For many adventurous hikers, conquering one (or more!) of Colorado’s 58 “14ers” – mountains over 14,000 feet tall – is a true bucket list accomplishment. Standing on the summit after hours of climbing brings a feeling of pride and awe that’s hard to beat.
I’ve hiked eight 14ers (and counting!), and my husband has summited over twenty – often taking friends on their very first trip. While I’m not on a mission to complete all of them, I do know how important it is to plan ahead. If you’re thinking about taking on this challenge, here’s everything you need to know for a safe and successful adventure.
Know Your Limits
Let’s get one thing straight: there’s no such thing as an “easy” 14er. Even the most beginner-friendly peak will have significant elevation gain and high-altitude exposure. Many hikes are over five miles long and involve a steep incline the entire way.
Some trails are long and gradual; others are short and steep. Either way, it’s an intense hike that demands solid conditioning. If you’re not used to the altitude, it’s a good idea to spend a few days acclimating before your climb to avoid altitude-related issues.
Choose the Right Time to Go on Your Hike
In Colorado, snow in the mountains can stick around well into summer. While some people hike 14ers year-round, winter climbs require avalanche awareness, cold-weather gear, and experience with snowy terrain. (Pro tip: if you’ve never heard of “postholing,” winter hikes aren’t for you.)
The best time to hike a 14er is July through September, when most of the snow has melted and trail conditions are optimal. These are also the most popular months, so expect crowds and plan ahead.
Pick Your Peak and Plan Your Route
Colorado’s 14ers vary widely in difficulty. Some require technical climbing skills or long scrambles over exposed ledges—not everyone’s idea of fun (definitely not mine). It’s important to pick a hike that matches your fitness level, experience, and comfort with heights.
Where to Start:
- 14ers.com is the go-to resource for trip planning. You’ll find detailed route descriptions, difficulty rankings, distance and elevation stats, class ratings (1–4), and user-submitted trip reports.
- Pay special attention to Class 1 and Class 2 routes if you’re a beginner. Higher classes involve more risk and require technical gear or experience.
- If you want to summit multiple 14ers in one trip, look for routes that have trails connecting multiple peaks, called a traverse.
Don’t Forget:
- Research trailhead access and parking. Popular peaks like Quandary Peak now require paid parking or a shuttle from town.
- Arrive early – some hikers even sleep at the trailhead the night before (be sure this is allowed to avoid middle-of-the-night visits from law enforcement).
Watch the Weather Closely
Weather in the high country changes fast. A clear morning can turn into a dangerous afternoon thunderstorm in minutes, especially in the summer. Lightning strikes are a real hazard when you’re above the treeline.
Plan to summit and start your descent by noon at the latest. The earlier you start (ideally by 5 or 6 a.m.), the better your chances of avoiding afternoon storms.
HOT TIP: Always plan to be off the summit by 12:00 p.m.
Pay attention to forecasts before and during your hike. If the sky starts to look ominous, don’t risk it—turn around. You can always try again another day.
Altitude Matters
Since you’ll be hiking above 14,000 feet, altitude sickness is a real concern – even for healthy hikers. Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, it may require medical attention.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Acclimate for a day or two before your hike.
- Hydrate more than you think you need—bring water and electrolyte mix (like Liquid I.V. or Gatorade).
- Avoid alcohol the night before your hike.
- Listen to your body: If symptoms set in and don’t improve, it’s time to turn around.
What to Bring on Your Hike
14ers aren’t the kind of hike you can wing. Come prepared with the right gear, layers, and safety essentials. Check out my favorite hiking gear here.
Essential Gear Checklist:
- Plenty of water + electrolyte supplements
- High-energy snacks and extra food
- Rain jacket and warm layers (yes, even in August!)
- Down jacket, hat, and gloves for early starts or summit time
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp if you start before sunrise
- Hiking boots or trail shoes with solid tread (no sandals!)
- Map, GPS, or downloaded route info
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF
Layer your clothing so you can adjust as the day warms up, but keep enough on hand for wind and cold at the top.
Who to Bring (and Who to Leave Behind)
Whenever possible, hike with someone experienced. If you don’t have a friend familiar with 14ers, consider joining a hiking group or finding a guided trip. Never hike alone, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return.
While older children may be fine climbing a 14er, this is not an easy family day hike. I highly recommend leaving babies and small children at home, especially those that need to be in a carrier.
A Note About Dogs
This may be controversial, but I recommend leaving your dog at home. I love hiking with my very capable black lab, but 14ers present serious risks for pets:
- Sharp rocks and scree can injure paws
- You’ll need to carry extra food and water
- If your dog gets hurt, rescue can be very difficult
- Off-leash dogs can be disruptive or unsafe for others
Some dogs are absolutely competent – but many aren’t. Use your best judgment, and always prioritize safety for everyone involved.
The Bottom Line
Hiking a 14er is an incredible experience—but it’s not just a regular hike. It takes planning, preparation, and a healthy respect for the altitude and terrain.
The biggest mistakes I see? Starting too late, not dressing properly, and underestimating the effort. Do yourself a favor: prepare well, check the forecast, wear real hiking shoes, and bring the right gear.
When you reach that summit and look out across the Rockies from 14,000 feet, you’ll know every step was worth it.
