Square Top Mountain is one of the best intro 13er hikes in Colorado, offering a relatively short route to a 13,794-foot summit above Guanella Pass. While neighboring 14er Mount Bierstadt attracts most of the attention, Square Top provides similar alpine scenery, fewer crowds and one of the most rewarding summit experiences near Denver. The…
Grays Peak is one of the most popular and easiest Colorado 14ers and is often considered one of the best Colorado 14ers for beginners. Located under 1.5 hours from Denver, Grays Peak offers a straightforward route, stunning alpine views and the opportunity to combine your hike with neighboring Torreys Peak for a two-for-one summit…
French Mountain is one of Colorado’s Centennial 13ers, a designation given to the state’s highest 100 peaks and offers summit views that rival nearby Mt. Elbert without any of the crowds. Located in the heart of the Sawatch Range near Halfmoon Creek, the route features expansive alpine tundra, dramatic views of Bull Hill, Casco…
If you’re looking to hike your first Colorado 14er, you’re probably wondering where to start. After hiking all 58 Colorado 14ers and standing on more than 140 total 14er summits, I’ve seen firsthand which mountains provide the best introduction to hiking above 14,000 feet. While there is no truly “easy” Colorado 14er, some peaks…
Engineer Mountain is one of the most recognizable peaks near Durango, Colorado, rising dramatically above Coal Bank Pass along the Million Dollar Highway. The hike to the summit packs a lot into a relatively short outing, with steep climbing, sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains, and a fun hands-on scramble near the top….
The Gibraltar Lakes trail is one of the most scenic alpine lake hikes in Colorado’s Indian Peaks Wilderness. Located near the Middle Saint Vrain Trailhead, this challenging day hike takes visitors through forests, meadows, and alpine terrain before reaching the stunning turquoise waters of Gibraltar Lakes and the nearby Saint Vrain Glacier. Despite being…