Colorado 14ers: The Complete Guide to All 58 Fourteeners
February 7, 2026
Table of Contents
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Colorado's 58 Fourteeners: Complete List
The Top 10 Highest Peaks -
When to Climb Colorado 14ers
Prime Season: Mid-June to Mid-September -
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb a 14er?
What is a 14er?
A "14er" (pronounced "fourteener") is a mountain peak that reaches at least 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) in elevation. Colorado is home to 58 fourteeners—more than any other state—making it the ultimate destination for peak baggers and mountain enthusiasts.
Climbing all 58 Colorado 14ers is a bucket-list goal for thousands of hikers each year. Whether you're eyeing your first summit or working toward the complete list, this guide covers everything you need to know about Colorado's highest peaks.
Colorado's 58 Fourteeners: Complete List
The Top 10 Highest Peaks
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Mount Elbert – 14,440 ft (Sawatch Range) – Read our Mount Elbert guide
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Mount Massive – 14,428 ft (Sawatch Range)
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Mount Harvard – 14,421 ft (Sawatch Range)
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Blanca Peak – 14,351 ft (Sangre de Cristo Range)
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La Plata Peak – 14,343 ft (Sawatch Range)
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Uncompahgre Peak – 14,321 ft (San Juan Mountains)
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Crestone Peak – 14,300 ft (Sangre de Cristo Range)
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Mount Lincoln – 14,293 ft (Mosquito Range)
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Grays Peak – 14,278 ft (Front Range)
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Mount Antero – 14,276 ft (Sawatch Range)
14ers by Mountain Range
Sawatch Range (15 peaks)
The highest concentration of 14ers, located in central Colorado near Leadville and Buena Vista:
Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Harvard, La Plata Peak, Mount Antero, Mount Shavano, Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, Mount Columbia, Mount Oxford, Mount Belford, Missouri Mountain, Huron Peak, Tabeguache Peak, Mount of the Holy Cross
Sangre de Cristo Range (10 peaks)
Dramatic, steep peaks in southern Colorado:
Blanca Peak, Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Humboldt Peak, Ellingwood Point, Mount Lindsey, Little Bear Peak, Culebra Peak (private land—permit required)
San Juan Mountains (13 peaks)
Remote, rugged peaks in southwestern Colorado:
Uncompahgre Peak, Mount Wilson, El Diente Peak, Wilson Peak, Wetterhorn Peak, Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, Handies Peak, San Luis Peak, Mount Sneffels, Windom Peak, Sunlight Peak, Mount Eolus
Mosquito Range (5 peaks)
High peaks near Fairplay and Alma:
Mount Lincoln, Mount Cameron, Mount Bross, Mount Democrat, Quandary Peak
Elk Mountains (6 peaks)
Technical peaks near Aspen:
Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain, Castle Peak
Front Range (6 peaks)
Most accessible from Denver:
Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Longs Peak, Mount Evans, Mount Bierstadt, Pikes Peak
Tenmile Range (1 peak)
Quandary Peak (sometimes grouped with Mosquito Range)
Easiest 14ers for Beginners
If you're new to high-altitude hiking, start with these more forgiving peaks. Read our detailed guide to the easiest 14ers.
1. Quandary Peak (14,271 ft)
Class: 1 | Distance: 6.75 miles | Elevation Gain: 3,450 ft
The most popular first 14er. Well-maintained trail with no technical sections. Near Breckenridge with easy access.
2. Mount Bierstadt (14,065 ft)
Class: 2 | Distance: 7 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,850 ft
Closest 14er to Denver via Guanella Pass. Straightforward route with some rocky sections near the summit.
3. Grays Peak (14,278 ft)
Class: 1 | Distance: 8.4 miles (with Torreys) | Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
Colorado's highest peak on the Continental Divide. Often combined with Torreys Peak for a two-fer.
4. Mount Elbert (14,440 ft)
Class: 1 | Distance: 9.5 miles | Elevation Gain: 4,700 ft
Colorado's highest peak is surprisingly non-technical. The main challenge is distance and elevation gain.
