Navigating Your Initial 14er Summit: A Guide to Making It Tolerable, If Not Pleasurable
Struttin' up a 14er, huh? Badass.
A 14er's 14,000 feet of elevation ain't nothin' to sneeze at. You're in for a tough, thrilling ride with some jaw-dropping vistas.
But don't let Instagram fool you—the struggle's real. You'll feel the thin air, your muscles'll ache, and yep, you might question your life choices at times on the ascent.
But lemme tell ya, it's completely worth it.
Conquering a 14er is an experience you'll never forget, provided you got your shit together—smart planning, a dash of grit, and a solid game plan.
These 14 nuggets of wisdom will make sure you steer clear of rookie mistakes, keep your cool (and knees intact) throughout the climb, and even have fun on the way up.
Wait, WTF is a 14er?
Simple, it's a mountain that reaches 14,000 feet above sea level.
These jobs are steep, high, and oh so addictive, let me tell ya. Racking up 14ers become one of our favorite adventures when we lived in Breckenridge. We summited five, and each one was a bitch, a beauty, and unforgettable in its own way.
Once you start seeking these babies out, it's hard to stop. You'll become a 14er junkie.
Whether it's your first or fifth, it always feels like an accomplishment.
When's the Best Time to Hike a 14er?
Summer, baby! Specifically late summer into early fall.
By mid-July, most of the snow is gone, trails are more trustworthy, and late afternoon storms are less frequent. Even September can be good, with cooler temps, fewer crowds, and amazing fall colors.
Basic Ass 14ers for Your First One
Quandary Peak was our pick for a newb's first climb—steady elevation gain, no technical climbing, and you'll find your feet.
Another favorite was the Decalibron Loop. It's a similar distance as Quandary, but it lets you score four summits in one go. The views? Mind-blowing.
For your initial 14er, keep it simple—stick to a non-technical route rated Class 1 or Class 2. Demand less climbing or scrambling. Some peaks have multiple paths, so pick the easiest one.
Look up your options on 14ers.com.
Here are a few newb-friendly choices:
- Mount Bierstadt
- Mount Sherman
- Grays Peak
- Handies Peak
Check the trailhead access too—some require 4WD. Stone cold won't get off your arse if you can't reach it.
What We Wish We Knew Before Our First 14er
Proper Planning, Homie
One does not simply wing a 14er—it requires time, prep, and a smart strategy.
Once your plan's set, share it with someone—tell them your route and when you expect to return. It adds a layer of safety.
Don't skip the research. Know your route, review trail reports, look out for detours, or weather changes. Weather can change fast in the mountains.
We rely on AllTrails to stay on top of trail conditions.
Lastly, our love for lists.
Checklists keep us organized and prevent us from forgetting anything essential.
Train Like a Mutherfucker
I wish we'd trained more before our first 14er. We made it, but it was brutal. These hikes are steep, long, and the altitude hits hard—even if you're in halfway decent shape.
Cardio comes in handy, building your endurance (think cycling or easy treadmill incline).
High-intensity intervals work on your lungs and stamina. Legs and core strength matter too.
But really it can be even simpler than that.
The most effective thing? GO HIKING.
Hiking trains everything at once, plus it's far more fun than slogging it out on a gym treadmill.
Reckon REI has a kick-ass article on specific exercises and shit to help you prep for a 14er.
Keep Your Expectations Real
I had visions of sauntering up a 14er, snapping a selfie at the summit, and still making happy hour.
Yeah, right. We barely made it to dinner.
Training and prepping make the hike easier, but not super easy.
You'll slow down, get winded, and feel the burn—no matter how fit you are. The trail's steep, the sun's fierce, and weather is mercurial.
Always have low expectations, high hopes.
The Altitude's a Bitch
The altitude can smack you around, trust me.
We lived five minutes away (at 10,600 ft.) from the Quandary trailhead for years and still felt its effects.
If you're comin' from lower parts, you will feel it too.
