Colorado 14er linkup

“What's the feasability or major issues of doing a linkup of all 14ers from say June through late July? Was thinking of either (a) cycling between ranges and then hitting the peaks or (b) a true onfoot linkup of all the ranges and peaks. Supported by going down into towns to resupply, etc.

I'm not familiar with the Colorado Rockies, but I would guess it would be advisable to start off in the SW corner of the state (I'm guessing less snow to deal with in early June), and then work ones way east and then north?

As it would be a linkup on my own foot power, I would like to go as light as possible. Thus I would prefer to not have to lug around my boots, crampons, etc.

Anybody got any advice? Know anybody who has done such a thing?”

“Are you talking about summiting them all in two months? I don't know your phsyical strength, but 54 peaks (or more, depending on the count you use) in 2 months is way more than I could do. Just one kicks my butt.

A couple of major issues you'll face are altitude adjustment, weather and crowds (on some peaks).

I've not looked at a map to plot a link-up route.

I don't know any who have done it, but maybe you'll find info on these sites:

http://14ers.org/home/index.php

www.cmc.org

www.summitpost.org
last edited: 1/28/06 10:29:22 AM”

“There was some guy last winter trying to do all 54 of them in one winter season, but he wasn't trying to do it all on foot.

Your talking a LOT of mileage their bro - CO is a big state.

I've never heard of anyone trying anything like this, but check out Gerry Roach's book "Colorado 14'ers" for some possible idea.”

“There are a few people who have done this in as little as 2 weeks. The stories are on the internet if you keep looking (Cave Dog prolly the most famous). The stories are really helpful because they help you arrange the climbs and talk about where the challenges are.

Having climbed over 20 myself this sounds like a lot of fun if you have the time. June can be tough climbing because of snow, but usually there are clear-enough ridge routes. September is the best time for climbing 14ers because the snow is gone and the weather is usually good, unless of course the snow is starting again.

There are plenty of easy ones to start with to understand what's up with how your body responds and what the weather does. It would be a mistake to be too goal-oriented about this. There is too much to enjoy in the Colorado high country to get in a big hurry bagging peaks - especially since you aren't familiar with the area. There are plenty of valleys, lakes, towns, and restaurants/bars worth spending some time in.”

“And you don't want to start in the southwest because that's where the hardest mountains are.”

“Remember also that some of the peaks are off limits so you won't be able to get all of them unless you poach some, and one peak requires reservations and a hefty fee.”

“Found this link... it sounds similar to what I plan to do. These guys did all 54 in 2 months, self-supported and travelled between ranges on bikes.

http://www.beyondbiking.com/

toejam -- I don't mind startin off the hard ones. I've been a technical climber (rock, ice, alpine, big wall LOL pretty much every sort) since I was 13 yrs old. I'm 34 now. I'm also use to the rigors of long endeavors such as hiking the PCT, bicycle touring, and expedition mountaineering in the Himalayas. My main concern would be to go light, especially if I was going to link them all by foot (rather than bike). I guess I would just start in the south, climb the south facing routes and stick to the ridges. And just go north with the change in the seasons.

RE: restaurants/bars worth spending some time in, that's what I gotta stay away from! I am a VERY poor graduate student.”

“do it this year and you might want to start south. San Juans are pretty dry this year. So far. Could still get big dumps in Feb and Mar.”

“wow. look what I found.

http://www.nohrsc.nws.gov/”

“camelfluffer,
All I can say is good luck if you give it a shot. That would be quite an accomplishment!

Like said above, there have been a number of folks who have done trips similar to this, and they are out there on the web. I know there is a guy named Chris Davenport who is out right now trying to ski all the 14ers this winter:http://skithe14ers.com/.

TMac's link to Summitpost.org is a good one, lots of good info there. Another site I would highly recommend would be the forums at http://fourteenerworld.com/. Afraid it does cost to join, but there really are a ton of serious 14er hikers on there with lot's of experience. Might be worth a shot.

Keep us informed on your plans!”