5. Mount Sherman (14,043 ft)
Class: 2 | Distance: 5.25 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Shortest approach of any 14er. Mining road approach makes for quick access.
6. Handies Peak (14,058 ft)
Class: 1 | Distance: 5.5 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,400 ft
One of the most beautiful 14ers with stunning San Juan scenery. Moderate difficulty with good trail.
7. Mount Democrat (14,154 ft)
Class: 2 | Distance: 5.6 miles | Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
Often combined with Lincoln, Cameron, and Bross for the "Decalibron" loop—four 14ers in one day.
Most Difficult 14ers
These peaks require technical skills, route-finding ability, and significant mountaineering experience:
Capitol Peak (14,137 ft) – Class 4
Often called Colorado's most difficult 14er. Features the infamous "Knife Edge" traverse—a 150-foot section of exposed ridge with thousand-foot drops on both sides. Multiple fatalities. Experienced climbers only.
Little Bear Peak (14,043 ft) – Class 4
Extremely loose rock and a crux section called "The Hourglass." One of the most dangerous Colorado 14ers. Helmet mandatory.
Crestone Needle (14,203 ft) – Class 3
Technical climbing on solid rock but with serious exposure. Often combined with Crestone Peak for a challenging traverse.
North Maroon Peak (14,019 ft) – Class 4
Part of the "Deadly Bells" with Maroon Peak. Extremely loose, rotten rock makes every step unpredictable. Many rescues occur here annually.
Pyramid Peak (14,025 ft) – Class 4
Relentless steep terrain with loose rock. One of the Elk Range's most demanding climbs.
Class Ratings Explained
14ers are rated using the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS):
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Class 1: Trail hiking. No hands needed.
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Class 2: Rough terrain, may need hands for balance. Rocks, talus, scree.
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Class 3: Scrambling. Hands needed for climbing. Exposure present. Falls could be serious.
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Class 4: Technical climbing with significant exposure. Most climbers use a rope. Falls would likely be fatal.
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Class 5: Technical rock climbing requiring rope and protection.
For beginners: Start with Class 1 peaks and work up gradually. Don't attempt Class 3+ without proper training and experience.
When to Climb Colorado 14ers
Prime Season: Mid-June to Mid-September
This window offers the best conditions:
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Most snow has melted from standard routes
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Trails are well-defined
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Longer daylight hours
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Most rescue resources available
Early Season (May-Early June)
Significant snow remains on most peaks. Requires:
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Ice axe and crampons
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Avalanche awareness training
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Winter mountaineering skills
Can be excellent for experienced mountaineers—fewer crowds and beautiful conditions.
Late Season (Late September-October)
Snow starts returning but can offer excellent conditions:
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Smaller crowds
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Stable weather patterns
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Cool temperatures
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Fall colors at lower elevations
Winter (November-April)
Full winter mountaineering conditions. Only for experienced winter climbers with proper gear and avalanche training.
Essential 14er Gear
Required for All 14er Climbs
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Hiking boots – Sturdy, broken-in, ankle support essential. See our boot recommendations
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Trekking poles – Invaluable for descent and stream crossings
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Layers – Temps can drop 30°F+ from trailhead to summit
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Rain jacket/shell – Afternoon storms are near-daily in summer
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Warm hat and gloves – Even in July, summit temperatures can be freezing
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Sunscreen and sunglasses – UV intensity is extreme at altitude
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Headlamp – Essential for alpine starts
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Map and compass/GPS – Trail map recommendations
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First aid kit
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Emergency shelter – Space blanket minimum
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Food and water – 2-3 liters minimum, plus high-energy hiking food
Additional Gear for Class 3+ Peaks
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Helmet – Rockfall is common on technical routes
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Rope and climbing gear – For Class 4+ routes
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Route description – Downloaded or printed, not relying on cell service
Training for Your First 14er
Physical Preparation
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Cardio base: Build to 30-60 minutes of sustained cardio, 3-4x per week
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Hiking with elevation gain: Practice on 2,000-3,000 ft gain hikes
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Leg strength: Squats, lunges, step-ups with weight
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Stair climbing: Excellent 14er training if no mountains nearby
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Time on feet: Build to 6-8 hour hiking days
Altitude Acclimatization
If visiting from sea level:
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Arrive 2-3 days early
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Sleep at altitude (8,000-10,000 ft) the night before
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Do a warm-up hike to 12,000 ft first
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Hydrate aggressively (3-4 liters/day)
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Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before your climb
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Consider altitude sickness medication (consult your doctor about Diamox)
Practice Hikes
Build up with progressively harder hikes:
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5-mile hike with 1,500 ft gain
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7-mile hike with 2,500 ft gain
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High-altitude hike (11,000-12,000 ft)
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10-mile hike with 3,000 ft gain
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Your first 14er!
