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
369 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
"2nd of 9 high points hit on a solo ridge ascent of Mt. Princeton. Climb was not super fun -- steep and stiff due to a morning freeze after some days of fall snowmelt. But the water of Merriam Creek was sweet and looking down the chalk cliffs was incredible. Very worth it.
7th of 9 high points hit on a solo ridge ascent of Mt. Princeton. Nice unranked 13er and a good checkpoint. Incredible view of Antero. Was very happy to reach this point but I started feeling pressed on time at this point so I had to lock in to see if I'd meet my turnaround time.
9th and final high point hit on a solo ridge ascent of Mt. Princeton. I arrived 6 minutes shy of turnaround time and was gassed. Had a snack and layered up and headed down at my turnaround time. Ran into another climber for the first time that day on the final push, I ran into him changing his tire later by the radio towers on the 4x4 road on my way down and was offered a ride down. Shoutout to Nick for making my day with that favor. Happy trails to him." — benyboy • Oct 25, 2024
"Trip up the keyhole route with Anna Nick Jake Diego Tim and Virgil. Supported Virgil partway down the boulderfield after he got hurt, but luckily was able to turn around and catch up with the rest of the group as they pushed for summit. Very flat at the top, very playful route. Long but awesome day overall and saw a moose at the Battle Mountain CG on the way down." — benyboy • Oct 11, 2024
"9/28/24: CO 14er #4. First time getting everyone out for the same trip, but…..different routes. Kevin and I met Jackson at the lower (main?) Quandary TH and after a quick pit stop were able to find Calvin and Rebecca who were taking the standard route up. The three of us left Jackson’s Accord there and I drove us up to the lower (now main) Blue Lakes TH to attempt the West Ridge route. After the short hike up the road past the gate closure, we were forced to double back more than once past the dam and reroute on a different trail. I think the moral of the story in this beginning area is to take the high road whenever possible. Once we got through the willow section and into the tundra, the route became more obvious yet it still seemed like it was taking longer than expected to gain the ridge. Once you cross over the creek it’s pretty sustained Class 2 talus/boulder hopping. It took us 2:15 to make the Fletcher saddle but I guess when you figure in the 2k elevation gain on the 3 miles then it really wasn’t that bad. Still, I was concerned that C&R would still make the summit well before us. After a much needed lunch break at about 13,600 we continued our traverse along the north sid..." — LoneWolf • Sep 28, 2024
"This was my first hike up the South Colony trail. It was an uneventful road walk, but after reaching the old trailhead, the views improved dramatically going up the trail towards Humboldt. This area is truly a Colorado gem. There were lots of campers and hikers out enjoying the perfect weather on this Labor Day weekend. I took my time and made it a full-day outing to soak it all in." — WaxDr • Sep 1, 2024
"A missed junction on the Halo Ridge route added more mileage and time than desired. My body cramped up afterward, likely due to a lack of water as fluids resolved the problem." — xnatedawgx • Aug 31, 2024