The fox in the forest rules pro#
The fox in the forest rules download#

The fox in the forest rules download#

has an app where you can download a route description complete with step-by-step photos to keep you on track. Hiking a Colorado 14er has the added bonus of having tons of resources at your fingertips.

The fox in the forest rules pro#

You can find this by clicking “Conditions” on the top menu bar and then clicking on “condition reports.” Pro Tip: Download Maps and Carry Appsīefore I head out on any mountain climb, I always try to get all the information I can. Pro Tip: Be sure to read trip reports and trail conditions for up to date information. provides a wealth of accurate knowledge regarding routes, lengths, directions to the trailhead and other pertinent info, there’s even an app (but we will touch on that later) Some routes on mountains are not clearly defined and you wouldn’t want to accidentally end up off the trail or on a tougher route.īefore I hike any 14er, I check out. Beta, a climber term, refers to information about a particular climbing objective. Stay away from Class 3, 4 or 5 routes until you have some experience under your belt. These peaks will give you a good feel for the effort it takes to hike a big peak, but don’t require any special gear or skills. (Pssst, I love Grays and Torreys Peak for your first jaunt). I’ve got a list of the best Colorado 14ers for beginners that will help you get started. Pick a Colorado 14er that is either a Class 1 or Class 2 mountain for your first Colorado 14er. Your body works harder at altitude, so if it’s your first time hiking high, tone down the mileage to increase your chance at success. Hiking 12 miles in the Colorado Rockies is not comparable to hiking 12 miles on the east coast. Keep the altitude in mind when preparing for a 14er.

Instead, pick a peak that is better suited for your ability.

Sure, the photos look great, but those Colorado 14ers are not for beginners. Those mountains take a tremendous amount of effort and skill to climb. If you’ve never climbed a mountain before, it is unsafe (and unrealistic) to think that you should march up Capitol Peak or Long’s Peak. Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare for hiking a 14er.

You’ll want to pick a peak that’s realistic, then do your homework so you understand the route. Always plan to be off of the summit and below treeline by noon Steps to Prepare for a 14er Hikeīefore you step foot on the trail, it’s important to do a little research first. One of the best tips for your first 14er is to start early. Late August and September usually have the driest weather, but July has the added bonus of high alpine greenery. Therefore, the best time of year to hike a 14er is extremely early in the morning between the months of July through September. The period from June through August is riddled with fast-moving, dangerous thunderstorms that can easily kill hikers caught above treeline. On the flip side, in summer, your biggest threat is the Colorado monsoon season. Trails can get snowed in as early as October and typically winter conditions will last until late July. Most trailheads to Colorado’s 14ers are inaccessible during the winter months, meaning that you’re hiking distance will be substantially increased and conditions. However, you shouldn’t attempt to hike in winter or during adverse conditions until you have plenty of experience not only in the mountains but also dealing with winter conditions such as avalanche terrain and long, snow-filled approaches. When is the Best Time to Hike a Colorado 14er?Ĭolorado’s 14ers can be hiked and climbed year-round. These tips for hiking a Colorado 14er are designed to get you prepared and organized for your big adventure. This isn’t an ordinary hike, but you aren’t climbing Mount Everest either. It isn’t that these mountains shouldn’t be hiked, in fact, some of the best hikes in Colorado are hiking a 14er, but do be sure to be prepared and understand what you are getting into. People die every year on Colorado’s 14ers. Additional planning resources for hiking in ColoradoĬaution: Hiking a Colorado 14er is Dangerous Businessįirst, it is important to understand that climbing any mountain is risky business.Tips and tricks for your big summit day.Steps to prepare for your first 14er hike.When is the best time of year to hike a 14er in Colorado?.I’ve climbed and hiked well over 40 mountains and when it comes to Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks, I’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to get to the top. Below is a mega-list of tips and tricks to hiking your first Colorado 14er. However with a good attitude, good weather, and a little will power you’ll make it to the summit.

It’s no easy feat, even the “easier” mountains. Hiking a 14er is one of those things people claim is quintessential Colorado.