The Five 14ers For Beginners In Colorado

The "14ers" of Colorado are a hikers dream. There are 58 14ers, or mountains that exceed the elevation of 14,000 feet. Making Colorado an amazing place to challenge yourself and take on the substantial challenge of hiking to the peaks of these 14ers. One problem when starting your 14er hiking journey is actually deciding where to start.

The 14ers range from class 1, with clear and well worn trails, to class 5, which can require technical climbing with ropes. As someone unfamiliar with 14ers or simply being overwhelmed by sheer number of 14ers available to hike, this is the place for you. I will outline the five 14ers in Colorado that beginners start with.

1. Mount Bierstadt

How far is Mount Bierstadt from Denver?

This 14er is only about an hour and a half drive away from Denver and is known as one of the most iconic mountains in Colorado.

Mount Bierstadt hike information:

Mount Bierstadt, at 14,065 feet of elevation is the 14er that everyone should start their journey with. The hike is only 7 miles round trip, making it fairly manageable. This 14er is very popular so make sure you arrive early in order to have a spot to park and to get a head start on the other hikers. It is rated as a Class 2 peak, however, this is well maintained and heavily trafficked 14er is doable for most hikers. 

2. Mount Sherman

How far is Mount Sherman from Denver?

Located just over 2 hours away from Denver, Mount Sherman is a great option for a weekend trip. 

Mount Sherman hike information:

Mount Sherman stands at an elevation of 14,043 feet and is rated as a Class 2 14er. This 14er is heavily trafficked, making it an easier and more reliable 14er for beginners to start with. The hike round trip is just over 5 miles, meaning that the elevation gain is steep and can be challenging, just make sure to build in times for breaks and to acclimate to the altitude. The view from the mountaintop is also amazing. From the peak you will be able to have an amazing view of two of Colorado's tallest peaks, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Additional, sites along the trail include caves, the ruins of mines, and mill structures. 

3. Handies Peak

Handies Peak hike information:

Handies Peak is rated at a Class 1 14er, so the lowest difficulty rating for hikers to attempt. Handies Peak is truly one of the easiest 14ers available to beginners to do. It has one of the lowest elevation gains and miles for a full round trip. Handies Peak stands at an elevation of 14,058 feet in the San Juan Mountain Range.

The San Juan Mountain Range is one of the most beautiful locations in Colorado, ensuring that you will have amazing views throughout your hike. This 14er is also one of the less trafficked ones, meaning that you'll be able to enjoy your hike more without having to worry so much about crowds of hikers surrounding you during your hike.

4. Grays and Torreys Peak

How far is Grays and Torreys Peak from Denver?

Grays and Torreys Peak is only 1 and a half hours from Denver makes it one of the most accessible 14ers in Colorado. This location makes this a great day hike. 

Grays and Torrey's Peak hike information:

Grays Peak and Torreys Peak stand at an elevation of 14,278 feet and 14,275 feet respectively. These peaks aren't the easiest 14ers that are on this list. However, due hikers being able to hit two 14ers at once, they are some of the most popular. The two peaks have a ridge connecting the two of them that only adds about 1.5 miles to your entire hike. This enables you to summit two 14ers in one day! The entire trip for both summits is just over 8.5 miles. All of this combined makes these two 14ers one of the most trips to make. 

5. Mount Elbert

The last 14er on this list is also the tallest mountain in the Colorado and the second tallest in the lower 48 states. Mount Elbert stands at an elevation of 14,433 feet, an intimidating elevation. However, Mount Elbert is known as one of the easier and more forgiving 14ers in Colorado. Additionally, once your reach the summit you will have views of the Sawatch Range and too many 14ers to count. 

I hope that this list of 14er's in Colorado has been helpful. I believe that they are the most approachable 14er's in the state for beginners as well as being some of the most enjoyable. Have fun hiking!