The 14ers. This mega-classic, ultra-popular challenge permeates every aspect of Colorado culture. Includes all Colorado peaks over 14,000 ft high with at least 300 ft of prominence... with 2 "sentimental" exceptions (El Diente and North Maroon Peak). A true showcase of Colorado's diverse mountains, encompassing the highest peaks in the Sawatch, Elk, San Juan, Sangre de Cristo, Mosquito, Ten Mile, and Front Ranges. The wide range of difficulty of these peaks lets you start out slowly with easier hikes to gain experience before tackling the harder peaks.
Highest peak
Mount Elbert
14,440 ft / 4,401 m
Most prominent peak
Mount Elbert
9,080 ft / 2,767 m prom
Most climbed peak
Mount Elbert
387 climbs
Most difficult peak
Mount Elbert
Class 1
Difficulty breakdown
Class 1/2 36 peaks
Class 3/4 17 peaks
Class 5+ 1 peak
Highlights
- Climb the iconic Class 3 Keyhole route of Longs Peak, the majestic centerpiece peak of Rocky Mountain National Park
- Stand on the highest peak in Colorado, Mt Elbert. Then stand on all of the surrounding 14ers of the Sawatch Range and look back at Elbert and see other hikers looking back at you.
- Head to the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado to experience what many consider the most spectacular mountains in the state. Get off the Durango steam train mid-route and head to the remote Chicago Basin to climb the elusive trio of Sunlight, Windom, and Eolus. Start preparing now for the leap-of-faith summit block move on Sunlight.
- Peer down on the sprawling Great Sand Dunes National Park from the jagged heights of the Crestones in the Sangre de Cristos. Attempt the famous Crestone Traverse if you've got the skills.
- When you're ready to dial up the challenge, visit the incredible Elk Range near Aspen to climb exhilarating peaks like the deadly Maroon Bells, Pyramid, and Capitol Peak with its Knife Edge traverse.
- Jog up and back on the 13-mile Barr Trail on Pikes Peak in the annual Pikes Peak Marathon... or just take it slow. Just don't drive!
Latest climbs
"Quick and easy hike up the North Ridge. Some lingering packed snow in spots. On the upper section above 13000' rocks seemed more loose than usual.
https://youtu.be/7fCDyZVnzuk" — cheeseishappiness • Mar 28, 2026
"Trail is well packed all the way to the summit-spikes needed but not snowshoes. Saw a couple of skiers. It looked too thin near the trail but hopefully they found a good line on the north side.
https://youtu.be/UN7dlrgQBB8" — cheeseishappiness • Feb 22, 2026
"Parking about 2 miles from the Fourmile Creek TH due to snow on the road, hit the trail around 7:30am and made the summit around 10:40am. Proceeded to head back down the mountain around 11am after resting and snacking, arriving back to the TH / car around 1:20pm. Sub 6 hour hike, which was well within goal time. Very snow-packed, very windy. Great day. " — Katamount • Dec 19, 2025
"Couldn't sleep so went for a little walk. Barebooted in trailrunners most of the way due to the alternating sections of ice and dry trail, but after a few painful falls descending I finally donned spikes. I also tagged the subpeak off of half moon pass I had been eyeing for years. Took more effort than expected since there's no trail. Multiple boulders are candidates for the high point.
Found a trekking pole near the summit. If it happens to be yours message me the description so I can return it!" — cheeseishappiness • Nov 16, 2025
"Halo Ridge loop with Josey. A very special day, a bit cold but very much worth it. Awesome route, Half Moon Pass was difficult mentally at the end of the day but I would recommend it regardless. Very great time." — benyboy • Oct 19, 2025