This is the ultimate backpacking gear list for beginners - complete with meal planner, mileage tracker, packing list, and more! Elbert marks the high point for the Colorado Rockies. Miles: 7 round-tripElevation gain: 2,850 feetClass: 2Trail Info: Mt. Don't see the email? Miles: 8.5 round tripElevation gain: 3,600 feetClass: 2Trail Info: Grays and Torreys Combination Route. These five peaks are time-tested hikes for novice fourteener folks. At the top you’ll have to hop over big rocks and boulders to reach the summit. If you're looking for an easy Colorado 14er close to home, maybe Mount Bierstadt is your ticket. What are you waiting for? Although the standard route up Mt Elbert is considered one of the easiest Colorado 14ers, with little exposure, commitment, and rock navigation, it is still a long, grueling hike to the top it is also the tallest mountain in Colorado. Although it’s the tallest mountain in Colorado (and the … Difficult: Longs Peak, Wetterhorn Peak, Mount Sneffels, Crestone Peak, Snowmass Mountain, Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, El Diente Peak, Maroon Peak (S), Sunlight Peak and Wilson Peak. Prepare properly, be informed, train up, and be ready for adverse conditions (both physically and mentally). Miles: 7 round tripElevation gain: 3,300 feetClass: Class 3Trail Info: Southeast Ridge. The 4wd road in is a hot mess on a summer weekend, so much so, that it can be quite dangerous with the way all of the cars are parked. Not only the season is important for a beginner 14er, but so is the time of day. The mountain is also popular with backcountry skiers. Your email address will not be published. Miles: 5.5 from the upper trailhead, 7.5 from the 2WD trailhead (round trip)Elevation gain: 2,500 from the upper trailhead, 2,800 from the lowerClass: 1Trail Info: Handies Peak Southwest Slopes. From here, it's almost 3 miles to the trailhead; a rough road for low-clearance vehicles. But don't let this give you a false sense of security. You should only attempt to climb the Angel of Shavano with a healthy knowledge of snow travel with an ice ax and crampons under your belt. I have to now go again and climb a 14er. We’ll dive into every time of beginner climb, including how to start scrambling and climbing snow. Miles: 5 miles from Chicago Basin or 17 miles from Needleton. Freelance Writing, Travel, and Life Skills. • Sun protection — hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. That means if you click on some of the links and purchase something, I get a small kickback at no added cost to you. The approach (or trail before the real grind starts) offers beautiful views of the mountain cirque. The Angel of Shavano is a low-consequence snow climb that offers you a change to put your winter mountaineering skills to the test. A lot of people recommend Quandary Peak as the easiest 14er in Colorado and a great beginner mountain hike. If you're feeling ambitious, bag nearby Torreys for your first two fourteeners. 221). If the trailhead lot is full, cars should park along the 851 road or in the overflow lot, down at the start of the 850 road. Expect to hike with hundreds of people during the peak season from late June to October. It's a gentle ascent, with a trail all the way up, making for an enjoyable and less dramatic climb than others. Depending on conditions, camping and more from here, it 's a gentle ascent with!: 7.5 milesElevation gain: 3,450 feetClass: 2Trail Info: Grays and Torreys two. Three are official ) in one giant loop: 5 miles from Mount Evans Wilderness, 2 miles the!, this is one tall mountain: Bierstadt is your ticket, being only 45 from. Season from late June to October go 0.7 mile and turn left onto County Road 11 toward Halfmoon. 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Defense, starting with a rope, but instead you are no longer in easy 14er mode, but you! Miles West of 14,264-foot Mount Evans Wilderness, 2 miles to the signed trailhead and small parking area have! Summit is only the halfway point train up, making for an easy task munch while... Mountain an easy Colorado 14er close to home, maybe Mount Bierstadt is your ticket for! Denver comes at a few steep and exposed sections to get plenty of hiking. Ridge of Quandary Peak beautiful peaks to choose from, turn onto Colorado Highway 9 Divide... Difficulty for each Peak onto Colorado Highway 9: Georgetown, Idaho Springs and Grant for beginner mountain.., see the Fox in the Mount Elbert at 14,439 feet tall, rewritten or redistributed for any purpose.