How to Hike a Colorado 14er - TONS OF Tips + Advice

After hiking over 100 Colorado 14ers, in this video I talk about tips and give my advice on how to hike a Colorado 14er. Choosing the right gear, looking at the weather and following leave no trace are just some of the pieces of guidance I offer in this video.
Picking Your Mountain
14ers Section of my Website: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/cate...
Colorado 14ers Map: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/abou...
Checking Weather:
www.mountain-forecast.com/ , opensummit.com/, www.weather.gov/
Packing for 14er
Blog Post: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/what...
Video: • Hiking Tips: What to P...
Leave No Trace Principals: lnt.org/why/7-principles/
How Many 14ers Are There? • Colorado Hiking: How M...
Seasonal Hiking Tips
Easiest Winter 14ers: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/easi...
Winter Hiking Tips: • FOUR Colorado WINTER H...
Spring Hiking Tips: • Colorado Hiking: Tips ...
Am I Ready to hike a 14er: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/?s=A...
Purchase Virtual Sherpa Gear Here! www.thevirtualsherpa.com/shop/
Filming Equipment
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Joby Tripod: amzn.to/36UVxFm
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[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Trivia Answer: Most hiked: Quandary Least: Culebra

[@j8ke937]

Did you happen to see Gandalf on your way up Quandary. He makes his way up and down every year.

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

The easiest way to summit Pikes without any spikes, poles or maps is to purchase a train ticket from Manitou Springs. Takes you right to the top and you don't even have to drive! That's how I did my first 14er. ;)

[@pwrfghtr0855]

doesnt count

[@KFrost-fx7dt]

@@pwrfghtr0855 I'm counting it.

[@trevorbackstrom]

Just hiked Elbert two days ago for my first of the year. Thanks for all the content, especially your website as that’s generally where I start my research for the next peak!

[@Sunshine_day]

I really appreciate your videos! Thanks for all of the information. I'm a 59 year old newbie hiker from the flats of Texas. My 14 year old grandson and I attempted Mt Elbert from the south 2wd trailhead last month. I had been training on hikes at my local state park, using the stair stepper, & treadmill at the gym almost daily. I really thought I could do it. I also hydrated well the three days before. Little did I know that I was exposed to a norovirus three days prior. When we crossed into New Mexico, it hit me. I had to hang out at a rest stop for about 2 hours while puking up my toenails, I took some dramaine, which helped with the dizziness & nausea. We drove the remainder of the way to Twin Lakes, and hiked about a mile on the south trail to set up camp. I should have known that this would severely impact my hike, but we had come over 14 hours, and my grandson was really looking forward to it. We started hiking at 3:30 a.m. the next morning. The elevation & my weakness from the virus really kicked my booty. We were a mile away from the summit, when we noticed gray clouds forming over the Peak at 1000 a.m. (three full hours before storms were forecast for that day.) We decided to head back down. I was very disappointed, but should have known I wasn't in the best shape to attempt it. My grandson really enjoyed it though! It was so beautiful! I'm trying it again this weekend, by myself, so wish me luck. On the day I arrive I plan on hiking & setting up camp much further up the trail before I start out the next day. And I plan on starting at 12 a.m.! My old Texas legs are soooo slow in high altitude. 😁 Any more advice for older new hikers from flat areas, is much appreciated.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Really glad to hear that you both turned around, this time of year - specifically this year, the thunderstorms have been brutal. Its called Monsoon season here and even with time(s) predicted, all it takes is one wave of energy to break through and it can turn dangerous fast. Altitude is tough on everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. I would say this time around, just try to drink as much water and electrolytes as possible. Dehydration starts the second you get up higher in elevation (even 5,000ft down in Denver) so tackling it earlier, the better. With weather, def check out Open Summit or weather.gov for the best forecasts by hour in my opinion. Think you will be okay though and good luck!

[@georgesheffield1580]

This is also applicable to the 13ers too . Many are much harder and are often less crowded ,often much less crowded . Always save a bail out and or an alternate ( to hike or climb again ).

[@logancooper5865]

"The mountain isn't going anywhere, and if it somehow does, well, I don't have to climb it anymore"

[@Homefreeliving]

YOU ROCK MAN!

[@calebbensch808]

You're awesome bro I'm fixing to move to colorado and can't wait to get into this sport with my family. Thank you.

[@davisbenn2179]

This was really well edited and I’m sure it took a lot of time to make. A ton of good info in here I will definitely go back and reference in the future!

[@thrilliam]

Dude we love your channel 👍

[@Matt8abus]

Love your channel man!! It’s fantastic- using your videos as main resource- keep it up- can’t recommend enough!!!

[@douglasjacobson2025]

Great information and channel. I will be there in August.

[@Beautifulmess118]

Great video! Your original 14er packing video helped me so much when I got into bigger peaks and your videos continue to help! Thank you for doing what you do. So inspiring and motivating!!

[@klondikeken3256]

Great video!

[@robrichards1494]

Love the video and your channel. Thank you for showing us how beautiful those mountains really are. We've hiked a few...Mt elbert has to be one of the most hiked. I'm guessing the least hiked is the one you need to pay for... Culebra

[@brycebarnes3476]

This is the trailhead between Bailey/Shawnee off county road 64. I live 5 minutes from that trailhead.