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath are common symptoms at high elevations. Serious problems like High-altitude pulmonary edema can also occur.
Prevention is key: proper acclimation is crucial. Ease into it: spend a few days at mid-altitude, do some warm-up hikes, and give your body time to adjust before takeoff for the summit.
The altitude doesn't give a damn how fit you are—acclimating correctly can make or break your hike.
Know When to Say When
We've been there: one second you're feeling invincible, the next? Wondering why you ever thought climbing a 14er was a good idea.
That's just part of the 14er game.
Your legs'll ache, your lungs'll hate you, and your brain'll try to steer you wrong.
Push past the doubt, push through the burn.
But if you're feeling dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or struggling to think straight, it's time to cut bait.
Turn around. The summit's not worth your health. The mountain ain't goin' nowhere.
Have Some F'n Fun
You ain't out here to smash a record.
Go at your own pace, soak it in, and enjoy the ride.
When you conquer the summit, take your time, breathe it in, and take a close look at what your body just pulled off. Go easy on the way down. Your legs'll be tired, your knees might protest, and the moment ain't for rushin'.
Celebrate, stay safe, and remember: it ain't just about reaching the top. The climb is half the journey.
Our 14er Packing List
Now that you've got a summit in your sights and a solid game plan, it's time for gear.
Even a half-day hike demands the right equipment to stay safe and comfy. Things change fast up high, so layers are key.
Here's our go-to packing list, along with a few favorites we swear by.
Clothes
Cotton's the enemy. It's a sorry excuse for fabric that holds onto sweat, takes forever to dry, and'll leave you freezing as soon as you stop movin'.
Instead, opt for clothes made from Merino wool and synthetic materials that dry fast and wick away sweat.
A rain jacket's a non-negotiable. And it's not just for bad weather.
It serves as a windbreaker too, and a comfy, dry spot to sit on.
If you wanna read more about what we wear and bring, check out our post, Must-Have Gear for Summer Hiking in Colorado.
Gear
You're gonna be out for hours, so don't scrimp on gear. Right stuff makes your hike way more cozy (and safer).
Here's what we bring on a 14er:
- First Aid Kit
- Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman
- Sunscreen (SPF 45+)
- Trekking Poles
- Comfortable backpack to hold everything
- Garmin InReach for GPS and emergency communication
- Fire starter (lighter or matches)
If you wanna know everything we carry, check out our post on Day Hiking Essentials.
What to Eat Hiking a 14er
At sea level, you can get by with skipping breakfast or neglecting hydration.
But not at 14,000 feet. Your body burns energy faster, dehydrates twice as quickly, and you need more sustenance.
If you're not keeping up with hydration and fuel, you'll feel it.
We start hydrating the day before a big hike and sip on water constantly on the trail. Aim for a liter every two hours, but adjust based on your pace and weather conditions.
And yes, water's heavy. But it's also the most important thing in your pack.
Snacks are your best friend. Food's your energy source, so treat it like your bestie.
Look how stoked Patrick is. You'd be just as psyched if you actually nourished yourself.
We pack a mix of slow-burning snacks like trail mix and Pro Bars (our faves) plus fast-acting ones like gummies, chocolate, or glucose chews for when your legs start quacking.
One more thing: don't wait until you feel like it to eat or drink. By then, it's already catching up to you.
Fuel early, fuel often, and your body will keep up with your goals.
It's the difference between suffering up a mountain and actually enjoying the climb.
- Climbing a 14er is addictive, especially since conquering one becomes an unforgettable adventure that leaves you feeling like a mountain junkie.
- For a beginner's first 14er, choose a trail with a steady elevation gain and non-technical routes. Class 1 or Class 2 difficulties are ideal. Quandary Peak and Mount Bierstadt are good options to start with.
- To save yourself from rookie mistakes during your 14er hike, you'll need proper planning, adequate physical training, realistic expectations, and good gear—all of which will make the climb not just bearable but enjoyable.
