How to Summit a Colorado 14er in One Week

What possessed my husband and I to attempt to summit a Colorado 14er? The kids. Both my boys are athletic.  Oldest (14) likes to take four mile walks at night after a day of baseball or skating with friends.  Youngest (11) is a little calmer, but can keep pace pretty easily.

It was no surprise that oldest wanted to summit a 14er at the age of 14.  He planned a family trip out to the Breckenridge area.  Since he has a great track record of planning awesome vacations, My husband, marrying into the plan, went along with it.

Apprehensively, we set out to summit a Colorado 14er in 1 week.

Day 1: Arrive in Denver, CO

We live in Maryland, so we chose to fly.  Driving is better for acclimation, if it makes sense for you.  If you fly, before gaining any additional altitude, stop somewhere in the Denver airport and drink a ton of water.  We took down 30 ounces at least a piece and were still thirsty.  Your body needs A LOT of water in higher altitudes.  Staying the night in Denver is an even better idea.

Day 2 of 14er Training: (What NOT to do)

Drive out to Breckenridge (Elevation: 9,600 ft).  Be sure you have a high clearance, 4WD vehicle.  You’ll need it.  Park that gas hog.  Watch some TV.  Play a board game.  Go to bed early.  

Oldest had intentions of summiting five 14ers during his trip.  He ranted and raved (he’s a bit fiery) about how we were going to wake up at 4:30 AM on day 2 and hike Mount Democrat, a 4 mile round trip 14er. 

The 4 AM part made sense.  It ensured us a parking spot and our safety.  Storms can roll in at any time in the afternoon and you DO NOT want to be above treeline for that stuff.  

His plan: if he could do that, he was going to summit one more 14er each day for the rest of our trip.  

My plan: Maybe he’s right and good to go.  I don’t want to hold him back. If he gets sick, he will decide to listen to me the rest of vacation. 

The Mistake

I gave in.

He convinced lil’ bro, and, lo and behold, there were two boys ready to go at 4:30 AM day 2.

We drove 40 minutes in the dark to get to the Mt. Democrat trail.   We watched a sedan get stuck and its inhabitants have to walk an additional mile to the start of the hike.  Our rental 4Runner cruised over those moon craters.  As the sun was rising, we arrived at our 12k feet starting point.

Off we went…the kids practically jogging, my stomach already a bit uneasy from the curvy roads and jet lag.  My husband and I trailed behind (pun intended).  The incline started a quarter mile in.  Every 50 ft, I had to stop, sit down, and try to catch my breath.  By the time we were at 12500 feet, I knew I could go no further.  The kids made it farther–13k feet, but ultimately gave up and returned. Oldest puked in the bushes.  

We did pretty much nothing the rest of the day.  Oldest agreed to my research-based theories for the rest of the week.  So, that’s a win.

Deer Feet?

Fun and faith-based note (because this is a contemplative Christian blog after all).  When my husband and I did our devotion that morning at 9 AM (after our failed summit attempt), we read this: 

“As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of a deer, I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble…” 

–Jesus Calling August 6th

So much for our making progress on the high places.  I guess we need more trust…

Day 2: Lil’ Mountain

If you’re smart and have less fiery children, here’s a better plan for day 2:

Your body is still adjusting to the altitude today.  You might be more fatigued, have a headache, or nausea.  You will need to drink about twice as much as usual.  Consider taking ibuprofen, it helps with altitude adjustment.

For today, carb load (your body will be craving it).  Pasta, oatmeal, etc.  

Walk around the town of Breckenridge.  See the troll.  Find some free (or VERY expensive) things to entertain yourself.  Seriously, mini-golf costs $25 here, and it isn’t even a great course!

Late afternoon, take a hike up Little Mountain (check out the alltrails app–you’ll need it for the week!).  Little Mountain Trail   It’ll stretch your legs and give you some beautiful views.  It will also get you ready for…

Day 3: How energetic are you?

You’ll probably wake up feeling mostly normal today.  Your breathing and heart rate may be elevated, but you’re ready to start hiking!  If not…push the plan back a day…everyone’s body is different.

There are 3 options for today.  The goal is to get your body acclimated to climbing steep hills at 10K + feet.

Option A: Tougher Option (Mount Royal)

If you’re feeling awesome, Mount Royal is a great hike with wonderful views at the top (10.6k feet)!  It is STEEP, but only 4 miles roundtrip.  Basically, it is a 14ker 4k feet lower.  Since it’ll be a few days until your first 14er, this will train your muscles to do what they need to do.

Take it slow, stop whenever you get winded.  Yes, that might be every 50 feet.  No shame there!  There’s less oxygen up here and this trail is steep!

There’s an option towards the top to keep climbing up Mt. Victoria.  Oldest did this and made it about 500 feet higher (to 11.15k feet).  He didn’t quite hit the second summit, and parts are so steep he was on his hands and knees climbing.  But there was cell phone reception, and he kept me updated on progress.

