Hiking Gear

Here is a list of necessary gear needed for hiking mountains. This list is intended for day hikes during the summer months. This is the stuff I generally wouldn't leave without. You can always bring more but I try to keep my pack weight to a minimum. I try to only carry what I will need without putting myself at risk if something doesn't quite go as planned.

1. Map, compass, and/or GPS
2. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat.
3. Sturdy yet comfortable hiking shoes with a good sock
4. A wind breaker
5. A rain jacket and maybe rain pants
6. Winter hat and gloves
7. Plenty of Water
8. Extra food
9. Hiking Poles
10. Layers (T-shirt, long sleeve shirts, fleece, shell)
11. First Aid Kit
12. Camera

Remember that you are entering a high alpine environment. You should be ready for high winds, rain, and lots of sunshine. The weather changes quickly and you will need layers to stay comfortable. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must, you will get burned. Don't underestimate the amount of water you will need. Be smart, be safe, and have fun.

Lists of Colorado 14ers

Here is a list of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado separated by Ranges. The list includes Name, Height, and it's rank by height.

The Front Range
Grays Peak 14,270' 9th

Torreys Peak 14,267' 11th

Mount Evans 14,264' 14th

Longs Peak 14,255' 15th

Pikes Peak 14,110' 30th

Mount Bierstadt 14,060' 38th

Tenmile Range
Quandary Peak 14,265' 13th

Mosquito Range
Mount Lincoln 14,286’ 8th


Mount Cameron 14,238’ unranked*

Mount Bross 14,172’ 22nd

Mount Democrat 14,148’ 28th

Mount Sherman 14,036’ 45th

Sawatch Range
Mount Elbert 14,433' 1st

Mount Massive 14,421’ 2nd

Mount Harvard 14,420’ 3rd

La Plata Peak 14,336’ 5th

Mount Antero 14,269’ 10th

Mount Shavano 14,229’ 17th

Mount Princeton 14,197’ 18th

Mount Belford 14,197’ 19th

Mount Yale 14,196’ 21st

Tabequache Peak 14,155’ 25th

Mount Oxford 14,153’ 26th

Mount Columbia 14,073’ 35th

Missouri Mountain 14,067’ 36th

Mount of the Holy Cross 14,005’ 51st

Huron Peak 14,003’ 52nd

Elk Mountains
Castle Peak 14,265’ 12th

Maroon Peak 14,156’ 24th

Capitol Peak 14,130’ 29th

Snowmass Mountain 14,092’ 31st

Conundrum Peak 14,060’ unranked*

Pyramid Peak 14,018’ 47th

North Maroon Peak 14,014’ unranked*

San Juan Mountains
Uncompahgre Peak 14,309’ 6th

Mount Wilson 14,246’ 16th

El Diente Peak 14,159’ unranked*


Mount Sneffels 14,150’ 27th

Mount Eolus 14,083’ 32nd

Windom Peak 14,082’ 33rd

Sunlight Peak 14,059’ 39th

Handies Peak 14,048’ 40th

North Eolus 14,039’ unranked*

Redcloud Peak 14,034’ 46th

Wilson Peak 14,017’ 48th

Wetterhorn Peak 14,015’ 49th

San Luis Peak 14,014’ 50th

Sunshine Peak 14,001’ 53rd

Sangre de Cristo Range
Blanca Peak 14,345’ 4th

Crestone Peak 14,294’ 7th

Crestone Needle 14,197’ 20th

Kit Carson Peak 14,165’ 23rd

Challenger Point 14,081’ 34th

Humboldt Peak 14,064’ 37th

Culebra Peak 14,047’ 41st

Mount Lindsey 14,042’ 42nd

Ellingwood Point 14,042’ 43rd

Little Bear Peak 14,037’ 44th

*see Ranked/Unranked Post for details about what makes a peak ranked.

Introduction

This site is being formed to be a resource for hikers. I plan on providing valuable information about climbing Colorado's 54 peaks taller than 14,000 feet. I also plan on providing information about hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) and other family friendly hikes across the Front Range.

I am an avid hiker. I have a deep passion for the mountains of Colorado. I was born in Iowa and managed to live there for 19 years before my thirst to live in the mountains was finally quenched. I have lived in Summit County, Durango, and Loveland. I began leisurely hiking in Colorado in 1996. I climbed my first 14er in 2005 and I immediately caught the fever. I have not climbed them all but I plan to finish climbing all of the top 100 peaks within a few years. I also love climbing interesting 13ers and nearly all the named peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

But this site is not about me. This site is about the mountains and about getting you into the mountains. I will provide information about the mountains, the gear necessary, and tips to keep you safe. There are other great sites available to find up to date information about current conditions, such as http://www.14ers.com/. While the forum sites are valuable in gaining knowledge about current conditions they quickly become hostile environments with people arguing and putting new comers down. I plan on covering the most commonly asked questions on those forums here where the information is easy to find and available in a safe and non intimidating environment.

My vision for this site is to be a place that you can come and educate yourself about the risks and rewards of climbing mountains. I will work on continually adding new content including lists, maps, trail information, and general tips. I may occasionally add a recent trip report but that won't be the focus of this site.

So check back often, give me feedback on what you like or don't like about the site, and be sure to share this site with your friends.