Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail (standard route) is a strenuous Class 1 hike up the 14,110 foot Colorado 14er located just outside of Colorado Springs. Although there is no technical terrain, this 24+ mile day also has over 7,600ft of climbing making it a very challenging hike. Some hikers do stretch this into…
Grays Peak is one of the most popular and easiest Colorado 14ers and is often considered one of the best Colorado 14ers for beginners. Located under 1.5 hours from Denver, Grays Peak offers a straightforward route, stunning alpine views and the opportunity to combine your hike with neighboring Torreys Peak for a two-for-one summit…
Royal Arch is one of the best hikes in Boulder for anyone looking to combine a challenging workout with a natural arch that is close to Denver. Although Royal Arch is a relatively short hike, the trail is challenging with over 1,400ft of elevation gain. However, this dog friendly spot is also good for…
Square Top Mountain is one of the best intro 13er hikes in Colorado, offering a relatively short route to a 13,794-foot summit above Guanella Pass. While neighboring 14er Mount Bierstadt attracts most of the attention, Square Top provides similar alpine scenery, fewer crowds and one of the most rewarding summit experiences near Denver. The…
French Mountain is one of Colorado’s Centennial 13ers, a designation given to the state’s highest 100 peaks and offers summit views that rival nearby Mt. Elbert without any of the crowds. Located in the heart of the Sawatch Range near Halfmoon Creek, the route features expansive alpine tundra, dramatic views of Bull Hill, Casco…
If you’re looking to hike your first Colorado 14er, you’re probably wondering where to start. After hiking all 58 Colorado 14ers and standing on more than 140 total 14er summits, I’ve seen firsthand which mountains provide the best introduction to hiking above 14,000 feet. While there is no truly “easy” Colorado 14er, some peaks…