Climbing 14ers

For an experience you’ll never forget, climb a 14er near Leadville. Start early in the morning and watch the sun rise over the mountains as you climb up through forested slopes and tundra. The higher you go, the better the views as you explore the world above treeline. When you reach the summit, you can see mountain peaks and wilderness for miles in every direction. The workout makes your accomplishment all the sweeter.

Be sure to check out the safety info below, for a fun and safe climb! If you’re camping, always check and follow fire restrictions.

Location

Trailheads for three 14ers are just half an hour from Leadville:

• Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak, Northeast Ridge route.*
• Mt. Massive, the state’s second-highest peak, all routes.*
• Mt. Sherman, West Slopes from Iowa Gulch. *Due to a road closure on County Road 2 -Sherman Trailhead via Iowa Gulch is not accessible by vehicle at this time*

Minutes from Twin Lakes and under an hour from Leadville, you can access trails for these adventures:

• Mt. Elbert, by the East Ridge and Southeast Ridge routes.
• La Plata Peak, Northwest Ridge and Ellingwood Ridge.

The area is also a great base camp for these 14ers, all within an hour’s drive of Leadville and Twin Lakes:

• Huron Peak
• La Plata Peak, Southwest Ridge
• Missouri Mountain
• Mt. Antero
• Mt. Belford
• Mt. Columbia
• Mt. Harvard
• Mt. Oxford
• Mt. Princeton
• Mt. Yale

Safety and Comfort

See more safety videos on the Colorado Fourteener Initiative’s YouTube channel.

To make you more comfortable and increase your chances for a successful summit, spend the night before in Leadville or Twin Lakes to acclimatize, and spend the night after to celebrate and rest up. Don’t forget to check 14ers.com for the latest weather forecasts, peak conditions, and trailhead status before starting your hike.

If you are new to the 14ers, please review this important mountaineering safety info before hitting the trail. Then get ready to see the world from on high!

Winter Backcountry Safety

See more safety videos on the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative’s YouTube channel.

Heading up a 14er in winter? Winter 14er climbs are more difficult, and more dangerous, than summer ones. Please make sure you have prior experience, proper gear, and avalanche training. Always take a partner.

Learn more about backcountry preparedness with our Colorado Backcountry Winter Safety Resources. Please check 14ers.com for route information, weather forecasts, and recent peak conditions, And please check the current avalanche forecast before you head out, for a rewarding and safe climb!

Care for Colorado!

Please always

• Check for Fire Restrictions — and Follow Them! 
• Take Care with Fire 
• Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

And please take our Adventure by Nature Pledge.

Thank you for helping to protect our forests and homes!