Mount Massive, Colorado’s second-highest peak, is the often overlooked step-sibling to the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, just across the valley. However, climbing this iconic mountain comes with its challenges, and mistakes can quickly turn an enjoyable trek into a tough lesson. Based on personal experiences, here are the top mistakes to avoid when tackling Mount Massive, so you can have a safer and more rewarding adventure.
Climbing a 14er—a peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet—is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers. However, timing your ascent is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Starting too late can put you at risk of thunderstorms, heat, and other hazards that can turn an enjoyable hike into a dangerous situation. Here’s what you need to know about timing your 14er adventure.
Colorado is home to some of the most iconic 14ers in the United States, and Mount Massive and Mount of the Holy Cross are two standout peaks in the Sawatch Range. If you’re deciding which to climb first, this guide will help you compare the two peaks based on difficulty, scenery, logistics, and the best times to climb.
Waking up later than planned, I crawled out of my van with a packed bag, fueled by coffee and laced-up boots. Clicking my Coros watch to start recording my trek, I set off down the trail for a car-to-car push of Mount Massive. As Colorado's second-highest peak, I felt nervous but confident I could summit in good time. My legs were still sore from climbing Mount of the Holy Cross just a few days before, another challenging 14er in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
When I first started rock climbing, I assumed it was just about scrambling up rocks for fun. It wasn’t until I had been climbing for a while that I realized how many types of climbing exist. Over the past ten years, I’ve tried almost all of them (except ice climbing, which still intimidates me). Each type has unique challenges and joys, and I’ve grown to love them all for different reasons. Let me break them down so you can avoid the confusion I faced as a beginner.
When I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness.
When Kristin and I decided to road trip from California to Colorado to climb all the Sawatch 14ers, we had no idea the challenges that awaited us. Starting north to south, Mount of the Holy Cross was our first peak—a trial by fire for Kristin’s first 14er and a humbling reminder of the demands of high-altitude climbs for me.
My legs still burn from the 20 days I spent climbing all of the 14ers in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. Home to fifteen summits poking above 14,000 feet the Sawatch range is a paradise for mountaineers, peak baggers, and hikers, offering a condensed grouping of challenging summits to test your fitness. For me, the goal was to climb all of these peaks in a single season, but for you, it could be to break the FKT or climb one a year, that is up to you.
Peak bagging is an exhilarating challenge that combines the thrill of reaching mountain summits with the satisfaction of conquering new heights. For beginners, the world of peak bagging can seem daunting, with its rugged terrains and high-altitude conditions. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can embark on your peak bagging journey with confidence. These 12 pro tips will guide you through the essentials of peak bagging, helping you safely and successfully reach new summits.
Mount of the Holy Cross is a striking 14er located in Colorado's Sawatch Range, known for its unique snow-filled cross on the northeast face, which gives the peak its name. At 14,005 feet, the climb offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment for those who summit it. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your climb:
Hiking, backpacking, and thru-hiking offer unparalleled opportunities to immerse oneself in nature, challenge physical limits, and rejuvenate the mind. However, ensuring proper hydration is crucial to making the most of these adventures. Whether you're a day hiker, a multi-day backpacker, or a dedicated thru-hiker, staying hydrated is key to your health, performance, and enjoyment on the trail.
Cody Townsend is well on his way to finishing his mission to ski the fifty classic ski descents of North America. Ticking off number 44 of 50, Split Mountain was a line that took patience and perseverance. I don't want to ruin the story for you all, so go pop a bowl of popcorn and load Cody's latest video on Split Mountain. It's a good one!
Peak bagging, especially tackling 14ers (mountains exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation), is a thrilling endeavor for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to Colorado's iconic peaks, California's majestic summits, or Washington's rugged terrain, the allure of conquering these high-altitude challenges is undeniable. However, before embarking on such an adventure, it's crucial to plan meticulously and prepare comprehensively to ensure a safe and successful ascent. Here's a beginner's guide to help you get started on your peak bagging journey.
For van lifers, the allure of the open road and the freedom to chase sunsets across diverse landscapes is a lifestyle like no other. From the rugged mountain ranges to the serene coastal highways, the van life community seeks out the most picturesque spots to witness the day's spectacular farewell. In this article, we'll explore six must-visit locations that promise van lifers unforgettable sunset experiences.
The Rocky Mountains span over 3,000 miles from upper British Columbia, Canada to New Mexico, USA and are a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, but where do you begin? With their towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, National Parks, diverse wildlife, and a plethora of ecosystems, these mountains are a playground for outdoor exploration.
The tallest mountain in the Lower 48, Mount Whitney is a heavily sought-after hike to the summit that often takes between 20 to 23 hours. While most would likely prefer to tackle this peak over several days, the difficulty with permitting, established for conservation purposes, prevents many from overnight trips.
Welcome to the world of peak bagging! If you have a passion for adventure, breathtaking views, and the thrill of conquering new heights, peak bagging is the perfect pursuit for you. Whether you're an avid hiker, a seasoned mountaineer, or simply someone seeking a new challenge, peak bagging offers a unique and rewarding experience. From the rugged peaks of the Himalayas to the stunning ranges of California, there are countless mountains waiting to be conquered.
Embarking on a challenging hike in the Eastern Sierra is not for the faint of heart. This rugged and majestic region of California offers a plethora of trails that will push your limits and reward you with awe-inspiring views and a profound sense of accomplishment. From towering peaks to alpine lakes and dramatic canyons, the Eastern Sierra presents hikers with a playground of adventure and natural beauty.
