Weekend 13er With Novices

[Ericds84]

I took a friend up his first peak (Democrat) back in August and he's tasked me with doing a second climb this weekend. I'd like to climb something nearby that's also new for me, which rules out the majority of Front Range, Sawatch & Mosquito range 14ers. Any recommendations for a beginner-friendly 13er with easy road access that's relatively close to Denver?

[sunny1]

Several options come to mind. Here are a couple of close to Denver ones that look new to you. You can search the 13ers.com link to get more info about them.

Cupid and Grizzly D from Loveland Pass
Parnassus and Bard from the Herman Gulch exit on I 70.

[geojed]

Another one that is easy access but is a little farther afield is Mt Arkansas. Climbed it last Dec and it was a blast! Quick and Easy with spectacular views.

Here is the TR I did on it. http://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=14586" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[quackquackcolorado]

My recommendations:

Rosalie Peak from Deer Creek TH
Hassell Peak from Herman Gulch TH
Whale Peak from Georgia Pass
Ruby Mtn A from Argentine Pass TH

Pacific Peak from Spruce Creek TH - this is more intermediate, but it's an awesome basin!

[Scott P]

Mt. Flora from Berthoud Pass might be a good choice.

[Jay521]

I'd like to climb something nearby that's also new for me, which rules out the majority of Front Range, Sawatch & Mosquito range. Any recommendations for a beginner-friendly 13er with easy road access that's relatively close to Denver?

Ruling out those ranges makes it a bit difficult to keep it close to Denver, too. My only thought would be West Spanish Peak. There are several TR's on it on this site and it is a pretty easy climb. If you want something a little tougher, you could do East Spanish Peak but it's a 12er...

[Mark A Steiner]

Several options come to mind. Here are a couple of close to Denver ones that look new to you. You can search the 13ers.com link to get more info about them.

Cupid and Grizzly D from Loveland Pass.

Or, take a left turn at Point 12,915' and head for Mount Sniktau.

[peter303]

Grizzley becomes ice-technical after a few snow falls. But that should be obvious as you leave the Cupid tundra.

Berthod Pass mountains can have avy issues.

[JosephG]

Grizzley becomes ice-technical after a few snow falls.

What is your definition of "ice-technical?" I'm pretty sure Grizzly does not meet any standard definition of it.

To the OP:

North Star Mountain (just south of Quandary, west from Hoosier Pass) will give you a pretty gentle high-altitude stroll with good views of the surrounding peaks.
Hoosier Ridge from Hoosier Pass is a similar high-altitude stroll, with the option of adding on Mt. Silverheels.
Mt. Arkansas just south of Climax Mine and Fremont Pass, although it will offer some easy class 3 options.
Geneva, Santa Fe, Sullivan, Landslide - all from Montezuma, and all very very easy. You can drive quite high on these, depending on conditions and vehicle comfort.
Mt. Tweto is a nice out-and-back from the east side of Mosquito Pass. You get there by driving just south of Alma and then heading towards Mosquito Pass. You have the option of adding on a few more peaks, too (Treasurevault, Mosquito, the newly-minted "Kuss" Peak, and London Mountain).

[Scott P]

Berthod Pass mountains can have avy issues.

There shouldn't be many avy issues on the standard route to Mt Flora unless you get off route or something. I doubt the avy danger is high on the standard route right now (though one should always check this for yourself).

[tdliles]

How about Horseshoe/Peerless/Sheridan. Horseshoe must be one of the easiest centennials, with 2wd drive access (providing the road is not snowed in...).

[rijaca]

Berthod Pass mountains can have avy issues.

There shouldn't be many avy issues on the standard route to Mt Flora unless you get off route or something. I doubt the avy danger is high on the standard route right now (though one should always check this for yourself).

I drove over Berthoud Pass yesterday, and it didn't appear to have enough snow to have avy issues....