14er Safety and Etiquette
Alpine Start
The most important rule for Colorado 14ers: Start early.
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Trailhead by 3-5 AM for longer peaks
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Summit by 11 AM – noon at the latest
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Be below treeline before afternoon storms (typically 12-2 PM)
Lightning kills more people in Colorado than any other natural hazard. Don't become a statistic.
Know When to Turn Back
Summit fever kills. Turn back if:
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Weather deteriorates
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You're running behind schedule
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You or a partner feels unwell
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Conditions are beyond your ability
The mountain will be there another day. You need to be too.
Wildlife Awareness
Above treeline you may encounter:
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Mountain goats – Keep distance; they can be aggressive
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Pika – Adorable, harmless
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Marmots – Will try to eat your gear for salt
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Ptarmigan – Colorado's state bird
Learn more about Colorado wildlife
Leave No Trace
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Pack out all trash
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Use established trails—alpine tundra takes decades to recover from damage
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Don't build cairns or rock structures
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Bury human waste 6-8 inches deep, 200+ feet from water
Best 14er Combos
Many 14ers can be combined into single-day climbs:
Two-Peak Days
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Grays + Torreys – Classic beginner combo (8.4 mi, 3,600 ft)
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Bierstadt + Evans – The "Sawtooth" connects them (Class 3)
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Elbert + Massive – Long day for strong hikers
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Redcloud + Sunshine – Beautiful San Juan combo
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Shavano + Tabeguache – Standard Sawatch pairing
The Decalibron
Four 14ers in one day: Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross. A popular challenge loop covering ~7 miles with 3,700 ft gain. Note: Bross has been closed to hiking—check current status.
Ultimate Challenges
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Maroon Bells Traverse – North Maroon to Maroon Peak (Class 4, extremely dangerous)
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Crestone Traverse – Crestone Needle to Crestone Peak (Class 3-4)
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Nolan's 14 – 14 Sawatch 14ers in under 60 hours (elite ultra-endurance)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to climb a 14er?
Most 14ers take 6-10 hours round trip. Easier peaks like Quandary can be done in 5-7 hours by fit hikers. More challenging peaks may take 10-14 hours.
Can beginners climb 14ers?
Yes! Class 1 peaks like Quandary, Handies, and Grays are achievable for fit beginners who prepare properly. Start with shorter practice hikes and build up. See our beginner 14er guide.
Do I need special permits?
Most 14ers don't require permits. Exceptions:
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Culebra Peak – Private land, reservation required ($150/person)
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Longs Peak – No permits for day hiking, but wilderness camping requires permit
What's the best first 14er?
Quandary Peak or Grays Peak are excellent first choices. Both have well-marked trails, manageable distances, and no technical sections.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable hiking 8-10 miles with 3,000+ feet of elevation gain at altitude. If a tough 6-mile hike at 10,000 feet leaves you exhausted, build more fitness before attempting a 14er.
Plan Your 14er Adventure
Climbing Colorado's 14ers is one of the state's greatest outdoor traditions. Start with the easier peaks, learn proper technique and safety, and work your way through the list at your own pace.
Whether you climb one or all 58, each summit offers unforgettable views and a profound sense of accomplishment. The mountains will challenge you, humble you, and reward you.
Explore more Colorado hiking trails | Read our insider's guide to Colorado hiking
See you at the summit!
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