I love maps. I don't know what it is but I can sit and look at a map for hours studying the terrain, seeing how far away the next peak is, and planning future hikes. I also like to check out guide books. I figured I would post a few of my favorites here for you to check out.
The books on my bookshelf with the most wear and tear are...
Colorado's Fourteeners: From Hikes to Climbs by Gerry Roach
Colorado's Thirteeners: From Hikes to Climbs by Gerry Roach
Colorado Scrambles: A Guide to 50 Select Climbs in Colorado's Mountains Guide Book
by Dave Cooper
Rocky Mountain National Park: The Complete Hiking Guide by Lisa Foster
There are many others out there but Gerry Roach has a way of covering all of the major routes on the 13ers and 14ers without boring you with too much information. The Colorado Scramblers book picks some of the coolest routes on some amazing mountains as well as some great climbs on some mountains that otherwise would be boring (ex. North Ridge on Quandary). And Lisa Foster truly has developed the first 'Complete' guide to climbing the peaks in RMNP.
Check them out and let me know what you think. Feel free to post other favorites in the comments section.
Showing posts with label climbing 14ers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label climbing 14ers. Show all posts
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Goals/ Lists
You should have goals in all parts of your life including climbing and mountaineering. Sure it is fun to climb leisurely and just do a peak here or there, but having a goal and a list to check off makes it even more fun.
The most common list to finish is the 14ers. There are between 52 and 59 total 14ers depending on how you classify them. Most people consider there to be 54 true 14ers in Colorado. You can find a list of them here. Some have climbed them all in a summer or in a lifetime. Whatever works for you.
Then there is the top 100 peaks in Colorado. The top 100 ranked peaks are basically all peaks over 13,800. Choosing to do the top 100 instead of just the 14ers gets you up on some awesome high 13ers.
A few people have climbed all of the 13ers. There are 584 ranked 13ers. Making a total of 637 peaks over 13,00o feet.
Then there are the county high points. These range from getting out of your car at an intersection in Denver to some gnarly peaks. But it is fun to climb the highest point in all 64 counties.
Then of course you can break it down county by county and try to climb the ranked peaks in each county.
Choose what works for you. Many start with the 14ers and work their way down as far as they can. The important thing is to have fun. So get out there and start checking them off.
The most common list to finish is the 14ers. There are between 52 and 59 total 14ers depending on how you classify them. Most people consider there to be 54 true 14ers in Colorado. You can find a list of them here. Some have climbed them all in a summer or in a lifetime. Whatever works for you.
Then there is the top 100 peaks in Colorado. The top 100 ranked peaks are basically all peaks over 13,800. Choosing to do the top 100 instead of just the 14ers gets you up on some awesome high 13ers.
A few people have climbed all of the 13ers. There are 584 ranked 13ers. Making a total of 637 peaks over 13,00o feet.
Then there are the county high points. These range from getting out of your car at an intersection in Denver to some gnarly peaks. But it is fun to climb the highest point in all 64 counties.
Then of course you can break it down county by county and try to climb the ranked peaks in each county.
Choose what works for you. Many start with the 14ers and work their way down as far as they can. The important thing is to have fun. So get out there and start checking them off.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness also known as Acute Mountain Sickness is an illness that can affect hikers, climbers, skiers, and travelers. The symptoms of Altitude Sickness occur at high Altitudes generally above 8,000 feet above sea level.
The sickness is caused by a combination of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen concentration present at high altitude. Seriousness can range from very mild headaches to life threatening. The risk increases with the speed in which the individual has gained the elevation. It is generally recommended the someone from sea level not fly into Colorado and climb a 14ers the first day. You can reduce your risk by spending a night in a high elevation town before reaching 14,000 feet. It is a good idea to do a little hiking at elevations above 8,000 feet before you try a higher climb. You should also drink lots of liquids, avoid alcohol, and eat regular meals to reduce your risk.
Symptoms of a mild case include:
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath with exertion
Symptoms associated with severe altitude sickness include:
Bluish discoloration of the skin
Chest tightness or congestion
Confusion
Cough
Coughing up blood
Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Gray or pale complexion
Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
Shortness of breath at rest
Treatment:
The best thing you can do if you or someone in your party is experiencing Altitude sickness is to get down to a lower elevation. If you are hiking turn around and lose as much elevation as possible. If you have bottled oxygen available use it.
The altitude affects everyone differently. Some people get sick right away and others never notice the difference. The key is to drink lots of water and be aware of how you and others in your group are feeling. Don't push on when you aren't feeling well. You don't want to put yourself at risk. Be smart. The mountain will be there tomorrow after you have acclimated.
The sickness is caused by a combination of reduced air pressure and lower oxygen concentration present at high altitude. Seriousness can range from very mild headaches to life threatening. The risk increases with the speed in which the individual has gained the elevation. It is generally recommended the someone from sea level not fly into Colorado and climb a 14ers the first day. You can reduce your risk by spending a night in a high elevation town before reaching 14,000 feet. It is a good idea to do a little hiking at elevations above 8,000 feet before you try a higher climb. You should also drink lots of liquids, avoid alcohol, and eat regular meals to reduce your risk.
Symptoms of a mild case include:
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness or light-headedness
Fatigue
Headache
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath with exertion
Symptoms associated with severe altitude sickness include:
Bluish discoloration of the skin
Chest tightness or congestion
Confusion
Cough
Coughing up blood
Decreased consciousness or withdrawal from social interaction
Gray or pale complexion
Inability to walk in a straight line, or to walk at all
Shortness of breath at rest
Treatment:
The best thing you can do if you or someone in your party is experiencing Altitude sickness is to get down to a lower elevation. If you are hiking turn around and lose as much elevation as possible. If you have bottled oxygen available use it.
The altitude affects everyone differently. Some people get sick right away and others never notice the difference. The key is to drink lots of water and be aware of how you and others in your group are feeling. Don't push on when you aren't feeling well. You don't want to put yourself at risk. Be smart. The mountain will be there tomorrow after you have acclimated.
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