Hiking first 14'er solo

[Remco]

Have any of you hiked Culebra and can you offer any insight on that peak?

[SchralpTheGnar]

A true solo ascent is no longer possible in Colorado in any season.

[Tornadoman]

Have any of you hiked Culebra and can you offer any insight on that peak?

Beautiful area and not too long a day as long as you park at 4-Way or higher. Class 2 walk up with rocks. Cost is $150 per person, so crowds will be less than other easier 14ers.

[CaptainSuburbia]

A true solo ascent is no longer possible in Colorado in any season.

You can still solo climb 14ers on winter weekdays.

[nyker]

Remco,

To answer your original question for advice on those peaks going solo:

My advice would essentially be the same whether you are solo or with a partner, with the possible exception of adding some better communication device.
Sherman is a good peak to get your climbing legs back as its class 1 to the top , La Plata is also pretty straightforward in dry weather.

* Acclimatize beforehand (might not be as much as an issue since you say you already live in CO) depending how often you exercise in the mountains
* Since you mention you have not climbed a 14er in 20yrs, arrive with adequate cardiovascular fitness, ie start training now if you're not otherwise in shape (for all I know you're a marathoner who is in great shape so disregard )
* Go slow, especially if you have not been higher up recently. Despite some folks thinking hiking to a summit is another form of timed 10k race, there is no rush. If you're rushing, you should start earlier.
* Assuming you're climbing up in June-Aug, start early to minimize risk of being up high in thunderstorms, on those peaks, that means around dawn or just before. Harder/longer routes will typically require earlier starts.
* Bring plenty of fluids (water/electrolytes); at least 2 liters, better to have 3 depending on how much you drink.
* The route on La Plata can be tricky earlier in the trail in the forest, though might be easier when the snow is gone, so pay attention on the hike in
* Familiarize yourself with the route options BEFORE you're on the mountain at a fork in the trail wondering which way to go
* Please bring a map/compass or a GPS with good batteries and knowledge to use it

As far as being solo, depends on when you go, you can certainly find yourself alone on those peaks especially on a weekday, but the odds are probably against especially on the weekends from May-October.
I did La Plata solo, didn't see another human all day. Sherman, we saw 3-4 people, but both were a few years back...

Most of all, Have fun out there!

Rob

[CHWitte]

For pure safety purposes, it is best not to hike any 14 "solo." When you hike solo, your potential injury now becomes other people's problem, if there are others at all on the mountain. And, if they don't make it their problem, you are in trouble. Hiking with a friend or a family member allows for someone to seek help should you need or provides immediate assistance. Safety is always something to think about, especially on your first 14er.

[Mtnman200]

Have any of you hiked Culebra and can you offer any insight on that peak?

Be sure to tag the summit of Red Mtn while you're at it. Culebra + Red is the same price ($150) as Culebra only.

[peter303]

Another alternative would be to do a non-standard route. I did LaPlata from the Southwest Ridge route and only ran into people at the summit. Takes a little effort to get to the trailhead for that route, though . . .

I dont recommend non-standard routes fir the first few solo hikes. The standard route is better marked by more traffic. Alsomore people will be around in case of trouble.

[rpdawes]

A true solo ascent is no longer possible in Colorado in any season.

I vehemently disagree. If you go to a more remote 14er on any weekday, you can find yourself all alone hiking to a summit even on a standard route all day no matter what season it may be. Or you can go out in a night even to a more popular peak without seeing a soul. So your statement is not correct according to my past experiences.

[rpdawes]

Hi there,

I'm planning to hike my first 14'er (in 20 years) this summer, but my wife, kids, and best friend have all wussed-out on me and now it looks like I'm going solo. I live in Western Colorado and am planning on hiking Sherman or La Plata first because I really want to avoid the crowds. Does anyone have advice for going solo on these peaks?

I would prefer Sherman or even Elbert as my first 14er summit solo. Enjoy it. Pay no attention to those alarmists as long as you stay on a standard route. Prepare your trip well in advance! Good luck!

[SchralpTheGnar]

A true solo ascent is no longer possible in Colorado in any season.

I vehemently disagree. If you go to a more remote 14er on any weekday, you can find yourself all alone hiking to a summit even on a standard route all day no matter what season it may be. Or you can go out in a night even to a more popular peak without seeing a soul. So your statement is not correct according to my past experiences.

Maybe 5 years ago, but not anymore. Well maybe if you hike windom from 10pm-5am on a Tuesday in December, but that’s about it.

[strayster2]

I did Quandary Peak on a Sunday morning last August, and though I passed probably about ten other people on the ascent, I was alone on the summit for a good 15 minutes around 7:00 AM, and could have had it to myself for at least half an hour more if I hadn't started descending.