Adventure Travel
Mount of the Holy Cross is one of Colorado’s most striking 14ers. Named after the snow-filled cross that forms in a northeast-facing couloir, this 14,005-foot peak stands alone in the northern Sawatch Range and draws climbers looking for a more remote experience. The standard route is long, rugged, and includes a frustrating re-climb on the return—so be prepared.
Read MoreMount Massive lives up to its name. At 14,421 feet, it’s the second-highest peak in Colorado and just 14 feet shorter than Mount Elbert. What sets it apart is its long, hulking summit ridge—the mountain stretches over three miles and features five summits above 14,000 feet, more than any other peak in the Lower 48. Climbing Massive is a true alpine experience, and the standard East Slopes route offers a non-technical but strenuous path to the summit.
Read MoreMount Elbert stands as the tallest peak in Colorado at 14,440 feet and is the second-highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Despite its impressive height, Mount Elbert is one of the more accessible 14ers, making it a favorite for first-time summit attempts. The standard Northeast Ridge route offers a well-traveled Class 1 trail with expansive alpine views, moderate grades, and a steady climb through forest and tundra.
Read MoreLa Plata Peak, rising to 14,336 feet, is the fifth-highest summit in Colorado and one of the most scenic 14ers in the Sawatch Range. Its name—Spanish for “The Silver”—reflects the mining history of the area, but today it draws hikers with its massive elevation gain, alpine views, and challenging terrain. The standard Northwest Ridge route is a tough but rewarding Class 2 climb with a bit of everything: forests, streams, switchbacks, talus, and ridge hiking.
Read MoreHuron Peak, at 14,003 feet, is one of Colorado’s most beloved 14ers—and for good reason. It offers stunning views, a well-built trail, and a more remote feel than many of the state’s other high peaks. Though it's one of the lower 14ers by elevation, Huron’s dramatic surroundings make it a standout summit experience in the Sawatch Range.
Read MoreMissouri Mountain, standing tall at 14,067 feet, is one of the more scenic peaks in the Sawatch Range. Known for its striking summit ridge and wide-ranging views, it offers a slightly more adventurous feel than its nearby neighbors, Mount Belford and Mount Oxford. While still non-technical, Missouri’s summit ridge adds just enough spice to make this 14er a standout.
Read MoreMount Oxford, rising to 14,153 feet, is often summited as a tag-along to nearby Mount Belford. While not typically climbed on its own due to its remote location, Oxford offers rewarding solitude, stunning ridgeline hiking, and a true sense of accomplishment. It’s best suited for experienced hikers ready for a big day in the mountains.
Read MoreMount Belford, standing tall at 14,197 feet, is one of Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks and a favorite for hikers aiming to summit multiple 14ers in a day. Its close proximity to Mount Oxford makes it an ideal two-peak outing, though Belford alone offers a satisfying challenge with big elevation gain, well-maintained trail, and expansive alpine views.
Read MoreMount Columbia, at 14,073 feet, is part of Colorado’s Collegiate Peaks and lies just north of its loftier neighbor, Mount Harvard. Once notorious for its steep, eroded slopes, recent trail improvements have made this a more enjoyable hike—though it’s still a serious effort. The standard route via the new Columbia Trail remains Class 2, with long mileage, big gain, and sweeping views across Horn Fork Basin.
Read MoreMount Harvard stands at 14,420 feet and is the third-highest peak in the Lower 48. Nestled deep in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, it’s a long, non-technical Class 2 hike that rewards endurance with big alpine views and quiet summit solitude. The route is straightforward, but the approach is long—expect a full-day effort.
Read MoreMount Yale rises to 14,200 feet and sits just west of Buena Vista in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Known for its steady trail, big views, and non-technical route, it’s one of the most accessible 14ers in the Sawatch Range. The Southwest Slopes route offers a straightforward Class 2 climb—no scrambling, just sustained effort and elevation gain.
Read MoreMount Princeton stands tall at 14,197 feet and dominates the skyline west of Buena Vista. It's one of the more visually striking 14ers in the Sawatch Range, thanks to its dramatic rise from the Arkansas River Valley. The East Slopes route is a non-technical Class 2 hike, but it’s far from easy—expect loose talus, a long approach, and big elevation gain.
Read MoreMount Tabeguache (pronounced "TAB-uh-wash") stands at 14,155 feet and is often overshadowed by its close neighbor, Mount Shavano. But if you're already summiting Shavano, it's well worth adding Tabeguache to your day. Reached via a rugged ridge from Shavano’s summit, Tabeguache is best known as a “bonus 14er”—but make no mistake, it earns every bit of its elevation gain and sweeping views.
Read MoreMount Antero rises to 14,276 feet and stands as one of the prominent peaks in Colorado’s Sawatch Range. Known for its gemstone-rich slopes and wide, 4WD-accessible roads, Mount Antero offers a unique experience for hikers and off-roaders alike. It’s a Class 2 hike that can be done in a day, though the approach is long and the route is exposed to the elements.
Read MoreRising like a stone spire from the desert floor, the Totem Pole is one of the most iconic formations in Monument Valley—and one of the trickiest to photograph up close. Whether you're chasing sunrise light or dreaming of a long-lens shot that captures the scale of the Southwest, here’s how to see and photograph the Totem Pole respectfully and effectively.
Read MoreAs a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day. Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.
Read MoreFor the past few months I’ve been obsessed with Craig Mod and the way he shares his great walks around Japan with his readers. This sparked inside of me the desire to look at how I share my road trips with everyone on my weekly newsletter and those who read The Travel Journal religiously. Enough fanboying over Craig and his amazing work (BTW he just released a new book), here is what that really means for the upcoming road trip around a relatively overlooked part of the Western United States.
Read MoreBefore the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.
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