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Your Guide to 14ers in Aspen

July 6, 2018

Colorado boasts having access to a ton of great hikes.  One of the things Colorado is most known for is having the most peaks above 14000 feet.  Here, we call these coveted hikes to these amazing peaks 14ers.  The views at the tops of these journeys is something that words cannot really describe.  Colorado is home to 54 different peaks with an elevation over 14,000.  In Aspen, there are quite a few nearby peaks that will get you a view of a lifetime.  Do keep in mind though, these hikes can be tough.  Even the ones that are not ranked that difficult can really be tough if you are not used to such a high elevation. steamboat-rabbit-ears-pass

Plan Ahead

These hikes can be long and treacherous, so prepare ahead of time.  Make sure to pack plenty of water and food for the trip.  Also, leave early.  Depending on how long the hike is, leaving as early as possible will be better. When hiking in the mountains, the weather can change drastically throughout the day.  Most of the time big weather changes occur around 2 pm to 4 pm.  So definitely try to be off of the peak of the mountain significantly before that time.  Being above tree line where it can be very exposed can be very dangerous if the weather suddenly changes. 

14ers in Aspen Are Tough

In the Aspen Elk Mountains there are 7 different 14ers one can hike to.  However, collectively, they are ranked among some of the most challenging hikes in Colorado.  If a challenging hike with amazing views is something that sounds appealing, the 14ers in Aspen might be exactly what your adventurous side needs.  I would suggest to possibly warm up with another 14er in Colorado that is ranked a bit easier before tackling the more difficult hikes in Aspen.  Some of the easier 14ers to start off on in Colorado is Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, both located just outside Leadville. steamboat-wildflowers-sleeping-giant

Read Up

Preparing for a 14er can take some time.  It is not a bad idea to get your hands on some reading material that might have several tips and tricks as well as tons of photographs of the areas you will be exploring in.  Some books you might want to pick up are The Colorado 14ers: The Standard Routes and Dawson’s Guides to Colorado’s Fourteeners.  You might also want to purchase a topographical map of the area so you have a hard copy with you of where you are hiking. 

Suggested 14ers

One of the most infamous hikes in all of Colorado is Maroon Bells.  This hike is absolutely gorgeous but can be a bit dangerous.  The rocks here towards the top are considered loose and a bit technical in spots, so be cautious.  Another popular 14er is Pyramid Peak.  However, this hike is considered one of the most difficult 14ers out there.  This hike is ranked as a class 4 with a 6 mile round trip adventure. 

14ers are amazing hikes that will take you to spectacular views.  If you are planning on tackling some of these, make sure to plan ahead and get in shape beforehand.  Hiking through Aspen is amazing and with so many great places to explore you will surely make lasting memories. 

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