Do It Before You Die: Climb a Colorado 14er

Colorado always leaves me wanting more. The first time I stood on top of a 14er at age 12, I remember the excitement from the overwhelming vastness of Colorado’s mountain ranges. With each 14,000 foot peak climbed, the feeling has never changed. I recently travelled back to Colorado from Washington to visit my family and got a chance to climb two 14,000 foot peaks. 

We started off the week climbing peaks in Durango. After a few days of warming up on peaks and messing around the Southwest, we travelled to the Breckenridge area to bag Quandary Peak. Herds of goats mix with flocks of people, due to the mountain's popularity.

Next up on the list was the Mount of the Holy Cross, known for cross-like couloir. The length and the elevation of this mountain posed as a challenge, but provided breathtaking views of the Vail region. 

Among 47 of Colorado’s most notable 14,000 foot peaks, five of the most notable are Mount Sneffels, Mount Elbert, Pikes Peak, Longs Peaks and the Maroon Bells.  Mount Elbert, located in the heart of Colorado, is the tallest of them all, sitting at 14,433 feet.  The others are distinguished for other reasons: The Maroon Bells are the most photographed, Pikes Peak holds the history of an American explorer, Longs Peak is the cornerstone of Rocky Mountain National Park, and Mt. Sneffels defines the skyline of the Colorado Southwest.

From beginner hikes to peaks that challenge seasoned climbers, Colorado has so many amazing options for your next hiking and climbing adventure.

Written by Jake Tonnessen, THISWORLDEXISTS adventure ambassador.

Jake is a thisworldexists Adventure Ambassador. See more of his hiking treks on Instagram: @intothinair