Is this the year that you tackle your first 14er? Climbing a 14er is the bucket-list item everyone targets when they move to Denver. But why stop at one? There are five beginner 14ers within a quick drive from Denver.
Is climbing a 14er easy? No. Is it a mandatory activity for the reasonably fit Coloradoan? Yes.
There are a few things to remember. Be in shape, start early, drink water. Afternoon storms are typical throughout hiking season at altitude, and they’ll creep up on you fast. If you didn’t leave the trailhead before 6am, a storm will likely put your hike at risk.
Here is the quick list of fourteeners that you should attack first if you are a beginner and want to avoid camping out the night before. Bookmark it. Plan it. Bag it.
Grays Peak
Elevation: 14,278
Class: I
Hike distance: 8 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 3,000 ft.
Distance from Denver: It is a 1-hour drive to Exit 221, and then another 20-30 minute drive up a rough road to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Notes: Grays shares a trailhead with Torreys. If you get to the trailhead early enough and the weather is favorable, make a charge towards Torreys when you get to the top.
Torreys Peak
Elevation: 14,267
Class: II
Hike distance: 8 miles round-trip (8.50 if you do the Grays/Torreys loop)
Elevation gain: 3,000 ft.
Distance from Denver: Same distance as Grays as it shares a trailhead. It is a 1-hour drive to Exit 221, and then another 20-30 minute drive up a rough road to the trailhead. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
Notes: Only have time for one of them and want to get the harder one done first? Torreys is your peak.
Mt. Bierstadt
Elevation: 14,065
Class: II
Hike distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 2,850 ft.
Distance from Denver: The trailhead is approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes from Denver, and paved to the trailhead.
Notes: This is the easiest 14er trailhead to access from Denver, and regarded by many as the most approachable for beginners. Good place to start.
Mt. Evans
Elevation: 14,265
Class: II
Hike distance: 5.50 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 2,000 ft.
Distance from Denver: The Summit Lake trailhead is approximately 1 hour from Denver, and offers one of the prettiest drives in the U.S.
Notes: Sure, you could drive to the top. Yes, you could do the 17-mile hike from Echo Lake. We recommend the middle-ground from Summit Lake for beginners.
Quandary Peak
Elevation: 14,271
Class: I
Hike distance: 6.75 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 3,450 ft.
Distance from Denver: The trailhead is approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes from Denver, but gives you an excellent excuse to stop in Breckenridge for lunch when you’re all finished.
Notes: This one is a steady climb with a few false summits. If you think you see the top, settle in, there is still more climbing to do.
