Have you caught the bug yet? The need to climb up a hill with a summit rising a minimum of 14,000 feet over water level has reached near-epidemic proportions in Colorado, with quotes of roughly 500,000 walkers and also climbers making their means up a Fourteener annually.

The good news is that a variety of Colorado's 54 Fourteeners can be climbed by anybody with great endurance as well as total physical fitness. That's likewise the problem. People who understand little about the unique risks of treking in the mountains often set out along a well-marked and well-traveled route up a Fourteener ill-equipped for the venture. Hypothermia as well as dehydration are 2 of the dangerous as well as all-too-common issues that may wait for walkers who aren't prepared.

It was the 4th of July weekend break, and also we headed to the mountains, escaping Denver's 95 level warmth. As we approached the summit above tree-line (trees can't expand over a particular altitude; in Colorado that elevation is around 11,000 to 12,000 feet), it began to snow. Tough. And also impact. Harder. We donned our wind pants and also warm coats, hats and handwear covers, as well as remained to the top.

There we located a hiker that had passed us on the path previously in the day. He was dressed in running shorts and a light t shirt, putting on athletic shoe (which were quite wet now), Find out more and also lugging a small, vacant water https://www.meetup.com/denversocialclimb/events/259737192/ bottle. He was shivering violently. People started bundling him up in their extra cozy apparel, offering him food as well as water, and then helped him back down the trail.

Below are a few standard " policies" to keep in mind before heading up that mountain trail ( also when raising tops lower than 14,000 feet):.

1. Bring along added layers of clothes. Despite exactly how attractive as well as cozy the weather is when you start out, temperature levels can plunge as well as you can get saturated if a electrical storm relocates.

2. Electrical storms are very usual in Colorado's mountains during summertime afternoons. Strategy your day so you can be leaving the summit and also heading back down the route no later than noon. View the skies for cloud accumulation, and also reverse earlier if a tornado appears to be forming early.

3. Carry lots of water, as well as drink often. Also in amazing weather, you'll most likely require to consume a minimum of 2 quarts of water throughout your walking to and also from the summit of among the " simpler" Fourteeners. That amount of water is on the low side for many people.

4. Some of the other " basics" to bring along: food (snack frequently-- don't allow on your own lack " gas"), map & compass (and recognize how to use them), fire starter, flashlight or headlamp, 1st Aid kit, sunglasses, and sun block.

5. Hike with a buddy. That cold, wet person was lucky that people occurred to assist him. Picture what would certainly have occurred if he had actually been alone for another half an hour!

These tips are simply a beginning to help you hike extra safely in the hills. Consider joining a treking club before dealing with greater optimals in Colorado. You'll discover some new hiking companions, discover more exterior skills, and most likely have a good time too.

Let's head for the hills!

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Several of the " much easier" Colorado Fourteeners are:.

Mount Sherman.

Quandary Peak.

Mount Elbert.

Mount Evans.

Mount Belford.