Peak Bagging
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 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 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 MoreMount 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.
Read MoreClimbing 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.
Read MoreColorado 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.
Read MoreWaking 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.
Read MoreWhen preparing to climb a 14er, you might assume that mountaineering boots are a must. I did too—at first. For my first few fourteeners, I strapped on heavy, clunky mountaineering boots because that’s what I thought the terrain demanded. But as I gained experience, I realized that boots are often overkill for most 14er climbs. In fact, approach shoes or trail running shoes are usually better options. These lighter alternatives offer comfort, flexibility, and the ability to move quickly—qualities that are often more important than the rigid support of traditional boots.
Read MoreWhen 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.
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