Before ranking the Colorado 14ers here is some background on my journey. I have hiked all 58 of the 14ers in Colorado (as of 2021, closing in on 100 summits of the 14ers), I wanted to rank them and provide some thoughts on the experience and the mountains themselves. I have done my best…
Colorado Trail Segment 1 is the first segment of the Colorado Trail that stretches from Littleton, Colorado to Durango Colorado. This segment is popular with day hikers, backpackers and mountain bikers and is one of the most heavily trafficked segments of the Colorado Trail. Although Colorado Trail Segment 1 is 16.7 miles long, it…
Sunday Gulch Trail is a popular 3+ mile loop trail located in Custer State Park of South Dakota. The trail features hiking in a valley, next to, over and through a creek and along Sylvan Lake itself. This popular hike is great for hikers of all levels but does get crowded during peak season…
Longs Peak via the Keyhole Route is a heavily trafficked hike in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Longs Peak is the farthest north 14er (peak over 14,000 feet) in Colorado and the highest point within the National Park. Although it’s a popular hike, Longs Peak is the deadliest 14er in Colorado claiming 19…
I’m not used to failure when I hike. When I start a hike, getting to the top seems like a formality to me. Sure, it’s never guaranteed, but if I do my research beforehand, pack the proper gear and the weather stays true to the forecast, I generally summit the mountain. Fatigue, mental or…
Hagerman Tunnel & Lake is a beautiful loop trail located just outside of Leadville, Colorado. This hike is family friendly, dog friendly and offers great views of the mountains in the area, high alpine lakes and the chance to see Hagerman Tunnel which is an old railroad tunnel. If you visit Hagerman Tunnel hike…