Need a first time shorter summit/hike for girlfriend

[jimmytg]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I are heading to Denver this Summer and she is interested in doing some hiking. I have plans to climb Elbert and Pikes Peak later in the Summer with my brother, and she recently expressed an interest in maybe climbing one in the future. I was wondering if I could get some suggestions for a shorter hike near Denver that would put us on a summit, and get her even more excited about climbing a 14er? I have seen posts on Mt Morrison near Denver, but am very open to other suggestions.

Thanks a bunch in advance!

[Double Oh Seven]

Check out chief mtn. 3 miles rt about 1500 vertical. Trail head is across the street from old echo mtn ski resort. You can be there in 30 min from i-70 evergreen exit. The views rival many14ers.

[SurfNTurf]

If she's game and in-shape, there's no reason to wait. Bierstadt is about as easy as 14ers get. It's done by hundreds of people every summer weekend.

Mt. Sniktau is a 13er off Loveland Pass within an hour of town that requires minimal effort.

If you're set on keeping lower, Bear Peak or Mt. Sanitas in Boulder are fun hikes.

[2giqs]

i second that Chief Mtn post:

http://www.summitpost.org/chief-mountain/153817" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jay521]

i second that Chief Mtn post:

http://www.summitpost.org/chief-mountain/153817" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I third that one. Took my non-hiking GF up that last summer and she really enjoyed it.

[mtgirl]

I third that one. Took my non-hiking GF up that last summer and she really enjoyed it.

Was your hiking GF jealous ? Sorry, couldn't resist......

[Aug_Dog]

If she's game and in-shape, there's no reason to wait. Bierstadt is about as easy as 14ers get. It's done by hundreds of people every summer weekend.

Mt. Sniktau is a 13er off Loveland Pass within an hour of town that requires minimal effort.

If you're set on keeping lower, Bear Peak or Mt. Sanitas in Boulder are fun hikes.

I agree with everything in this post. Bierstadt is super easy. Just go for it.

If not, you really can't beat Sniktau. You start at tree line, the trail is incredibly east to follow and the views are awesome. If you're feeling really good after getting Sniktau, you can continue on and get "Cupid" and if you're feeling really jazzed, you can even get Grizzly. Grizzly is a bit harder and the mileage/vertical will really pile up if you do all three, but if you just did Sniktau and "Cupid," that's a pretty easy, but wonderful day.

[Scott P]

The peaks around Berthoud Pass are good ones for a taste of high altitude. You could head east towards Colorado Mines Peak and Mount Flora or west to Stanley Mountain.

[Jay521]

I third that one. Took my non-hiking GF up that last summer and she really enjoyed it.

Was your hiking GF jealous ? Sorry, couldn't resist......

Shhhh!!!!!

[srspillman]

You mentioned Mt. Morrison -- I like Mt. Morrison a lot, but it's probably not the greatest introduction. The trail is super steep, especially near the top. I think the average grade is something like 22%. Really fun if you like a bit of a challenge, though, and the views from the summit are awesome.

Lots of people like Bergen Peak for training. It's not too far away, and the trail is 4.7 miles (one-way) with ~2700' of gain, topping out at 9700'. Route info: http://www.summitpost.org/bergen-peak-f ... lvd/400741" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jimmytg]

Thanks a ton for all the responses! I will definitely start looking into the suggestions and hopefully choose one that fits the bill.

Its great to have so many people offer advice. Much appreciated!

[Jim Davies]

Don't take her to Bierstadt in early June, or the relationship might be over. Ankle-deep mud will do that...