FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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stephakett wrote:bump the suggestion for a 13er warmup. maybe hit Cupid and Grizzly (Sniktau optional) from Loveland pass on day 2, and head to kite lake to tackle DeCaLiBro on day 4.
I agree but if your goal is maximization of 14er summits (not necessarily the best goal but for many it is a primary concern) then Bierstadt is about as easy as some of the easiest 13ers. Plus you can't get lost on the main route in Bierstadt even if you tried.
Fair point. Nevermind
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
First off I was not trying to brag about triathlons, simply trying to let you all know that I wasn't sitting on my couch eating Doritos for the past 6 years and decided to go for a stroll at 14k. I am aware that one might not translate well to the other, just giving a reference point.
With that out of the way, thank you for all the great advice. There are many, many things that I don't know and came here because I know many of you are experienced and could save me some pain and heartache. I would say that at this point I am NOT comfortable at class 3 because I just don't have the experience. So unless told otherwise I plan to stay away from class 3 on this trip. I will check out the other peak suggestions. Also, when I said hang out it Denver I just meant a "rest" day out of the mountains. A smaller mountain town is probably more my speed and sounds like a great suggestion.
The main thing is I don't want to get in over my head but I don't want to cut myself short. So, the plan to go out 2 days is if all goes well on day 1 and it sounds like I have a couple great options for a 2 peak first day.
Suggestion for Grays and Torreys. It is a doable hike, especially for someone who does work out a good amount, it provides a good spot on the ridge to decide whether or not you want to do both or just do one and its relatively easy to climb.
ultrarunningkid wrote:Suggestion for Grays and Torreys. It is a doable hike, especially for someone who does work out a good amount, it provides a good spot on the ridge to decide whether or not you want to do both or just do one and its relatively easy to climb.
Okay, this sounds like a winner for me for day 1. Sounds like a good way to see how I do at altitude and gives me options for multiple peaks. I will keep my options open for day 3, between what ideas were posted here and other research.
Another question, have you guys heard of anything us lowlanders have done in training that actually helps at altitude? I'm talking gimmicky stuff like high altitude masks etc. Something other than be in good shape and drink a ton of water. I just want to as prepared as I can be to insure a fun adventure.
JRDew wrote:Another question, have you guys heard of anything us lowlanders have done in training that actually helps at altitude? I'm talking gimmicky stuff like high altitude masks etc.
The masks just help simulate having COPD.
"A couple more shots of whiskey,
the women 'round here start looking good"
ultrarunningkid wrote:
Another question, have you guys heard of anything us lowlanders have done in training that actually helps at altitude? I'm talking gimmicky stuff like high altitude masks etc. Something other than be in good shape and drink a ton of water. I just want to as prepared as I can be to insure a fun adventure.
Nothing within reason. Just be in good shape and drink a ton of water. You'll be fine...hopefully. Don't over think it. Just breathe more.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
Sean Nunn wrote:a 70.3 triathlon, whilst very impressive, is actually called a HALF Ironman
Not trying to be pedantic, but the Ironman organization brands it as Ironman 70.3, probably because completing either distance is a worthy challenge as you acknowledged. Anyway, acclimation hikes help, at least they help my father when he comes out from the east coast to hike with me, but you can do an "easier" 14er as your first hike as long as you recognize that it'll be a little tougher and take a little longer. If you want a pretty acclimation hike, alpine lake destinations are great for that. Enjoy your trip!
ultrarunningkid wrote:Suggestion for Grays and Torreys. It is a doable hike, especially for someone who does work out a good amount, it provides a good spot on the ridge to decide whether or not you want to do both or just do one and its relatively easy to climb.
Okay, this sounds like a winner for me for day 1. Sounds like a good way to see how I do at altitude and gives me options for multiple peaks. I will keep my options open for day 3, between what ideas were posted here and other research.
Another question, have you guys heard of anything us lowlanders have done in training that actually helps at altitude? I'm talking gimmicky stuff like high altitude masks etc. Something other than be in good shape and drink a ton of water. I just want to as prepared as I can be to insure a fun adventure.
As a fellow flatlander (Michigan), and fellow endurance athlete, it sounds like you'll be just fine coming from lowlands to the altitude. No guarantees as we do all adapt differently, but the climbs you've mentioned above seem well within your physical abilities. I would give agreement to the warnings on the Sawtooth which has plenty of exposure if you're not used to that. I'd be prepared to pop an advil/ibuprofen the first day to ward off an almost inevitable first day headache and hydrate very well and enjoy!
Sean Nunn wrote:a 70.3 triathlon, whilst very impressive, is actually called a HALF Ironman
Not trying to be pedantic, but the Ironman organization brands it as Ironman 70.3, probably because completing either distance is a worthy challenge as you acknowledged. Anyway, acclimation hikes help, at least they help my father when he comes out from the east coast to hike with me, but you can do an "easier" 14er as your first hike as long as you recognize that it'll be a little tougher and take a little longer. If you want a pretty acclimation hike, alpine lake destinations are great for that. Enjoy your trip!
No offense to anyone who has finished a HALF-Ironman, but a 70.3 is HALF of an Ironman. The Ironman organization brands it that way because they know they can make money on it. (There are a lot more people who can complete a 70.3 than there are who can complete a 140.6). That doesn't mean it is true. If there was an organization with a monopoly on the marathon, they would probably brand 13.1 miles as 13.1 marathon, but it would still only be a half marathon.
I have done a few half Ironmans, and one true Ironman, and the true one was much, much, much harder; the hardest physical effort I have ever made in my life.
Sorry, not trying to derail the thread. And again, finishing a half Ironman is quite impressive, in my opinion a lot more impressive than finishing a marathon or climbing an "easy" 14er. But a half is still a half, no matter what Ironman Inc. calls it.
"Thy righteousness is like the great mountains."
Psalm 36:6
Nobody disagrees with you, including the OP. He just called it what it's called. Not sure why you're making such an issue of this...
Thanks for looking out but I think it is best to just let it go. Every forum has THAT person.
I agree that it is a half which is why I said 70.3 and not just Ironman. If I can figure out how to go back and edit my first post I will.
Anyway, looks like the trip is coming together. A buddy from work is going to join and his brother lives 15 minutes west of Boulder so we have a tour guide and even a place to crash! Thanks again for all the great advice.
