The art of climbing a 14er
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The document provides an overview of climbing Colorado's fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet). It discusses the history of fourteeners being climbed, recommends gear to bring, and shares photos from climbs highlighting the scenic views. The goal is to inspire readers to take up fourteener climbing and provide resources on where to start and what to expect from the challenging but rewarding hobby.
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The art of climbing a 14er
- 1. The Art of Climbing a 14er A photo journey to the top of Colorado’s highest peaks By Cindy Fletcher
- 2. A Little History Depending on how you count, there are 54-59 fourteeners in Colorado. On July 14, 1820 botanist Edwin James and Major Stephen Long reached the summit of Pikes Peak for the first documented ascent of a Colorado fourteener. In 1923, Carl Blaurock and Bill Ervin were the first to climb all of the fourteeners. Climbers have grown from the hundreds to over 500,000 annually. My first fourteener was Mt. Elbert in 2002, and today I have only El Diente left.
- 3. WHY CLIMB? WHY NOT?! Can you think of any logical reason why you wouldn’t want to be taking in a view like this after a climb of your life? This is from the summit of South Maroon Peak at 14,156 feet!
- 4. Where Do You Start? First, you have to make sure you have all the right climbing gear and a buddy. REI has all your gear needs. The CMC and Sierra Club offer organized hikes and climbs where you can show off your new gear and skills!
- 5. What to bring: Be prepared! Lightweight zip off hiking Sturdy pair of hiking boots pants Sun hat Polyester moisture wicking Winter hat t-shirt Gloves Wind jacket Backpack Soft shell Hiking poles (optional) Rain jacket Rain pants Wool socks
- 6. Updated Ten Essential "Systems" Navigation (map and compass) Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen) Insulation (extra clothing) Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter
- 7. You are ready to hit the trail!
- 10. These peaks and the window views never get old!
- 11. There is a lack of oxygen up If you’re not careful, you might there… end up upside down!
- 12. The 14er Bible By Gerry Roach
- 13. Another great resource! The essence of climbing!
- 14. Grab your friends, be safe and go climb some 14ers!
- 15. Beware, you will become obsessed with this hobby and find yourself flying on summits!
- 16. Thank You For Your Time! Questions? Please contact Cindy Fletcher, CEO of CF Mountaineering at sportscindy@msn.com with any questions, or to book your next mountain adventure.
Editor's Notes
- Today, I am going to take you on a photo journey to the top of some of Colorado’s highest peaks. Come with me as we discover the Art of Climbing a 14er!
- Depending on how you count, there are 54-59 fourteeners in Colorado.On July 14, 1820 botanist Edwin James and Major Stephen Long reached the summit of Pikes Peak for the first documented ascent of a Colorado fourteener.In 1923, Carl Blaurock and Bill Ervin were the first to climb all of the fourteeners.Climbers have grown from the hundreds to over 500,000 annually. My first fourteener was Mt. Elbert in 2002, and today I have only El Diente left.
- So you might ask, “Why Climb?” my answer is, “Why NOT?!” Can you think of any logical reason why you wouldn’t want to be taking in a view like this after a climb of your life? This photo is from the summit of South Maroon Peak at 14,156 feet!
- So, where do you start? First, you have to make sure you have all the right climbing gear and a buddy. REI has all your gear needs. The CMC and Sierra Club offer organized hikes and climbs where you can show off your new gear and skills!
- If you’re climbing in the summer months from June through September, you will need to be prepared for adverse weather including thunderstorms, snow storms, wind and dropping temperatures. You will need a pair of lightweight zip off hiking pants, a polyester t-shirt, a wind jacket, soft shell, a rain jacket and rain pants, wool socks, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, a sun hat, winter hat, gloves, backpack, hiking poles (optional).
- In addition, make sure to always have your 10 essentials with you before starting out on a hike of any kind. Updated Ten Essential “Systems”Navigation (map and compass)Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)Insulation (extra clothing)Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)First-aid suppliesFire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)Repair kit and toolsNutrition (extra food)Hydration (extra water)Emergency shelter"The purpose of this list has always been to answer 2 basic questions: First, can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? Second, can you safely spend a night—or more—out?“ This was written by the editors of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills.
- You are ready to hit the trail! These pictures were taken along the Aspen four pass loop trail. We backpacked 26 miles by most of the Elk Range 14ers including South and North Maroon Peaks, Pyramid Peak and Snowmass.
- This is one of my all time favorite pictures of me climbing up Wetterhorn Peak. I’m sitting on a cliff about 100 feet from the summit. I have climbed this peak twice and it is one of my favorites. It stands at 14,015 feet and is in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. And, no this was NOT Photoshopped!
- Here, I am laying in front of Uncompahgre Peak which is next to Wetterhorn. It plateaus at 14,308 feet and is also one of my favorites. I’ve climbed a few different routes and graced it’s summit three different times. The picture on the top right is the alpenglow at sunset shining on 13er Gladstone Peak which is right between the Wilsons in Navajo Basin. This was taken from our campsite at about 12,000 feet. The bottom right shows myself climbing up to the top of Mt. Wilson at 14,246 feet.
- Here are several more photos. The first two pictures are climbing up Sunlight Peak in Chicago Basin, which at 14,059 feet has the smallest summit of all the 14ers. On our way up, we encountered a mountain goat who was climbing with us! The bottom two are of Mt Wilson and Wilson Peak (14,017 feet) in Navajo Basin. These peaks and the window views never get old!
- There is a lack of oxygen up there…If you’re not careful, you might end up upside down! This is from the summit of North Maroon Peak, 14,014 feet and I’m doing a handstand on top of Culebra Peak 14,047 feet.
- This is a must-have in any mountaineers collection. I print out pages from this book all of the time and bring them with me for route guidelines and tips about the climb. It is my bible! 14ers.com is also a great resource. And the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) helps to preserve our trails.
- These are two more books that can be added to the collection of any climber. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills has information about all kinds of technical aspects of climbing and Transcendent Summits is a collection of climbing stories from the log of Gerry Roach. It is inspiring and should be read!
- Grab your friends, be safe and go climb some 14ers!This is in front of the Maroon Bells and on top of Capitol Peak.
- Beware, you will become obsessed with this hobby and find yourself flying on summits! This is from the summit of Little Bear Peak at 14,037 feet in the Sangre de Cristo range.
- Thank You For Your Time! Questions? Please contact Cindy Fletcher, CEO of CF Mountaineering at sportscindy@msn.com with any questions, or to book your next mountain adventure.