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What You Need to Know to Hike Colorado’s Highest Peaks

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Experienced hikers regularly rely on trails to quench their thirst for the sensation that only true isolation in nature can provide. The rush of pushing one’s body to its physical and mental limits, and then further, is what keeps hikers, mountaineers, and climbers on the rocks. Most mountain sports offer something for all skill levels, and in a quintessential public landscape like Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, anyone can find appreciation for the elements and their place within them. Those familiar with The Centennial State know its magnum opus is the 53 peaks climbing above 14,000 feet, also known as “Fourteeners.” Home to the most fourteeners in any U.S. state, Colorado’s summit hikes range from walk-ups to strenuous technical climbs, and while some are considered “easy” compared to others, most require hitting the trail before sunrise with headlamps and a strong will in hand. For those of average fitness, hikes can take anywhere from 6 to 15 or more hours. Reaching the summit is rewarded with striking views in the company of like-minded, motivated peers, their heads literally in the clouds.

estes cone colorado
Estes Cone, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

For first time fourteener hikers, most experts suggest mid-summer walk-ups like Mount Bierstadt, Lincoln, Democrat, and Grays peak. If you’re feeling strong, bagging more than one peak in a day, using interconnecting craggy saddles, is a great way to check some of these bucket listers off in a short period of time. Altitude environments are a wildlife photographer’s fantasy – rare mountain species such as marmots, pikas, and quails are quite common. The tundra up high is precious and fragile, so staying on trail and minimizing footprints is crucial. When planning your first fourteener, there are a number of safety and fitness goals to reach first.

Here are some invaluable tips and resources to get you rock-ready with a healthy respect for high altitude hikes and the otherworldly atmosphere it fosters.

hiker woman mountain peak

What to bring

For summer hiking plans, the gear list is substantially shorter than autumn and winter excursions, so always keep in mind the season and weather. Primary gear includes a reliable hiking daypack, several liters of water (more than you think you’ll need), high protein and fatty foods, such as energy bars, chews, and salty snacks for replenishment. I’d suggest brands such as Gu and Powerbar. Jerky, trail mix, and avocados also taste sensational at the summit. Other staples are warm weather clothes for the blistery summit, as temperatures will drop drastically above treeline around 11,000 feet. A synthetic shirt, waterproof jacket, hiking pants, boots, socks, and ponchos are also necessary to keep dry and warm on all day outings, as afternoon thunderstorms happen often. Other non-negotiable gear includes a headlamp, multi-tool, map, whistle, lighter, sunscreen, toilet paper, small shovel, first aid kit, and trekking poles. Those living at low altitudes or who haven’t acclimatized should consider taking a small can of supplemental oxygen to protect against altitude sickness.

bear peak colorado
Little Bear Peak, Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Safety

Altitude does strange and unpredictable things to the weather, and checking multiple forecasts, including the weather channel’s summit predictions, can help you avoid a disorienting white out above treeline. Just this year,  nearly a dozen people have died on Colorado’s peaks, and many more have been injured as a result of poor timing, inexperience, and/or freak accidents. Knowing what you’re in for, and never biting off more than you can chew is key to a successful and safe hike. Test your gear beforehand, hit the gym religiously to make sure your cardio and upper body strength is in “peak” shape, and watch the sky as you ascend. Dark, anvil-shaped clouds should mean an immediate turnaround. Lightning risk increases drastically on mountain hikes. Starting early, sometimes even 1 a.m., and camping at or near the trailhead will guarantee you’re down before thunderstorms usually arrive. The Rockies are bear country, and knowing what to do in the event of a bear encounter can save your life.

chasm lake colorado
Chasm Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Learn the jargon

When reading trail specs, understanding the terminology can assist in deciding whether or not a hike is right for your skill and athletic level. A hike’s class signals its difficulty and technicality. For beginners, Class 1 means a clearly marked trail and little-to-no scrambling, or using your hands and feet to climb up or over rough or steep ground. Anything higher than a Class 2 may require special climbing gear. Talus and scree indicates small, loose rock that is difficult to navigate. Elevation gain is the sum of all the uphill segments along the trail, or how much you’ll rise in total. Treeline is where vegetation and trees stop growing, usually between 11,000 and 12,000 feet in Colorado.

dream lake and hallett peak colorado
Dream Lake and Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado hikes to try first

Easing yourself into fourteeners is the best way to prevent burnout and ensure you can finish your first few attempts. Many strenuous hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park can assist with this, but any long hike with a lot of vertical gain will do. Options include Chasm Lake, Hallett Peak, Estes Cone, Bear Peak and dozens of 13ers.

Denver: The Modern Mile High City

Denver isn’t exactly the most conveniently located town. Far from any ocean, one must intentionally venture across the plains or deserts to get into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. For years, the Queen City of the Plains was written off as a forgotten cow town by flatlanders—when in reality, it was one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

These days, the secret is out. The city is rapidly evolving into a cultural breeding ground for chefs, entrepreneurs, artisans, and musicians. And thanks to an evolving food and beverage landscape, a flourishing marijuana industry, and a booming tech and startup scene, Denver is becoming a destination for those pursuing their own version of the post-modern American Western dream.

