If you're embarking on your first climb of a 14er, start by reviewing the Climbing 14ers: Getting Started guide. It's best to begin with one of the easier 14ers, though "easier" is a relative term as every 14er demands good physical fitness. The easier climbs are shorter in distance and have a trail all or most of the way to the summit. While some hikers may attempt a more challenging peak like Longs Peak right away, this is not recommended. Build your skills and endurance by tackling less demanding peaks first. It's important to understand how your body reacts to long hikes at high altitude before attempting a peak as challenging as Longs.
The easiest 14ers in Colorado are generally classified as Class 1 or Class 2 hikes with minimal exposure, low risk of rockfall, and a round-trip distance under 8 miles. They have established routes, are fairly short by 14er standards, and are about as beginner-friendly as Colorado 14ers get. Each route is assigned a difficulty rating, with CLASS 1 being the easiest because it means there is a defined trail all the way to the summit. You can also browse the complete guidebook of 14er routes.
| Routes | Difficulty | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grays Peak: North Slopes | Class 1 | 3,000' | 7.5 mi | |
| Torreys Peak: South Slopes | Class 1 | 3,000' | 7.75 mi | |
| Mt. Sherman: Southwest Ridge | Class 1 | 2,100' | 5.25 mi | |
| Quandary Peak: East Ridge | Class 1 | 3,450' | 6.75 mi | |
| Combo: Grays and Torreys | Class 1 | 3,600' | 8.25 mi | |
| Handies Peak: Southwest Slopes | Class 1 | 2,500' | 5.75 mi | |
| Mt. Bierstadt: West Slopes | Class 2 | 2,850' | 7.25 mi | |
| Huron Peak: Northwest Slopes | Class 2 | 3,500' | 7 mi | |
| A bit more difficult/longer: | ||||
| Mt. Elbert: Northeast Ridge | Class 1 | 4,500' | 9.75 mi | |
| San Luis Peak: Northeast Ridge | Class 1 | 3,600' | 13.5 mi |
These five 14ers are often recommended for first-time Colorado 14er hikers because they have established routes, moderate distances, and lower technical difficulty compared to harder peaks. Remember that "easy" does not mean safe or effortless: all 14ers require good fitness, an early start, proper gear, and careful attention to weather.
Why beginners choose it: Grays Peak is often recommended for beginners because the standard route follows a Class 1 trail all the way to the summit. The route is longer than some other beginner 14ers, but the trail is well-established and the terrain is generally straightforward in summer.
Trailhead access: The Stevens Gulch Road leading to the Grays Peak trailhead can be rough, and while some passenger cars make it in good conditions, AWD/4WD good clearance vehicles are often preferred. If you cannot drive all the way to the upper trailhead, expect extra distance.
Why beginners choose it: Mount Sherman is considered one of the easiest 14ers because the standard route is relatively short, has moderate elevation gain, and follows an old mining road and trail for much of the hike. The upper mountain is rockier, but the route is generally straightforward in summer conditions.
Trailhead access: The road to the Fourmile Creek trailhead can be quite rough, but good clearance vehicles can usually get close in good summer conditions. AWD/4WD vehicles with more clearance can get to the 12,000-foot trailhead parking area.
Why beginners choose it: Quandary Peak is a common first 14er because the standard East Ridge route is direct, well-traveled, and easy to follow in summer. The route gains a lot of elevation steadily, so it is physically demanding, but it avoids the more complex scrambling and route-finding found on harder 14ers.
Trailhead access: Quandary is close to Breckenridge and the trailhead area is reached by passenger vehicles in normal summer conditions. However, parking and shuttle rules have changed in recent years, so do not assume you can simply drive up and park without planning ahead. Review the trailhead access information before your climb.
Why beginners choose it: Mount Bierstadt is a popular beginner 14er because the standard route from Guanella Pass has a well-defined trail, manageable mileage, and relatively simple route-finding. The final section near the summit becomes rockier, but it remains one of the more approachable 14er hikes in Colorado. See the route description for details.
Trailhead access: Guanella Pass is paved and usually accessible by standard 2WD vehicles during the main summer season, though seasonal closures and parking restrictions can apply.
Why beginners choose it: Handies Peak is one of the easier San Juan 14ers because the standard route has a good trail, beautiful terrain, and moderate difficulty compared with many surrounding peaks. It is still a high-altitude hike, but the route is generally straightforward in dry summer conditions.
Trailhead access: The main challenge for many beginners is driving access. It's far from Denver and other Colorado cities. Additionally, reaching Handies may require an AWD/4WD vehicle with good clearance. Be sure to carefully read the details of the American Basin trailhead before planning a trip to this area.
When selecting a route from the list above or exploring other routes, it’s essential to evaluate the Overall Difficulty of the route. There are several factors to take into account, so let’s break down the elements that contribute to the overall difficulty of a 14er route:
