Suggestions for first 14'er with my Flatlander sister?

[Shipyard]

Hi. Looking for suggestions for an "easy" (I put in in quotes because IMO no 14ers are truly easy) 14er to take my flatland sister on. She is visiting and will be here about a week, with some lesser hikes in her pocket before we attempt. I have only done two myself (Pikes via Barr and Biernstadt).

I'm thinking Sherman or Handies? I'd like a shorter one for sure. She has done some decent hikes before (Mt. Washington, New Hampshire and the Long Trail) for example, but of course the altitude is a new factor. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, community.

[Alpine Guy]

Grays if you're near Denver and can handle the rough road, and can get an early enough start to find a parking space.

[Ptglhs]

Sherman is easier and shorter than Grey's. Do it during the week if you can. As far as I know the road is still drivable to 12k.

[bigredmachine]

Capitol from Snowmass for sure...

Joking, please don’t do that

[glenmiz]

Sherman is good, short choice and much shorter drive than Handies from Denver area. Road is rough for 2wd but it can be done.

[ltlFish99]

Torreys was my 1st 14er and I thought it was great.
Lots of people almost anytime, but a weekday should be better.

[nunns]

If you want something relatively easy but without huge crowds, you could try either Huron or LaPlata. It sounds like your sister is fairly fit, so as long as she is OK with altitude those would be OK for her, and without the crowds.

Sean Nunn

[CaptCO]

I’ve actually got the same situation coming up.. I’m deciding on bierstadt, San Luis, Kelso Ridge, Quandary, Belford, Huron, Castle peak. Sorry I know that’s a lot of options. It’s also noted my sister has been athletic all her life, and will acclimate a few days prior

[Alpine Guy]

I took some inlaws up Bierstat on July 4th and it was such a zoo, I don't think they'll ever do another 14er. Kelso Ridge could be good, as long as as she's the adventurous type and has the background for it. But if you've got someone coming from out of state, why not do one of our beautiful scenic drives deep into the rockies for a more secluded experience?

[CaptCO]

I took some inlaws up Bierstat on July 4th and it was such a zoo, I don't think they'll ever do another 14er. Kelso Ridge could be good, as long as as she's the adventurous type and has the background for it. But if you've got someone coming from out of state, why not do one of our beautiful scenic drives deep into the rockies for a more secluded experience?

If I can take her up American basin and do Handies.. that’s what I’ll do. Especially since I climbed it in snow and not the standard route. What are good swimming holes in Colorado?

[DeTour]

For a relatively vigorous newbie, I say Humboldt, if you have a vehicle that can reach the 4wd trailhead. Not too difficult and bomber views of Crestone Peak and Needle to fire up an appetite for more summits. Even better if you camp at South Colony Lakes.

[climbingcue]

If you want something relatively easy but without huge crowds, you could try either Huron or LaPlata. It sounds like your sister is fairly fit, so as long as she is OK with altitude those would be OK for her, and without the crowds.

Sean Nunn

Not this summer, both of those peaks have had boat loads of people climbing them. I was super surprised to drive past la plata’s trailhead at 5am on a Saturday where it had rained all night and the weather was not great. Counted 50 cars