route is quite obvious, it's mostly, or even entirely, above tree line. (might be a tree or two at the start)
If you want to beat the crowds with a thirteener, Square Top is close and has a high starting elevation, and pretty straightforward. Doesn't exactly have a trail once you get past Square Top Lake, but it's also easy to see the way up.
The 2 hour drive is tough, but within 3 opens more options.
I wouldn't recommend Holy Cross or Longs. They aren't "easy" 6-7 hour hikes or suitable for solo first-timers.
Some of your choices will depend on your vehicle. Easiest access is Quandary, Elbert, or Yale. Princeton or Sherman should fit the bill if you have high clearance. From Sherman - if you're feeling peppy - you can trek over to Gemini or further to Dyer Mountain. Grays and Torreys would also work, but parking is rough unless you get up there at 4am (high clearance needed to upper trailhead). Very popular in summer. So is Quandary and you'll have to ride the shuttle or reserve for parking. A big pain. Bierstadt is a great choice if you don't mind "crowds". And crowds doesn't mean you'll be hiking in a pack of people! It just means you'll see lots of folks all along the trail and at the summit. During the week is much better. If the parking lots are full you can always find parking on the road within easy trail access. I highly approve as a first outing.
Square Top was mentioned, but sketchy due to no trail past the lake. It can get confusing above treeline. Mt Evans... eh. Don't bother. Cars near the top! Whatever you choose, enjoy!
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
Another idea would be to hike from Loveland Pass. You can hit 13ers Sniktau, Cupid, and Grizzly Peak D. If you were feeling good you could skip Sniktau and hit Torrey's from Grizzly Peak D, but this is longer and more difficult and there is significant climb on your return journey.
I dont recommend Grays due to the rough road main trail. You would have to rent high clearance SUV for the main trailhead. The alternative trailhead from Loveland Pass is 20 km and more than 7 hours.
If you can get an online parking lot pass climb Quandary.
Gulf_Coast_Hiker wrote: ↑Fri May 12, 2023 10:49 am
If you were feeling good you could skip Sniktau and hit Torrey's from Grizzly Peak D, but this is longer and more difficult and there is significant climb on your return journey.
Don't do this. Not a smart idea for a solo first timer... or second.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
mtree wrote: ↑Fri May 12, 2023 9:33 am
Square Top was mentioned, but sketchy due to no trail past the lake
I have never done square top, but a trail is clearly visible all the way to the summit on satellite imagery.
I just climbed it for the 4th time a couple years ago and there was no trail once turning up hill. Referring to the route from the Guanella Pass side.
I remember a trail up a little ways past the lake but don't remember much on the actual mountain... nevertheless, at least for me I don't see why a trail would be necessary as the route is pretty obvious once you are at the lake. Just go to the left, gain the ridge, then up!
Hiking_TheRockies wrote: ↑Fri May 12, 2023 3:03 pm
I remember a trail up a little ways past the lake but don't remember much on the actual mountain... nevertheless, at least for me I don't see why a trail would be necessary as the route is pretty obvious once you are at the lake. Just go to the left, gain the ridge, then up!
