14er trip for 800' dwellers

[MajesticCO]

3 friends and I are planning on heading to Denver for a late September weekend and we'd love to hike our first 14er. I've got a couple noobie questions that I've tried to answer with various YouTube videos and google searches but I'd like the forums help too.

Is the 20th of September too late for 14ers with respect to snowfall and temp?

Anything major I should know about Quandry, Grays, or Bierstadt? These are the 3 we're juggling for a Class 2 route. Mostly looking for views and access to camping spots here.

What are some great camping spots you know of close to the peaks mentioned above?


Some info about us:

4 very in shape gentlemen in our early 20s living at about 800'. We are planning on about 30 hours from arrival to starting our hike.

ANY additional information helps and is welcome! Thanks guys.

[nyker]

There's another thread or two active recently on the topic. Look through those comments.

I'd focus on acclimatizing and going slowly and play it by ear with the weather if you're not comfortable with any snow. Don't start climbing something you're not comfortable with as if there's snow at the trailhead, there's only going to be more snow higher up.

September 20 is not too 'late' as folks climb all year. As far as weather, snow can happen late September yes, I'd give it a 50/50 chance of 'some' snow in September but it could be light snow which melts quickly if warmer that week and that's easily climbable or heavier, more sustained and lingers. With that said, snow can happen in July and August also but will typically melt out quicker.

Temperature will likely be colder then compared to now but not sure where your threshold is. Simple answer, bring warmer clothes. More importantly, know that for every thousand ft you gain in elevation you will lose roughly 3° of temperature.. you can do the math on temperature change as you go higher. That's not including potential wind chill if it's windy.

For climbing those peaks you mentioned on the weekends you may have more of a challenge finding close parking than hiking them.

[MajesticCO]

Thank you for your reply. After consulting more searches and forum posts, I'm going with the Southwest Slopes on Huron. I hear it has beautiful fall views and should be challenging enough to make us regret going (lol).

[RhodoRose]

Would absolutely NOT recommend Huron Southwest Slope for a first 14er. That is a seriously ugly, unmaintained route, unmarked in places, with an unstable boulder field as soon as you break treeline. That's where I was headed up and saw people coming down carrying pieces of the helicopter that had just crashed trying to rescue a climber who broke an ankle on that boulder field (talking about the accident memorialized on the plaque just off the road at Winfield.) There's a reason people don't do this route. If you want something a little more challenging and longer than the Northwest beginner route, I'd suggest LuLu Gulch.

[MajesticCO]

Thanks for this info. I'll definetely do more research on the routes

[pw]

Bierstadt is a good first fourteener with a high trailhead from a paved road and a good trail built by the CFI several years ago (Bierstadt back in the day was famous for having to thrash through the willows at the start of the hike). Guanella Pass has a campground or two, not sure of how difficult it would be to get a spot. Mt. Sherman would be another one to toss in the mix of possible hikes. You can see the summit of both of these pretty much the entire hike, so no getting lost. Sherman also has a high trailhead and not that much vertical.

Snow happens in September, but usually the amounts are low and it melts fairly quickly. Probably the only snow issue would be if it snowed on the day you planned to hike, just postpone if for a day or two.

[mtree]

Bierstadt is your best bet for all the reasons mentioned. It should be a pretty time of year and the crowds will be gone. Not to say there won't be folks up there, but way less than now. Who knows what the weather will be? Be prepared for anything. If a storm rolls in you might have to delay the hike a day or two. By Sept 20 I'm guessing any precipitation above 13k or so will be snow. Some peaks are getting a dusting this week. You won't acclimate so don't worry about that. Just stay hydrated and take it easy. You're only as fast as the slowest member.

[MajesticCO]

I was looking at the Bierstadt/Grays/Quandry area originally, but really wanted to see the south west view that’s on that side of the Sawatch range. That, and the amount of people

[ECF55]

If you want something a little more challenging and longer than the Northwest beginner route, I'd suggest LuLu Gulch.

Lulu Gulch is a joy and a much easier drive. The Lulu Gulch trail is longer than the standard, but you get much better views on the connecting ridges of Missouri and Huron's rugged east face. You also may not see anyone on the trail the whole day, even though the standard will have throngs of people.

Speaking as a 400' dweller, acclimation is no fun in those early days. You will feel it. I have done 14er hikes on my "Day 3 in Colorado" (Quandary and Sneffels) and they are invariably brutal affairs, but still doable. Best case, you'll just be sucking wind and slow. Worst case, you will start to develop some AMS symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness). Monitor how you feel and keep an eye on the sky for darkening clouds.

Good luck and have fun.

[Javfa1958]

If you decide on Huron stick to the Northwest Slopes route. It is better suited for a first time climber. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended to get to the trailhead. There are plenty of free camping spots at about 10K that will help you acclimate prior to your hike. Be prepared for 28 to 40 degrees at night. If you decide not to camp, I suggest staying over night the day prior at a high elevation town like Leadville.

Quandry and Bierstadt are much better suited for first climbs. You will be closer to civilization should anything go amiss. Make sure you acclimate.

[MajesticCO]

Thanks all for the help. i've decided on a Lulu Gulch ascent and then a standard route descent. Also choosing a couple alternate peaks if things go awry. AS far as acclimating... the best we can do is just over 24 hours. Will it help? Probably minimally xD, but thats what we got and we plan on prepping these next few weeks the best we can.

CAMPING: Does anyone have any insight on how packed Twin Lakes (first come first serve) will be for camping at this time of year? We are still looking for a site and would prefer a non-dispersed ground with a fire ring present. Thanks again

[mtree]

Thanks all for the help. i've decided on a Lulu Gulch ascent and then a standard route descent. Also choosing a couple alternate peaks if things go awry. AS far as acclimating... the best we can do is just over 24 hours. Will it help? Probably minimally xD, but thats what we got and we plan on prepping these next few weeks the best we can.

CAMPING: Does anyone have any insight on how packed Twin Lakes (first come first serve) will be for camping at this time of year? We are still looking for a site and would prefer a non-dispersed ground with a fire ring present. Thanks again

As ECF55 mentioned, you won't acclimate. Period. You'll just get your body ready for the endeavor. Start slow to feel it out. You'll find a rhythm eventually... maybe.

You shouldn't have any issue finding camping that time of year. Twin Lakes can get busy since they allow for RVs, vehicles, etc. But you should be ok if you get there early. Make sure you're aware of any fire bans. We've had rain, but some areas may not have lifted bans or things can dry out quickly. Twin Lakes will likely allow fires even with Stage 1 bans. Enjoy!