Elevation: 14,148 ft.
Date Hiked: 8-16-2010
CO 14er #8
Trip Report:
I have wanted to hike the four 14ers in this area for a long time. I had made one attempt in 2004 but had to turn around because of severe AMS. I was in Denver for 5 days and decided this area would maximize my peakbagging chances. The flight in was great, I was amazed there was not a single cloud in the sky, very unusual for August in the mountains. I drove up to Kite Lake Sunday afternoon and spent the evening taking pictures and resting. The weather was beautiful, only a few small clouds in the sky. There were also people finishing the hike as I arrived at the lake.
Mt. Democrat
Elevation: 14,505 ft.
Date Hiked: 7-3-2010
CA 14er Repeat: #1
Trip Report:
Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 and a very popular hike. There were many people out hiking enjoying the great weather. On this trip we climbed the Mountaineers route and descended the main trail, one long loop. Our group consisted of Chad, Jason, Mark and myself. It took 14 hours and we figured based on the GPS data we covered 12.25 miles and gained over 6,400 feet of elevation.
The Moon and Mt. Whitney
Elevation: 14,058 ft.
Date Hiked: 4-26-2010
Trip Report:
Although Split mountain is not in southern California I still am including this trip report. One of my goals has been to hike every 14er in the lower 48. I will include these trips in this site as they are completed regardless of the state they are in. All of my other trip reports will be from mountains in southern California. It is interesting that a short 3 and a half hour drive from San Diego can take you to world class mountaineering in the Sierra.
Split Mountain
Elevation: 14,014 ft.
CO 14er: #7/54
Date Hiked: 8-26-2007
Trip Report:
North Maroon peak is considered one of the more difficult 14ers to climb. This along with its higher neighbor are known as the Maroon Bells. Supposedly they are among the most photographed mountains in the world. The standard route to the summit of North Maroon is class 4 and involves a steep climb along loose rock.
The North Face of North Maroon Peak
Elevation: 14,270 & 14,267 ft.
CO 14ers: #5/54 and 6/54
Date Hiked: 6-24-2007
Trip Report:
I had attempted Grays and Torreys a few times before this, but always in less than ideal conditions. I finally had ideal conditions and was successful. I hiked both mountains from Stephen Gulch which was enjoyable. The weather was perfect and the views amazing.
Grays and Torreys
Elevation: 14,060 ft.
CO 14er: #4/54
Date Hiked: 6-9-2007
Trip Report:
Mt. Bierstadt is a 14er situated next to its higher neighbor Mt. Evans. It is only 60 feet above 14,000 feet, one of the lower 14ers. It is also a very popular hike because of its proximity to Denver. This was the second time I had tried to hike this mountain but the first during the summer or close to summer.
Mt. Bierstadt from Guanella Pass
Elevation: 14,064 ft.
Date Hiked: 3-31 to 4-1-2007
Trip Report:
The Sangre De Cristo Mountains and a range in the southern part of Colorado. This range has 10 14ers including Humboldt Peak. I had never hiked in the Sangre De Cristos before and wanted to check them out. Since there was still snow everywhere I thought Humboldt Peak would be a good peak to attempt. My friend Eric, who now guides with International Mountain Guides, came along for the trip as well.
Humboldt Peak and the Crestones from near Westcliffe
Elevation: 14,265 ft.
CO 14er Repeat #1
Date Hiked: 2-25-2007
Trip Report:
This was my second time hiking Quandary peak but the first time during the winter. This peak is the most popular 14er to hike in the winter. It is easily accessed and a short hike. Today was no exception. Even though the weather was abysmal there were still plenty of people out today.
Quandary Peak West Ridge
Elevation: 14,036 ft.
CO 14er: #3/54
Date Hiked: 2-11-2007
Trip Report:
Mt. Sherman is the southernmost 14er in the Mosquito Range. It is considered one of the easier 14ers to summit. It is also popular in the winter due to the ease of access. This was the first winter summit of a 14er I had and an enjoyable day despite the marginal weather.
Mt. Sherman from the Road
Elevation: 14,264 ft.
CO 14er: #2
Date Hiked: 8-27-2006
Trip Report:
Mt. Evans is the closest 14er to Denver and can be seen by millions on any given day. It also has a road to the very top. This was my second time hiking Mt. Evans. The first time was two years earlier but I did not have a camera with me, this time I brought one.
Mt. Evans From Summit Lake in September 2005
Thunderstorm
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