The Denver Gazette

More tips, tricks for tackling fourteeners

BY SPENCER MCKEE Out There Colorado CHRISTIAN MURDOCK, THE DENVER GAZETTE

It’s that time of the year again – when the high elevation snow finally starts to melt enough to let the fair weather peak baggers reach coveted summits across the state.

Many of Colorado’s outdoor recreationists will set their sights on dozens of mountains that reach more than 14,000 feet above sea-level. Sunday and today, we will will give you a few tips and tricks that will help you get back into the fourteener game after a long winter off.

Author’s note: I’m no pro, but I have summited 30-something of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks. This is simply a collection of tips and tricks I learned along the way.

Don’t forget to train

It’s easy to forget how difficult some fourteeners are over the off-season. Don’t forget to test yourself on a few difficult hikes with less dire consequences prior to setting out to summit a high-elevation peak. Living in Colorado Springs, I typically train on the Manitou Incline (which is currently closed) or the next steepest local trail I can find. I advise you do the same.

It’s also important to keep in mind that you’ll be hiking a fourteener with a lot of gear. Consider carrying more weight while training to get a true test of your abilities.

Remember, it’s not fall weather anymore

Storms are often a contributing factor when accidents occur on fourteeners. While fall weather tends to bring clear skies above the state, spring weather tends to result in the opposite. Climbing at a higher elevation during the spring and summer (and really any season) requires constant attention to the weather. Deadly storms can suddenly appear, often bringing hail, heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning.

Find a weather forecasting website that you trust to give you accurate information. I prefer to use Mountain Forecast. It will give you information about expected storms, temperatures, and wind speeds, making a distinction by time of day.

It’s also important to note that no forecast is always correct (though Joel Gratz at OpenSnow does a pretty great job during ski season). Be aware of how the weather is changing around you and give yourself extra time to get to safety if need be. The storms always seem to move in faster than you’d expect.

Conditions aren’t prime quite yet

Expect to encounter mud and snow on the trail. Keep in mind that this might make the trail hard to follow, meaning you’ll need to pay very close attention to where you’re at on the mountain. Staying on the trail is crucial on a fourteener, as some mistakes can lead to deadly situations even on ‘easy’ peaks.

Snow on the trail will also mean that you’ll likely need to pack spikes, crampons, or snowshoes depending on the specific conditions. Keep in mind that you’ll also want to keep snow out of your boots.

It’s also important to mention that you should always hike through mud, not around it. Hiking around mud will cause deterioration on the side of the trail.

Don’t forget to plan your route

Online tools make planning a route to the summit of a fourteener quite easy. Use a reliable resource (I prefer 14ers. com) to check route conditions and see images of the trail prior to starting your trek. Always download the images to your phone so that you can use them as a reference throughout the hike and consider print them out, along with the route, so that you’ve got backup in case your electronics die.

Another good idea is to do research regarding a route in multiple places online. Accounts can vary and while a route might seem straightforward, checking multiple sources will increase the likelihood catching a tiny detail that may end up having a big impact on the experience.

Mind the elevation

Don’t forget about altitude sickness. If you start feeling symptoms, don’t just chalk it up to the fact that it’s your first climb of the season.

Altitude sickness can be deadly and should also be taken seriously. Be aware of things like exhaustion, nausea, and lack of appetite, among other noticeable symptoms.

In conclusion

Climbing Colorado’s fourteeners is a summer activity that many crave. Not only are the hikes beautiful, they also deliver a sense of accomplishment to those that take them on.

This article is, by no means, all-encompassing when it comes to fourteener safety, gear, or advice. It’s simply meant to point out a few important elements that come into play while climbing a peak. Do plenty of research online prior to embarking on a fourteener climb.

OUT THERE COLORADO

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2021-06-14T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-06-14T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://daily.denvergazette.com/article/282269553344685

The Gazette, Colorado Springs