Take This Adventurous Road Trip To Hike The Most Beloved 14-ers In The West
By Beth|Published June 10, 2019
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
Most outdoor enthusiasts have a bucket list filled with unique adventures and challenging conquests that they hope to complete someday. Here in the U.S., that list usually includes a few 14-ers, a nickname for challenging peaks with an altitude of at least 14,000 feet. The beautiful state of Colorado has not one, not two, but a whopping 53 of these Rocky Mountain wonders that classify as 14-ers. And the following road trip will allow you to hike some of the most beloved of them. (Side note: if hiking isn’t for you, this trip will provide the most spectacular mountain views you can imagine.)
So fuel up the car and prepare to be dazzled by the following locations in the Rocky Mountain State:
Longs Peak is the tallest mountain in all of Rocky Mountain National Park and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The climb to the top of this peak is nothing short of grueling, as it requires hikers to begin the ascent at 3 A.M. To avoid an early wake-up call and a 12 mile trek, you might opt to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park where you an enjoy beautiful panoramic views without having to leave your car.
Mt. Bierstadt, at an elevation of 14,065 feet, is considered an excellent choice for a hiker's first 14-er. With a well-maintained and consistent trail, this hike is relatively easy compared to some of the state's other strenuous peaks. Yet, this trek is by no means considered to be easy. For a unique perspective of Bierstadt and the neighboring Sawtooth Mountain (another 14-er), you can hop aboard the rail car known as the Georgetown Loop.
Colorado Springs is home to one of the most picturesque peaks in Colorado, Pikes Peak. Residing at an elevation of 14,115 feet, this summit used to be accessible by a cog railway. Unfortunately, this service has been discontinued, yet ambitious drivers can get to the peak by means of a windy and scenic road known as Pikes Peak Highway.
Towering at 14,440 feet above sea level, Mt. Elbert is not only the tallest of Colorado's 14-ers; it's also the tallest mountain in the North American Rocky Mountains. Climbing to the top poses quite a challenge, yet it's surprisingly one of the 'easier' 14-ers to tackle. The view from the top is simply unparalleled. Visitors who don't have time for a lengthy hike can enjoy beautiful views of the peak as they drive through the Leadville Historic District.
If you're ready for your mountain adventure, you can use the following map as a guided route. Click on the photograph below and you can adjust your itinerary as you see fit.
