First 14er with kids
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First 14er with kids
We're flying out to Colorado for the first time ever (*so excited*) in late June/early July and want to take advantage of the beautiful mountains. We have 2 kids, aged 11 and 12 that are coming with us, so we need to set realistic goals for them. We're close to the Smoky Mountains and we plan on climbing a few 6ers in TN for preparation, to give us an idea of how strenuous it will be. There are close to 3,000' gains with some of the mountains in the Smoky's, so aside from the altitude, we hope that it will be similar to what we will find in CO. Are there any special considerations that we need to think about for our kids? What are the best 14ers for kids? Should we attempt 14ers with our kids, or should we start with something smaller?
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Re: First 14er with kids
Acclimatizing to the altitude will be the key. I would suggest Handies Peak as a good one. Besides that area will be just starting with wild flowers early July. Its a really pretty basin.
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Re: First 14er with kids
I don't think you could do better than Sherman. Pretty short (relatively), I think RT is about 6 miles. Not very strenuous (relatively) and has some neat mine ruins to explore.
For young kids, first time, coudln't do better. Then you can gage your abilities and desires.
That being said, be prepared mentally for the 14,000ft. Its not a minor thing. If you are a runner it will be a big help. I am not and the first time I tried a 14er it was pretty shocking.
One other thing. If you are coming in late June, don't expect what you think is late June weather. Expect hurricane force winds and ice and snow....might not get that, but prepare for it.
For young kids, first time, coudln't do better. Then you can gage your abilities and desires.
That being said, be prepared mentally for the 14,000ft. Its not a minor thing. If you are a runner it will be a big help. I am not and the first time I tried a 14er it was pretty shocking.
One other thing. If you are coming in late June, don't expect what you think is late June weather. Expect hurricane force winds and ice and snow....might not get that, but prepare for it.
"Quicker than I can tell it, my hands failed to hold, my feet slipped, and down I went with almost an arrow’s rapidity. An eternity of thought, of life, of death, wife, and home concentrated on my mind in those two seconds. Fortunately for me, I threw my right arm around a projecting boulder which stood above the icy plain some two or three feet." Rev. Elijah Lamb
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Re: First 14er with kids
Everything depends upon what vehicle you will rent after landing in Denver and where you will stay.
I suggest Quandary Peak or Mt. Bierstadt if you can rent a compact or a regular passenger car. Both mountains are close to Denver. The trailheads are right off a paved road.
With a 4 drive vehicle with a high clearance, you can go anywhere.
I suggest Quandary Peak or Mt. Bierstadt if you can rent a compact or a regular passenger car. Both mountains are close to Denver. The trailheads are right off a paved road.
With a 4 drive vehicle with a high clearance, you can go anywhere.
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Re: First 14er with kids
Yale is another possibility. The trailhead's on a paved road, and there's a nice trail almost all the way to the summit.
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Re: First 14er with kids
Mt. Yale may be too strenuous for inexperienced young kids.Mtnman200 wrote:Yale is another possibility. The trailhead's on a paved road, and there's a nice trail almost all the way to the summit.
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Re: First 14er with kids
We hope to rent a Jeep, when we get there. Yes, preparing for the differences in weather will be another issue in itself. Hot, humid, calm vs chilly, dry and windy. Unfortunately, I'm not a runner, but we do strenuous hikes and activities.
We're going, partly, to visit family that lives in Paonia. So, we will be making our way slowly from Denver down to that area, which means we can hit Beirstadt and more of the other easier 14ers along the way. We also plan to hit the Black Canyon, down in Gunnison, which is pretty close to Paonia.
We're going, partly, to visit family that lives in Paonia. So, we will be making our way slowly from Denver down to that area, which means we can hit Beirstadt and more of the other easier 14ers along the way. We also plan to hit the Black Canyon, down in Gunnison, which is pretty close to Paonia.
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Re: First 14er with kids
The sun is evil so be prepared. I would say that the intensity of the sun is one of the biggest surprises for first timers. Bring lots of sunscreen and apply it frequently, cover up with hats, long sleeves, and definitely don't forgot your sunglasses in the car, trust me it sucks.
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Re: First 14er with kids
No kids...but as someone who was happily climbing mountains around ages 11/12, I'll try to address each question separately 
1) Make sure that they understand that they need to drink LOTS of water - much more so than what they're used to. This might not be a particular problem on hot, muggy days int the Smokies, but for a kid to actively stay hydrated on a cold alpine morning before sunrise, or with a cold wind above treeline, might be pretty unnatural, so you might need to take the lead on that. It's also a good reminder to keep yourself hydrated too
2) They need to be cool with waking up early. I mean VERY early, like, before sunrise. Summer lightning storms occur nearly every afternoon on ALL Colorado mountains- the storms don't care if the mountain is "easy" or not. Generally, you want to plan your hike so as to be below TREELINE (not just off the summit, as some mistakenly believe) by around noon. Remember to factor in extra time for the altitude, breaks, etc. Now, it may very well be that, if they're stoked, they'll have an easier time with this than you - but the point is they need to understand that this is very serious, potentially life-and-death matter, and not up for discussion.
3) Lots of sunscreen! Even on a cloudy day, the amount of ultraviolet radiation at these elevations is huge. This is especially true if there is snow around -which in late June/early July is a very distinct possibility.
Good luck and enjoy your visit!

Yes. Here are a few:bamagirl wrote:Are there any special considerations that we need to think about for our kids?
1) Make sure that they understand that they need to drink LOTS of water - much more so than what they're used to. This might not be a particular problem on hot, muggy days int the Smokies, but for a kid to actively stay hydrated on a cold alpine morning before sunrise, or with a cold wind above treeline, might be pretty unnatural, so you might need to take the lead on that. It's also a good reminder to keep yourself hydrated too

2) They need to be cool with waking up early. I mean VERY early, like, before sunrise. Summer lightning storms occur nearly every afternoon on ALL Colorado mountains- the storms don't care if the mountain is "easy" or not. Generally, you want to plan your hike so as to be below TREELINE (not just off the summit, as some mistakenly believe) by around noon. Remember to factor in extra time for the altitude, breaks, etc. Now, it may very well be that, if they're stoked, they'll have an easier time with this than you - but the point is they need to understand that this is very serious, potentially life-and-death matter, and not up for discussion.
3) Lots of sunscreen! Even on a cloudy day, the amount of ultraviolet radiation at these elevations is huge. This is especially true if there is snow around -which in late June/early July is a very distinct possibility.
All the ones already mentioned would be good options. In general, any mountain here that has a well-defined trail will not be any more difficult (and often less so) in terms of actual hiking than trails out East. As you correctly said, it's mainly the altitude (plus weather hazards) that are the main difference.bamagirl wrote: What are the best 14ers for kids?
While you might want to acclimate a bit first (hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or Indian Peaks Wilderness are great options for this - great scenery and more moderate elevations), there's actually some advantage to hiking 14ers as opposed to other mountains, namely that the 14ers tend to have MUCH more information available, and more people - which of course can be both a blessing and a curse, but it generally means less commitment and the opportunity to ask questions. Other peaks may have less info on conditions and routes, more potential to get lost, unexpected sections of bad trail, loose rocks, snow, etc. So, I'd say the 14ers others have recommended are a good optionbamagirl wrote:Should we attempt 14ers with our kids, or should we start with something smaller?

Good luck and enjoy your visit!
Re: First 14er with kids
If you're set on doing a 14er I would look into the sawatch and bypass anything in the front range, especially if you're heading down that way. If you and your kids have moxie and the weather is decent none of them are more than strenuous hikes. In June you'll encounter snow, but on the standard routes you should be ok, bringing a pair of hiking poles can help a lot. If you get tired and don't want to go on, just turn around and walk back down.
Yale is a good choice, Princeton, La Plata, Elbert too. Shavano could be good and would probably have the least snow. Start early, bring lots of food and water and sunscreen and a good rain jacket and you'll be good to go.
Yale is a good choice, Princeton, La Plata, Elbert too. Shavano could be good and would probably have the least snow. Start early, bring lots of food and water and sunscreen and a good rain jacket and you'll be good to go.
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Re: First 14er with kids
Already mentioned, but I would recommend Sherman or Grays and Torreys. Grays and Torreys will not likely give you solitude, but is a beautiful area. Those were my kids' first 14ers.
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Re: First 14er with kids
Hey Bamagirl, the advice above are all extremely valuable things to consider. I will second the need to drink LOTS of water! This is crucial. Some climbers who visit the Himalayas would also recommend to take Aspirin regularly before and during your trip as this can help thin your blood a little more allowing it to deliver more oxygen faster to your brain preventing headaches in those higher altitudes. You guys will be flying into Denver so the change in altitude from where you are will be almost immediate and not very gradual as if you were to drive so give yourself a day or two before you guys start the more extreme hiking. Now remember, while it is summer, it is also 14,000ft and the weather can change quickly. Be sure you guys also have clothing to cover up sensitive parts of your body like your ears, your forehead, your fingers, etc. when the winds pick up and the clouds start to cover. A wonderful hike can turn extremely uncomfortable quickly when that wind bites at your skin. And be aware that climbing 14ers can take it's toll on your body so fuel properly and stretch a lot to help loosen up and allow yourself to recover quickly.
As far as which peaks to climb, I would also recommend Quandary or any of the immediate 14ers within eyeshot of Denver (Bierstadt, Grays, Torreys) The presidentials (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) are also great firsts. Those were my firsts when I was 9 years old so your kiddos should enjoy them as well. The good news is that you can climb all 4 of them in one day also. But whichever you decide, make sure you do a little bit of research so that you're at least aware of your surroundings and relative direction in order to make the climb as stress-free and as enjoyable as possible.
I hope your trip is wonderful and that you enjoy our Colorado!
As far as which peaks to climb, I would also recommend Quandary or any of the immediate 14ers within eyeshot of Denver (Bierstadt, Grays, Torreys) The presidentials (Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross) are also great firsts. Those were my firsts when I was 9 years old so your kiddos should enjoy them as well. The good news is that you can climb all 4 of them in one day also. But whichever you decide, make sure you do a little bit of research so that you're at least aware of your surroundings and relative direction in order to make the climb as stress-free and as enjoyable as possible.
I hope your trip is wonderful and that you enjoy our Colorado!
"The mountains are calling and I must go." -John Muir
"Climbing brings nothing to humanity. I climb for myself and for the joy of the sport." -Ueli Steck
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"Climbing brings nothing to humanity. I climb for myself and for the joy of the sport." -Ueli Steck
"Climbing mountains is the only thing I know that combines the best of the physical, spiritual, and emotional world all rolled into one." -Steve Gladbach