Photo by Stefanie Wunderle
One question that I have been asked several times since I began living in the Vail Valley area is, “How many 14’ers have you climbed?” I am sad to respond back with a dissatisfied “None” but I am determined to accomplish at least one before I must leave. Climbing a 14’er in Colorado is so significant because Colorado has a whopping 55 mountains that are 14’ers, which is more than any other state in the U.S. (The actual number of 14’ers is continuously debated and differs from person to person). According to the U.S. Geological Survey that is taken and the Colorado Mountain Club, to be considered a true Colorado 14’er a peak must exceed 300 feet above a saddle which connects the mountain to another nearby peak.  Though there are these rules for the official 14’er list, there are some exceptions that don’t completely fit the criteria. Confusing I know, but nonetheless official.
After asking around the office about their personal 14’er experiences, I came up with a list of 5 mountains that seemed to be the easiest for less experienced hikers like myself.
- Quandary Peak: This peak is Colorado’s 13th-highest 14’er and is said by many to be the best first 14’er to attempt if you are a beginner. Quandary is a favorite because it is accessible all throughout the year and provides exceptional panoramic views of the Tenmile Mountain Range.
- Mount Massive: Mount Massive is a part of the Sawatch Range and claims its fame by being the second largest 14’er in Colorado. Though it is the second largest, it still has some beginner hiking trails to the 14,421 ft summit.
- Mount Bierstadt: During the late summer, Mount Bierstadt can be argued as the easiest 14’er to accomplish for a beginner. This 14,060 ft peak is a part of the Rocky Mountain Range and is one of the most fun and scenic of all the 14’ers.
- Grays Peak/ Mount Torreys: Now I know I promised you the 5 easiest, but these two are so close together you might as well do them both in one day (that way you can say you did not only one but two 14’ers in one day). These peaks can be found in the Southern Rocky Mountains and are only a half an hour away from Denver.
With only having a short amount of time left in the Vail Valley, I am determined to conquer at least one of the famous Colorado 14’ers. If you are planning a vacation to the Rocky Mountains, climbing a 14’er should be on your Colorado bucket list.
To learn more information about these 14′ers or the other 50 mountains, visit http://www.14ers.com/.
Plan your vacation with Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-888-866-2305 or by visiting their website here.
Tags: 14ers, climbing, colorado, easy hikes, mountains
I have done both Quandry (summer and in winter) and Gray’s/Torreys – all of which are excellent! I would definitely recommend getting an early start in the summer because storms usually roll in by about 4 pm. Last year it was snowing on top of Torrey’s in July!
PS September is definitely the best month to do a 14er!