Option B: Easier Option (Lower McCullough Gulch Trail)

This is a 2.4 mile out and back with moderate inclines that take you a bit higher (10.9k feet).  There are beautiful views of mountain meadows.  Youngest has a bum heel (growth plate we think…) so this is the max distance he could handle.

Option C: Do both

That’s what I did…I hiked Mount Royal with oldest and my husband in the morning, and the Gulch Trail in the afternoon with youngest.  I was sore, but it was fun!

Day 4: Recovery Day (Or Not?) North Star Mountain

Some of you might be sore and have trouble walking, others might be fine.  Regardless, there’s a plan for you!  

You can do the 2.80 mile Hoosier Pass Loop (starts at 11.5k feet, ends at 12.26k feet).  Or, you can just keep climbing as far as you want/care to and summit the mountain (13.8k feet).  My husband and youngest did the Hoosier Pass.  Oldest reached the summit.  I stopped short at 13.2k feet–the altitude was getting to me.

Depending on how far you get determines your plan for…

Day 5: 13 K feet or your first 14er!  Cupid Peak

Option A: Your First 14er!

Day 5 was when Oldest and I finally summitted!  We woke up at 4 AM (AGAIN!) and tried Mt. Democrat.  We had both made it to 13k feet the day prior and felt like 14k was doable.  (If you feel like you’re ready, See Day 7 for advice on your big day, including an alternate 14er).

It was my 41st birthday.  Thus, a 14 yr old son with his 41 year old mom hiked their first 14er.  He was ultra patient with me, stopping whenever I got winded.  Yes, we only traversed about one mile each hour, but we made it, together, to the top.  What a birthday present!

Option B: Cupid Peak

That afternoon, I drove the rest of the crew out to Loveland Pass (Cupid Peak).  It’s one of the few places you can actually drive to 12K feet!  The pass is gorgeous.  I was exhausted from the morning’s hike and the cell phone reception was great, so I just parked my body, enjoyed the view, and watched as my boys hiked the 1.5 miles to 12.9k feet.  

Day 6: 14er or rest day

We took a rest day.  I ordered it…there was wildfire smoke on Mt. Democrat on Day 5.  The smoke was so thick on our hike that my hair smelled like a campfire.  By the evening of Day 5, my body ached and I had smoke residue in my lungs. I needed a rest day before summiting a second mountain.  I thought an extra acclimation day for youngest and my husband would be helpful.  Feel free to take on that first 14er if you’d like though! (See Day 7).

Day 7: Mt. Sherman

The day has come!  Your first 14er!  Mt. Sherman is considered by many to be one of the easiest and shortest 14ers.  

Here’s a packing list:

1. LOTS of water.  I went through 50 ounces on my first 14er.  The air is just so dry.  Husband packed 70+ ounces and ran out on the way down.
2. Take ibuprofen before starting out.  It helps with high altitude acclimation.
3. Bring high carb snacks.  I ate a cliff bar on my first 14er.  However, upon seeing other hikers downing Pop Tarts, my inner child begged me to pack those on the next one!  And boy, were they tasty!
4. Comfortable hiking shoes.  Hiking boots do better on scree (tiny tiny rocks that slide everywhere).  However, I prefer the comfort of a new pair of trail running shoes.
5. Hiking poles.  Keep them a little shorter on the ascent and extend them on the descent.
6. You can buy oxygen canisters at local stores.  We didn’t, but it might help?
7. Mt. Sherman has a ridge near the summit that is dangerous in high winds.  Check the wind forecast…if it is expected to be a windy day, consider Democrat instead.  

Keep Your Spirits Up

Half the battle is morale.  Stay hydrated, stay nourished (carbs are your friend) and laugh and joke.  If your lungs burn, STOP.  Take lots of breaks.  Let the whole world pass you up the mountain.  

This is your first 14er, enjoy every second!  

Take lots of pictures at the top, share liberally with friends, and then come back and carb load some more.  You DID IT!!!

Spiritual Take-Away

The week was phenomenal.  I lovedthe hikes and bonding with my family.  We all summited at least one 14er.  However, my body was uncomfortable 50% of the time, between on and off altitude sickness, smoke inhalation, jet lag, and overall fatigue.

Remember that every person is different and your journey will be different.  Maybe you aren’t ready in a week.  Maybe you’re ready in 2 days.  Regardless, honor who you are and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.   

The reading from our devotional for the day we flew home for MD is fitting:

“Do not compare yourself with others who seem to skip along their life-paths with ease.  Their journeys have been different from yours, and I have gifted them with abundant energy.  I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presence.”

–Jesus Calling August 12th

So, whether you have the abundant energy of my oldest or still find yourself altitude sick in bed day 7, know that God will use your experience to blossom your spirit!