Chances are you know somebody who’s moved here in the past year or so. To help plan your trip to visit them, here’s your itinerary.

Workout

Denver loves its green…spaces, that is. In fact, the City and County of Denver maintain more than 200 city parks, 100 miles of trails, and 11 dog parks. That’s over 5,000 acres of urban parkland to explore. For starters, tie up your running shoes and head to Cheesman Park, just southeast of downtown. The quick 1.5-mile jog on the tree-lined paths will remind you you’re 5,280 feet above sea level, but at least the park’s dirt-lined perimeter is easy on the knees.

cheesman park denver colorado
Columns on the Pavilion in Cheesman Park

Be sure to stop at the Cheesman Pavilion—located on the park’s eastern border, just across from the Denver Botanic Gardens—and soak in the impressive westward views of the snowcapped Rockies.

Breakfast

Perennial favorite Snooze, an A.M. Eatery—a homegrown chain with outposts in California and Arizona—is just as great as people say it is. Try the breakfast pot pie, made with rosemary sausage gravy atop a flaky puff pastry, along with the Bangkok Bloody Mary, sure to waken your taste buds with ingredients like Sriracha and fish sauce, among others.

pot pie and bloody mary food
Breakfast Pot Pie and Bangkok Bloody Mary | Image courtesy of Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

If you want to pretend you’re a local, hit up newcomer Onefold, located in the Uptown neighborhood. The cozy, farmhouse-inspired haunt serves up a simple, yet surprisingly diverse menu that includes bacon fried rice (it’s just as good as it sounds), congee (a traditional Chinese savory rice porridge) with duck confit, and a massive breakfast burrito that includes green chili, duckfat fried potatoes, and your choice of local bacon or house-made sausage.

Be warned: The place is tiny. So if you’re put on the waiting list, walk a few blocks southwest to the Denver Bicycle Café for a cup of local coffee. The relaxed, friendly spot includes an in-house bike shop (hence the name), and a completely Colorado-sourced espresso and draft beer selection.

Denver Bicycle Cafe
Image courtesy of Denver Bicycle Cafe

See

Denver has a formidable art scene—and one that is growing exponentially as more and more transplants migrate to the increasingly progressive town. The Denver Art Museum, which opened the geometric, Daniel Libeskind-designed Frederic C. Hamilton Building in 2006, has established itself as the city’s go-to institution. One of the biggest museums between the Pacific coast and Chicago, the DAM boasts an impressive collection of American Indian and Western art, in addition to international displays, and rotating traveling exhibits.

hamilton building exterior denver art museum
The titanium-clad exterior of the Denver Art Museum’s Hamilton Building | Photo by Kevin Hester | Courtesy of the Denver Art Museum

Just around the corner is the small but impressively comprehensive Clyfford Still Museum, which celebrates the life of the celebrated abstract expressionist painter.

clyfford still museum denver colorado
Photo by Matt Pangman

If you have time, and crave a more homegrown art experience, head a few blocks southwest to the Art District on Santa Fe, one of the city’s celebrated cultural gems. Vibrant storefronts, colorfully painted alleyways, and unique street art populate this micro-hood. Check out the Museo de las Americas—which pays homage to the arts and culture of Latin America—and choose from an assortment of contemporary galleries such as Michael Warren Contemporary, which celebrate local artists. 

Lunch

For a true Denver experience, head just outside the city to South Federal Boulevard. A long-time fixture for truly authentic cuisine, the thoroughfare contains some of Denver’s best hole-in-the-wall, family-run spots. In the mood for Vietnamese cuisine? Check out either Pho Duy for a wonderfully warming bowl of pho or Ba Le Sandwich for an outstanding (and super cheap) banh mi. How about authentic Chinese? Star Kitchen is a fixture for weekend dim sum as well as real deal Cantonese dishes. And in a city known for its Mexican cuisine, Tarasco’s New Latino Cuisine shines with its award-winning dishes, which run the gamut from mole to posole.

pho soup
Image via Stocksnap under license CC0

You may have to look extra hard to find some of these hidden gems, but it’s well worth the time. Trust us.

Shop

 Over the past few years, South Broadway has evolved into one of the Mile High City’s premier shopping destinations. And we can’t think of a better place to showcase Denver’s burgeoning artisan scene. Starting at the corner of Ellsworth and Broadway, hit up the legendary punk enclave Mutiny Information Café for secondhand books, comics, and vinyl. Walk three doors south to Ironwood, where succulents, terrariums, local art, and other oddities artfully clutter this distinct shop. Just blocks apart, local ski/surf lifestyle brand Steadbrook and Fancy Tiger—a boutique that carries both Colorado and international brands—prove that aesthetics do matter in Denver. 

Dinner

If you haven’t noticed already, Denver is in the midst of a cultural explosion—and perhaps no single building is a better representation than the newly revamped Union Station. The transportation hub, which was established in 1881, recently unveiled its $54 million renovations, and has since served as the crown jewel of downtown Denver. Make sure to come early to tour the station’s new digs and grab a drink at the opulent Terminal Bar, located in the Great Hall. Once your reservation is ready (you made one, right?), head next door to Mercantile Dining & Provision for acclaimed chef Alex Seidel’s take on elevated, seasonally-inspired comfort food.

