First 14er in February

FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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Phill the Thrill
Posts: 1031
Joined: 6/20/2005
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Re: First 14er in February

Post by Phill the Thrill »

Not at all a crazy idea, but be aware that you most certainly would benefit from having microspikes that time of year, and depending on how much snow has accumulated you may need snowshoes, even with a trench in place. Otherwise, be prepared (mentally) for some postholing.
"Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it." - Andy Rooney
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daway8
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Re: First 14er in February

Post by daway8 »

Be sure to check the weather for the day before and the day after your hike - if there was just a massive dump of snow the day before you're planned date you might want to cancel both due to some avy concerns (primarily only a concern on this one if you wander off route but there is a spot or two of possible concern if there's just been a really heavy snow). Besides, if you're the first to set a trench in after a major snow it gets really brutal really quick.

I also mentioned check the forecast for the day after because sometimes the clouds don't check the forecast - I've seen storms arrive half a day "early" - probably not a fun experience for your first 14er.

But as long as you have a good weather window around your date the biggest thing is layers, layers, layers. Some folks have already made suggestions - personally, especially for your first hike, I would bring a lot more layers than you think you'll need. Others might object and say minimize your weight - for an experienced hiker that might be ok but temperature control on a winter climb is tricky. You might be getting overheated down in the trees then pop up on the ridge and get blasted with insanely cold wind (tip: if you hear strong wind up ahead but it's not yet hitting you - stop BEFORE you get on the ridge and add some layers - that's much easier than waiting till you're freezing and trying to add layers in a strong wind). Having jackets with pit zips (zippers under the arm) can be a great way to ventilate if you start to overheat on the way up (sweat in winter = dangerous...)

And handwarmers are amazing if you get the good ones (I like the Grabber brand - avoid the Walmart specials...) and remember to leave them exposed in the air for a minute or two before tucking them in your gloves.
VickieLynn1121
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Joined: 7/27/2019
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Re: First 14er in February

Post by VickieLynn1121 »

We’ve tried quandary twice in the winter and been unsuccessful both times. First time, huge snowfall in the week prior and we were breaking trail the whole way. After a couple of hours, two guys showed up and took the lead to give us a break. It was s-l-o-w going and we just ran out of time on those shorter winter days. BTW—if you show up and you are the only people there..it’s not a good sign. 😂😂😂 Second time was -18 degrees at the trailhead and brutal wind up top. People were saying 50-60 mph gusts and it just didn’t seem like a good idea to push for it. It was still fun though! We had a fun picnic with an amazing view…just not from the tippity top.

Alternate options if your weather isn’t great would be Cupid peak or Chief Mountain (easy hike but amazing views—we love to do it in the winter). Carry lots of layers and goggles. In brutal wind, you want every bit of skin protected.
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