11er Recommendation?

[timf]

So my boy wants to hike up some high peaks, but I want to cut his teeth on some 11K' options first.
I know of the Twin Sisters and Squaw, Papoose, and Chief Mountain.

Any other 11-12K' peaks in the Front, Mosquito, and 10 mile ranges to add to the list?
Thinking class 1 & 2, 2-8 miles round trip, and 1000-2500' gain.

Thanks!

[jaymz]

Geneva Mountain off of Guanella Pass is a pretty gentle little 12er. Lots of solitude on that one, especially compared to the hoards next door.
I can't remember the mileage on it, but it's described in "Colorado Summit Hikes for Everyone."

[Jay521]

I concur with Jaymz about Geneva. There are a couple different ways to approach it. User Derek did it this way
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11374

And I did it from a different starting point.
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=14611

I might also recommend Burning Bear Peak that can also be done from the south (off FS120) or north. (from the Burning Bear Campground off the Guanella Pass road)
http://www.summitpost.org/un-12069-burn ... eak/758742

Both are easy hikes and both have great views. Have fun!

[Corey17]

If you're willing to drive down to Colorado Springs - I'd recommend Mt. Rosa. Can drive up Gold Camp Road to Frosty Park at around 9700 feet, and its a fairly short hike, only a few miles at most. Now, access this time of year might be a challenge - but I'm betting that if you're "cutting your teeth" on some peaks, you're likely to hike in summer? Anyhow Rosa. The views from the top are killer - on one side is the towering Pikes Peak, and the other side is the sprawl of Colorado Springs. Not to mention you'll get some solitude - its in Colorado Springs, and not named "Barr trail" or "The Incline", so nobody else seems to know it exists.

Here's a trip report ~ http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.ph ... ki=Include" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[chubbles365]

I'd recommend Flat Top Mountain in RMNP. If you're willing to push it a little further from there you can continue up Hallett Peak, but that's about 10 miles round trip.

Both have great views of Longs Peak, so he can see what he has to look forward to.

[Jay521]

^^ - I totally forgot about Flattop - that's a great one. And if you want a VERY easy one in RMNP, you might think about Deer Mtn.
http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=16686

[AlexeyD]

Meadow and/or St. Vrain would also be good.

[aweskamp]

Estes Cone in RMNP would be a great option for you guys. It sits at 11k, just over 6 miles RT, has great views of Longs, and offers a little bit of easy, optional scrambling near the summit. This was the first peak I took my 11 year old cousin up and she loved it.

Edit: it also has very easy access via the Longs Peak TH and is class 1 or maybe 2 in spots

[TravelingMatt]

Around Lake Dillon there's Victoria "Peak", Swan Mountain and Tenderfoot Mountain. The latter two require a bit of cross-country but just keep going uphill and you'll get there.

[bking14ers]

I agree on Estes Cone. That was a fun quick little summit with an awesome view all around you. Makes you want to go after Longs Peak next.

[awake]

RMNP has some great options. Other than Estes Cone, Mt Chapin might be good. Short and awesome hike, with the option of continuing on to some bigger peaks.

Mt. Ida was incredible, but it would be longer hike (about 10 miles, 2500' elevation gain). Might be good for a 2nd hike.

[cougar]

Joe Mills Mountain is another nice little 11er in RMNP with great views that's not too long, about 6 miles round trip from Bear Lake - last 1/4 mile or so is a bit of a bushwhack but pretty straightforward. Half Mtn is another one there, steep bushwhack but short and great views of Glacier Gorge.