FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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SchralpTheGnar wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:34 am
Alphabetical
That would be an interesting project.
How do you spell Eolus? (Aeolus?)
Vart, I don't think most plan out every single 14er in a particular order.
When groups/pairs of 14ers are in one area, that would be common. For instance Grays and Torreys, one could choose Grays first if by standard; or Torreys first if going up Kelso Ridge (or other routes).
Otherwise, go with what seems logical for your interest and time available.
Outward from Denver. The closest 20 are all class 1 or 2 walkups. The exception is Longs which could be your first class 3. The further out peaks include harder ones, rougher roads, longer approaches, and overnight camping.
Do you want to do the "I did them all in one calendar year"? if so, then I would time it according to conditions/seasons for each peak (i.e. Little Bear is best done in Spring snow, the Class 1-2 peaks are easier snow climbs, etc) whereas a peak like Capitol you want the most stable weather possible for that which could be post Monsoon season, but before snow starts accumulating which makes it a bit tougher (again, depends on your goals, maybe you want to do a snow climb).
If you're not trying to race to finish them, then it doesn't really matter what order you do them in. Depending on your skill level, if you are less experienced in the mountains, then do them in order of increasing difficulty/duration, i.e. do the walk ups first, then add the scrambling ones, then the final harder half dozen or so which are less forgiving of errors/lack of fitness. I agree with others to combine nearby peaks when possible (something I didn't do, because I didn't think I'd climb all 58 when I started so I probably added a lot of duplicate mileage on, for example on 5-6 trips up Lake Como Road).
While I was fortunate to have a great "finishing team" if I were to do it again, I might plan to finish on Pikes or Evans so non-climbing family members could drive to the top and meet me there, which would have been nice.
Doing them again, I might camp more to spend more time in the mountains, bring my fly rod, more photography equipment etc and take it slower.
Just do what you like. In general, I started with the easier ones and finished on the harder ones.
It took me a decade, I was not really in any rush, and was able to take time and enjoy the scenery. It's a journey, worth repeating with friends and in different seasons, and yes I had a few that took a couple of tries. It's best not to think of it as a list, although I fell into that way of thinking every so often.
And don't be like my "buddy" Mr. α who was willing to be uncollegial in his quest for peakbagging.
Just balance your checklist with what sounds fun and doable. If you are new to everything, build in class, doesn't take much and is fun! Just bring what you think you need and every peak is another lesson learned if you pay attention.
Enjoy
"Salients in the Void"
Permitting the CO 14ers, A Slow March to a Sad Future.