Have you captured the pest yet? The need to climb up a hill with a summit increasing at the very least 14,000 feet over water level has reached near-epidemic proportions in Colorado, with price quotes of about 500,000 hikers and also mountain climbers making their way up a Fourteener annually.

Fortunately is that a number of Colorado's 54 Fourteeners can be climbed by any individual with good endurance as well as total physical fitness. That's additionally the problem. People who recognize little concerning the unique threats of treking in the mountains typically set out along a well-marked and well-traveled trail up a Fourteener unfit for the venture. Hypothermia and also dehydration are 2 of the hazardous and also all-too-common troubles that may await walkers who aren't prepared.

It was the 4th of July weekend, and we headed to the mountains, leaving Denver's 95 level heat. As we came close to the summit above tree-line (trees can't grow above a particular elevation; in Colorado that elevation is around 11,000 to 12,000 feet), it began to snow. Hard. As well as impact. Harder. We donned our wind pants and cozy coats, hats as well as gloves, and also remained to the top.

There we discovered a hiker who had passed us on the trail previously in the day. He was dressed in running shorts and a light tee shirt, wearing tennis shoes (which were rather damp by now), and carrying a small, vacant canteen. He was shivering strongly. People began packing him up in their extra cozy clothes, giving him food as well as water, and afterwards aided him pull back the trail.

Below are a couple of standard "rules" to bear in mind before directing that hill route ( also when raising peaks lower than 14,000 feet):.

1. Bring along additional layers of clothing. No matter exactly how attractive and also warm the weather condition is when you start out, temperatures can plummet as well as you can get soaked if a thunderstorm moves in.

2. Electrical storms are exceptionally common in Colorado's hills during summer season mid-days. Plan your day so you can be leaving the summit as well as heading pull back the trail no behind noon. Enjoy the skies for cloud accumulation, and also turn around earlier if a Go to this website storm appears to be forming early.

3. Lug plenty of water, as well as beverage often. Even in great climate, you'll most likely require to drink a minimum of 2 quarts of water throughout your hike to and from the http://www.denverclimbingcompany.com/faq/ top of among the "easier" Fourteeners. That quantity of water gets on the reduced side for many people.

4. A few of the other "essentials" to bring along: food ( treat frequently-- do not let on your own run out of " gas"), map & compass (and understand exactly how to utilize them), fire starter, flashlight or headlamp, 1st Aid set, sunglasses, http://www.denverclimbingcompany.com/gallery/ and sunscreen.

5. Trek with a friend. That cold, damp person was lucky that individuals came to help him. Envision what would certainly have taken place if he had actually been alone for an additional thirty minutes!

These pointers are just a start to assist you trek more securely in the mountains. Consider joining a hiking club prior to tackling higher tops in Colorado. You'll discover some new hiking partners, discover more outside abilities, as well as most likely have a great time too.

Let's go to capitals!

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Several of the " simpler" Colorado Fourteeners are:.

Mount Sherman.

Quandary Height.

Mount Elbert.

Mount Evans.

Mount Belford.