First 14er

FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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[Sven]
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First 14er

Post by [Sven] »

I’m happy to say, at 49 yo, I completed my first 14er 2 days ago (8/04/2020). Pikes Peak from Crags TH. Growing up in Colorado Springs with that mountain staring down at me throughout my childhood...I HAD to do it before I die. I live in the foothills at around 7,300’, and trail run and hike most days, so I guess I’m in decent enough shape. But, this hike honestly kicked my butt! There were three distinct times I wanted to quit: that endless uphill stretch before coming out of the forest, the section from tree line to the saddle (hands down the worst part for me), and the thigh murdering, knee buckling descent (the scramble just below the summit was actually the funnest part to me. I love scrambles like that). Thankfully I’m either stupid enough or determined enough to know that if I didn’t summit, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself and I’d eventually die trying to accomplish this goal. So I pushed through the waves of nausea and massive headache (yep, probably altitude sickness, or dehydration) and dreamed of bad doughnuts and crap coffee at the top. And I made it! I accomplished this lifelong goal. Hiked the whole route...no shuttles or shortcuts. 14 miles round trip, 6.5 hours up, 3.5 back down.
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GreenHorn
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Re: First 14er

Post by GreenHorn »

Congrats!
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Will_E
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Re: First 14er

Post by Will_E »

Nice work! And that’s one serious beard!
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[Sven]
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Re: First 14er

Post by [Sven] »

LOL! Thanks guys. Probably should have mentioned the beard did all the work...I was just along for the ride.
arianna2
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Re: First 14er

Post by arianna2 »

:bicep: great job!
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Jay521
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Re: First 14er

Post by Jay521 »

Excellent job! It's never too late to start hiking 14ers.
I take the mountain climber's approach to housekeeping - don't look down
quaternion
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Re: First 14er

Post by quaternion »

Congratulations! If the sense of accomplishment and the beautiful views are enough to make you want to climb again, take heart: additional trips to altitude will probably get easier. Somehow the body figures out how to adjust. (But always remember any of us can get altitude sickness, or worse, on any day.) And don't limit yourself to 14ers; there are a lot of beautiful mountains out there that don't meet that rather arbitrary measure.
As I bask in the glorious wake of modest achievement... - Dennis Miller
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[Sven]
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Re: First 14er

Post by [Sven] »

I really appreciate all the support guys...thank you all! The funny thing is, I told my hiking buddy as we were descending, this was my first and probably my last 14er. Now, a few days later as the soreness is slowly wearing off, I’m looking at doing at least a couple more. Handies and Uncompahgre seem within reach...at least from what I’ve read so far.
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Eli Boardman
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Re: First 14er

Post by Eli Boardman »

Congratulations! Pikes is a cool first 14er--such a massive presence above the Springs.

If you do decide to do some more 14ers, take heart that lots of the others are easier! Pikes is a big day via Crags, much more physically taxing than peaks like Bierstadt, Quandary, Handies, etc.
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glenmiz
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Re: First 14er

Post by glenmiz »

Was the doughnut shop open? Those things never taste better than after hiking that trail. Driving or taking the train seems to suck all of the flavor out. Hope you had the chance to really enjoy one.

Congratulations!
Aim high to end high
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JacerJack
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Re: First 14er

Post by JacerJack »

Congrats! Pikes is a big mountain, and certainly not as easy as most peoples' first. Way to push through!
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daway8
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Re: First 14er

Post by daway8 »

Great job! Congratulations! =D>
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