Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
I have decided that there is too much arbitrariness in climbing whether it be how you define a 14er or the proper way to climb one. Some say they only count if you climb at least 3,000 vertical feet, others get all fussy about how much or little gear you should or shouldn't use. If we are honest, it is all personal opinion. My opinion is that climbing a 14er should be done in a fun manner and with this in mind I felt that walking up and down a jeep road for seven miles each way didn't sound like fun.
In order to make it fun I left Copper Mountain at 5:45 and rode my KTM 990 Adventure motorcycle with my daughter on the back and headed for Mt Antero's Baldwin Gulch. The ride was beautiful and cool with very little traffic. I was nervous about riding such a big bike with a passenger up and down a somewhat rough jeep road, but everything went well. It took us almost exactly two hours to go from Copper to about the 13,200' mark where we shed our motorcycle jackets and pants and took off on foot for the final 1,000' up Antero.
Sure beats walking up a dirt road for seven miles.
The climb went quickly and we were on top after about 40 minutes where we enjoyed some beautiful views, ate some sandwiches, took photos and chatted with some other hikers.
Climbing the final few feet to the summit.
Looking west from the summit of Antero
Shavano and Tabeguache from Antero
Beautiful daughter, beautiful day, beautiful Colorado - I am truly blessed.
After almost thirty minutes on top we headed back down to our bike, donned our riding gear and headed back down towards 162.
There were a few sections where the road was a little too rough and steep for descending with a passenger, so my daughter got a little extra hiking than expected. We were back in Copper by 12:30 in spite of stopping for gas and to call home.
I realize my method will upset the purists, but we had a great time!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
In late June, we hiked from the bottom of Baldwin Gulch. Crossed the creek in our bare feet and made it to the craggy rocks seven hours after we had started. There were three of us and one was a slower climber. We just ran out of time and some strength. It was our first "fail" on a 14er. Next attempt, we are renting the Jeep and parking it exactly where you parked your bike. The "officials" can say what they want but if and when we summit, we will still call it a victory. Like you, a good time will be had. Thanks for keeping it fun!
I couldn't agree more about the ”rules” of a 14er! Coming from the flatlands of Missouri (with little hills we call the old Boston Mountains in the Ozarks), it is pure pleasure and an honor to be able to summit any of the 13ers or 14ers out in Colorado. One of my favorite hikes was the Lincoln/Bross/Democrat/Cameron hike. To me, I climbed 4 14ers, not 3. If my little 100 pound, 4'10” frame hauled hind-end up those buggers, then I counted them all! Rules, schmules, I say! Just get out there and enjoy living!!!!! Great post! I'm so glad you had a great time with your daughter. I just recently lost both of my dads within a 5 month time frame so I love hearing and seeing parents and kids having a great time together! Cherish every moment you guys have together, whether on a mountain or sharing a cold one on the back porch! Thanks for a fun post!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
