14er Advice?

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Wanted to see if there was anyone out there who can give tips and advice on completing my first 14er? I live in Colorado, and would love to train to complete my first one this year! Would love to prepare correctly...

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  • Silent_Soliloquy
    Silent_Soliloquy Posts: 237 Member
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    Many can be walked by just about anyone in even below average fitness. Dont stress it. You live in Colorado, the altitude wont be an issue.

    I've bagged 30+ 14's, and one time saw one person who felt "altitude sick".

    If you let us know your specific hike and time of year, I can give advice on necessity of crampons of whatnot ... but i wouldn't stress the climb itself, unless it's an odd-sided summit. (Whitney from the Owens valley side is a walk, whitney from the west or north (guitar lake base camps) can be pretty butt-clenching)
  • Silent_Soliloquy
    Silent_Soliloquy Posts: 237 Member
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    And ... ENJOY IT. If the weather is good, and you have appropriate footwear for the type of ice ... it'll be more fun than anything.

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  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
    edited February 2019
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    This resource on hiking training plans was posted on MFP yesterday. You might find something helpful.
    https://www.exodustravels.com/fitness-guides
    It all depends on your current fitness level, hiking experience, and the amount of technical work involved in the climb. What is the hardest distance/elevation you've done already?
    There surely are some local hiking clubs or stores like REI that probably offer workshops and outings. Have fun!
  • audreypawdrey
    audreypawdrey Posts: 130 Member
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    I am interested in this topic too. I have lived in the Denver area since 2004 but have never conquered a 14er. I would like to cross that off my list this summer. My brother is coming to visit Labor Day weekend, and the goal is to summit Mt. Elbert. I am trying to walk 45 miles a week (brand new goal-two weeks in) in preparation, but I would love other tips as well. Tips for home too-he is from a much lower elevation!
    Is there a better one to start with in June? I don’t have ice equipment, and I don’t want to buy that stuff yet.
    Thanks!
  • BoxerLover96
    BoxerLover96 Posts: 82 Member
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    I definitely want to complete a "beginner" 14er. Possibly June? And what do you pack?
  • taco_inspector
    taco_inspector Posts: 7,223 Member
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    One of the things that might help with a "beginner" hill is looking at the base elevation and total hike distance ...

    Something like Mt Bross (14.177), you can park at 11,400 (timberline), and the walk from there might be 4 miles; nothing technical, but fully exposed. So an 8-mile above treeline hike where it's easy to see / be seen and turn-back as needed for a taste of it. If ya wanna work a few more miles, head north across the Mt. Cameron saddle to bag Mt Lincoln (14,295) -- there's well-defined single-track going this way with moderate side-slope and a nice 1,300ft amphitheater (the last thousand feet of this approach is a bit thin, and will require some attention.
  • Sophiepants33
    Sophiepants33 Posts: 5 Member
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    Hey, fellow Coloradan, ;) I've done a handful of climbs. I have lived here for decades and I got sick once with the altitude and had to go back. I have a friend who also lives here and every time she's tried the altitude does her in, I think it's individual differences.
    Have you ever heard of the Emily Griffiths Center? It's a local charity that takes at-risk teens, long story short they do awareness hikes in the summer which includes a guide and a how-to everything called 'Peak Challenge'. I found them super useful, they train you by taking you on 13 ers first or a 14er (4 practice climb and 1 'real' 14er) but start at a higher level than average and they allow you to go the pace you feel most comfortable. I am super thankful I had such great experience doing that with them. https://www.griffithcenters.org/events/
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,464 Member
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    I definitely want to complete a "beginner" 14er. Possibly June? And what do you pack?
    Food, water, extra clothes, and https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html