Mercantile food denver colorado
Image courtesy of Mercantile Dining and Provision | Photo: McCall Burau

Between Union Station’s elaborate, lavish rebuild, and Mercantile’s expansive, open dining room—which doubles as an in-house, artisanal market—it becomes clear that Denver has never been this classy.

Imbibe

With an exorbitant amount of breweries in the greater metro area, it’s no secret that Denver is a beer town. And currently, nowhere in Denver is more representative of craft beer (or general redevelopment) than the River North Art District.

ratio beerworks
Photo by Matt Pangman

While you could easily start your tour on Larimer and its surrounding streets (and sample damn fine brews from Our Mutual Friend, Ratio Beerworks, Epic Brewing Company, and Beryl’s Beer Co.) save some semblance of sobriety and travel a few blocks north to Brighton Boulevard. Start your night at newcomer Mockery Brewing to try some of Denver’s most unique brews.

mockery brewing denver colorado
Image courtesy of Mockery Brewing

Next, walk a few blocks to the legendary Great Divide Brewing Company’s new 65,000 square-foot facility and sample their flagship Yeti Imperial Stout. End your night in the old 1880s building directly across the street at The Source, a hopping artisan food market that features 13 vendors including (you guessed it) a brewery in Crooked Stave.

great divide yeti stout beer
Yeti Imperial Stout | Image courtesy of Great Divide Brewing Company

A Mountain Paradise in Estes Park, CO

Perched miles above the northeastern Colorado prairies rests a bijou resort town evocative of 18th century simplicity. Affordable, cozy cabin rentals, genuine downtown charm, and dramatic panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains are just a few comforts Estes Park capitulates. Known as home base for Rocky Mountain National Park, the quaint town of less than 6,000 features tourists from all walks of life — from longtime hikers to happy honeymooners. Although a marketable tourist destination, things move a bit slower in Estes Park. You’ll delight in the collective calmness and antiquity of this seasoned mountain town. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sabbatical or a challenging day hike, be sure to check out these regional landmarks and local interests to completely immerse yourself in everything the front range has to offer.

The Stanley Hotel

Rendering panoramic views of Lake Estes and Long’s Peak, lodging with The Stanley is a truly opulent experience. Featuring hundred-year-old decor and rooms furnished with hardwood chattels, the hotel continues to earn its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Its upscale dining room, Cascades, is complete with an expansive entree selection and a prodigious whiskey bar offering hundreds of spirits to give your night an extra kick.

Stanley hotel estes park co

Enjoy a cocktail by the fire, or mingle with other compelling ramblers in the hotel’s homey lobby. For the superstitious, The Stanley is well-known as author Stephen King’s inspiration for his fictional Overlook Hotel in The Shining. The hotel includes a number of attractions for horror fans, including a gift shop and a variety of Shining-inspired menu items. The hotel even offers haunted ground tours for the most valiant of guests.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Boundless in its beauty and opportunity, Rocky Mountain National Park offers more than 250,000 acres of mountainscapes, alpine lakes, and wildlife sightings. The park embraces a multitude of climates and environments each season.

Rocky mountain national park

All ages and athletic levels are welcome, as RMNP volunteers plenty of activities, from small looped hikes around breathtaking lakes to moderate and difficult hikes for more adventurous guests. Traversing Trail Ridge Road, the 48-mile scenic byway that stretches from Estes Park to Grand Lake, will leave you spellbound with its birds-eye-view of the park’s highest peaks and forests.

Snowy Peaks Winery

Open seven days a week year round, locally owned Snowy Peaks offers an array of Colorado wines including Merlot, Syrah, and Riesling. The winery’s selection of gourmet food from Colorado-based artisans gives this shop an edge on the competition. Take your glass to the tasting room, where you’ll be awarded with palatial mountain views. For families, Snowy Peaks offers free juice samples and a “No Wine-ing Zone” playroom for the youngsters.

Downtown Estes Park

Grab some ice cream at the Danish Cone Factory, see a film at the Historic Park Theatre and Cafe, and admire the sweeping views of fourteeners from the valley of downtown Estes Park. More than 200 local shops, restaurants, and attractions along Elkhorn and Moraine avenues offer various and sundry activities for any time of year.

Estes Park colorado

Grab a drink at the Wheel Bar, or stop in for a slice at Bob & Tony’s Pizza to cut through the winter chill. If you’re lucky, expect to share the sidewalk with the wildlife that regularly saunter the town.

Estes Park Museum

For a peek behind the curtain of time, visit the free Estes Park Museum for more than 25,000 preserved Colorado artifacts. Known as one of the state’s top museums, the local research facility offers a well-stocked gift shop to grab a souvenir for friends who couldn’t make it.

The Taffy Shop

Converted from a laundry facility in 1935, The Taffy Shop has been hand-crafting mouthwatering saltwater taffy using the same recipe and four-step process for more than 80 years. Featuring dozens of daily flavors using gluten-free ingredients, this Estes Park staple affords you a guilt-free indulgence and the opportunity to support a local business.