Strategies for Thriving and Potentially Appreciating Your Initial 14er Ascent

Strategies for Thriving and Potentially Appreciating Your Initial 14er Ascent

Alrighty then, let's chat 'bout summitting a friggin' mighty fine 14er, shall we? You've got the guts, the grit, and the desire to scale these lofty peaks that stand proud at over 14,000 freakin' feet above sea level. Dope!

Now, while every wannabe mountaineer posts those effortless-lookin' summit selfies, let's be honest: it ain't always a breeze up there. The altitude'll get ya, your legs'll scream, and sometimes you might even question your life choices as you trudge up the mountain. But here's the kicker - it's totally worth it.

Climbing a 14er can be one heck of an experience with the right prep, some elbow grease, and a phantastic game plan. These 14 pointers will help ya skip rookie mistakes, keep your confidence intact, and even enjoy the climb as much as (if not more than) the summit. So let's dive in.

So, what's a 14er?

A "14er" is just a fancy name for a mountain that towers at least 14,000 feet above sea level. These babies are steep, high, and addictive, for sure (in that type-2-fun kinda way). When we dwelt in Breckenridge, baggin' 14ers became one of our fave adventures, and we conquered five peaks. Each one was tough, beautiful, and unforgettable in its own way.

Once you start chasing these peakers, it's near impossible to stop. You get hooked, mate. Whether it's your first or fifth, it feels like an achievement every single time.

When the heck is the best time of year to conquer a 14er?

I'd recommend doing your climb in late summer through early fall. By mid-July, most of the gosh-awful snow disappears, trails are more reliable, and afternoon storms (while still a menace) start to taper off. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, and fall colors make September especially good, too.

Easy-ish 14ers for first-timers

We built our base by starting with Quandary Peak - an excellent starter peak with a steady gain in elevation and no technical climbing.

Another fav of ours was the Decalibron Loop, which summited four peaks in one go and boasted INSANE views. It was roughly the same distance as Quandary, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a better bang for your buck.

For your first 14er, stick to a non-technical route. Check for a trail rated Class 1 or Class 2, which means no scrambling or climbing (yay!). Some peaks offer multiple routes, so pick the easiest one available.

You'll find a wealth of information on 14ers.com, which can help you research routes, trailhead access, and conditions. And hey, if you're not sure which one to try first, here are a few recommendations for beginners:

• Mount Bierstadt
• Mount Sherman
• Grays Peak
• Handies Peak

Also, be sure to check trailhead access - some require 4WD, so don't waste your time starting the hike only to find you can't get to the trailhead.

What We Wish We Knew Before Our First 14er

Planning Prevents Poor Performance

One doesn't simply waltz up a 14er - it takes time, effort, and a solid plan. Once your plan is set, share it with someone. They'll know your route and the time you expect to return, adding an important safety net.

Don't skip the research. Get familiar with your route, check recent trail reports, and watch out for closures or weather changes. Weather shifts like a bear in heat in the mountains, so never underestimate its impact on your hike.

Wish We Trained More

We made it to the top, but it was TOUGH. These hikes are steep, long, and the altitude hits hard, even if you're in decent shape. Some steady-state cardio (think biking or boppin' steadily on a treadmill) will help build endurance. High-intensity workouts target your lungs, pushing them to work faster and recover quicker. And don't forget leg and core strength training for climbing those steep slopes like a boss.

Training ain't required, but it'll make your climb a breeze. REI has a great article on specific exercises for training for a 14er.

Adjust Your Expectations

I had visions of breeze through the hike, snapping a summit snap, and still making it to happy hour. Yeah, right. We barely made it to the dinner table.

Training and planning will make the hike easier, but don't expect the climb to be a walk in the park. You'll slow down, get winded, and feel the strain, no matter how fit you are. The trail's steep, the sun's a harsh taskmaster, and the weather's unpredictable.

We always say, "High hopes and low expectations."

The Altitude Will Get Ya

Altitude can hit like a ton of bricks - trust us. Even if you live at a high elevation, the climb still takes a toll on your system.

Prepare for altitude sickness common symptoms like headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Invest in some acclimation time by easing into it: spend a couple of days at mid-elevation, do warm-up hikes, and let your body adjust before tackling the summit.

Altitude don't care how fit you are - proper acclimatization can make or break your 14er hike.

Know When to Push and When to Stop

You've felt it: one second doubting yourself, the next confident and ready to conquer the mountain. That's all part of the climb. Your legs will burn, your lungs might shake, and your mind might yap at you to quit.

Push through the shitstorm of doubt. Push through the tired. But if you're dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or can't think straight, it's time to call it a day. Turn around, brother. The summit's not worth your safety. The mountain isn't going anywhere.

Above all, have fun. This ain't a speed record competition. Take your time, cherish the experience, and enjoy the whole dang journey. When you crest the summit, make yourself comfortable. Your body has worked hard to get you here. Breathe it all in, snap some snaps, and revel in what you've accomplished. And on the way down, slow your roll. Your legs will be tired, your knees might protest, and it ain't the time to rush.

Our Go-To 14er Packing List

You've picked your peak and nuttin' but a solid plan. Time to pack the essentials. Even if the hike takes only half a day, you'll still need the right gear to stay safe and comfy.

Here's our packing list, plus a few must-haves we absolutely. LOVE.

Clothing

Wear cotton at your own risk. It's the devil's fabric: it holds onto sweat, dries slowly, and will leave you shivering once you stop action. Instead, look for clothing with Merino wool and synthetic fibers that dry quick and wick perspiration.

We always take a rain jacket. And it's not just for storms - it makes a fantastic windbreaker and gives you a dry spot to sit.

If you want more info on what we wear and bring, check out our post MUST HAVE Gear for Summer Hiking in Colorado.

Gear

The right gear makes the hike a gazillion times more comfortable (and safe, too). Here's what we always carry on a 14er:

• First aid kit
• Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman
• Sunscreen
• Trekking poles
• Comfortable Backpack
• Garmin InReach (for GPS and emergency communication)

For a full list, check out our post on Day Hiking Essentials.

1. The mountain trails we scaled during our time in Breckenridge, known as 14ers, were among our favorite adventures due to their challenging nature and breathtaking views.
2. Preparation plays a significant role in climbing a 14er; proper planning, including sharing your plan with someone and conducting thorough research, can add an essential safety net.
3. Training before tackling a 14er can significantly improve the overall experience, with exercises focusing on cardio, leg and core strength, and high-intensity workouts benefiting climbers the most.
4. Altitude sickness can affect even avid hikers, so it's crucial to acclimate properly by spending time at mid-elevations and gradually increasing exertion before attempting a 14er climb.
5. When climbing, it's essential to know when to push and when to stop - pushing through fatigue is okay, but it's crucial to recognize symptoms of altitude sickness and turn back if necessary, prioritizing safety over the summit.

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