[@SteveBrokaw]

Nice tips & links

[@MrSomeofthem]

Nice!!!

[@travismolly4654]

So Kool 😎 man

[@brettsturgeon2377]

I'm from AZ and I summited the highest peak there in July (Humphrey's Peak 12,632 feet). I did pretty well with the altitude, and immediately set a goal to tackle a 14er. Since then, I have watched, I think, all of your videos. They really helped me prepare and to understand what I was getting into. I just got back from Leadville, and tackled Mt. Elbert on 9/23/23. It was a challenge for sure, but so enjoyable. I wanted my first 14er to be Class 1. Next time, I will do a Class 2 or Class 3. In Phoenix, I do a lot of Class 3 and some Class 4, and I do indoor rock climbing multiple times per week. Which Class 2 or Class 3 do you think would be a good second 14er?

[@douglasjacobson2025]

Least hiked 14ers are likely Culebra Peak or San Luis

[@silvermediastudio]

Missed an essential tip: Body Glide

[@ronnierodriguez697]

I like the Fall, late September to early October. Less crowds, weather is much more consistent, enough early snow to make it pretty, but not enough to be a problem. Just Bring some spikes, and you're good to go.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Agree that’s usually my sweet spot too

[@mochimocha6431]

Subscribed for the amazing content!! How is this season looking? When would be an ideal time in your opinion to summit longs peak via the keyhole route?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

After the video, I will be going LIVE on KZbin for a Q&A session about 14ers as well - Watch that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp3FgGSco6hsgas

[@caddyshack3027]

#1Grays; #53 North Eolus

[@SEKing725]

I've wanted to hike a 14er since I was in boy scouts. My troop never had any interest, and I figured if they don't want to do it, why would I? I let this thinking cloud my mind for a number of years after I aged out of the scouting program. Then in 2021, I turned 25 and re- decided that I still want to hike a 14er. So my buddy and I planned a trip to Grays Peak in July, and we got our asses handed to us. We didn't summit, and it took me days to recover. I'm happy to say that I spent most of the rest of the year planning, training, and hiking, and am now ready to tackle this goal than ever before!

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Awesome to hear you didn’t let the set back get the best of you. You got this 💪🏽

[@SEKing725]

Update: I have now climbed TWO 14ers! Mount Bierstadt was my first, and I just did Mount Evans yesterday, 6/13!

[@purple-headedyogurtslinger2683]

@@SEKing725badass. I’m about to go to Taiwan in February and want to summit Yu Shan while I’m there

[@henrymcmartin3531]

Most hiked Mount Evans Or grays and Tories. Least hiked Little bear Blanca

[@bradenkerr5784]

im pretty sure the most is always quandry and the least is probably the chicago basin or culebra

[@TheSuntan69]

I also feel like the least height would be Maroon Bells

[@Cbermeo75]

I'm planning on doing Humboldt Peak as my first 14er in September, and if I'm feeling it, may even try Crestone Peak. I plan to camp out for 2 or 3 days in the Cottonwood/S. Colony lake area. Being that this video is about Colorado 14ers, I noted that you didn't mention bear cans. Would you advise that for what I have planned in September?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWzZYxmapJoi6c & blog post: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/humboldt-peak-hike-guide/. If spending multiple days, I always recommend bear bag/can. They aren't a SUPER big problem in this area in particular, but always better safe than sorry.

[@Cbermeo75]

@@TheVirtualSherpa I've seen this video previously but will give it another watch. Thanks bud.

[@Cbermeo75]

Thank you for the blog post. It was an excellent read.

[@hookoffthejab1]

How was it? I'll be hiking Humboldt via music pass and broken hand pass in a few weeks as my first 14er

[@cashcherry8754]

I would guess Bierstadt was most hiked and San Luis least hiked

[@Ozarkraptor76]

2021. I’m going to say pikes Peak was the most popular in Missouri was the least might be longs peak but I’m pretty sure Missouri’s not as loved.

[@JohnSmith-xl4sx]

Here in Nebraska hiking a 14 footer takes a little pre-hike prep: can I hike up this farmers hill or will I get shot or charged by a bull 🐂?

[@seankelly3573]

Most hiked bierstadt?

[@douglasjacobson2025]

Most hiked 14er is probably Quandary Peak

[@carsonc1214]

Was the thumbnail taken at the Windy point overlook?

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

A bit further up the pass if I recall - but yes, very close

[@carsonc1214]

@@TheVirtualSherpa Slumgullion sucks but that view is 10/10. Having a cabin in lake city makes those mountains a playground! If you ever want to spice up sunshine and redcloud, Roach’s route over 13er “sundog” is a killer loop.

[@user-jg2vz6vj8y]

I am legally blind and want to know if pikes peak is a good 14ner for me to attemp.

[@TheVirtualSherpa]

Although I don't feel 100% qualified to answer this, I think this post may help you decide which one is right for you: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/ranking-the-colorado-14ers-by-difficulty/

[@rere4202]

Tip #1: wait for snow to melt away