Climb a 14er in Colorado With Vail as Your Base

Part thrilling adventure and part scenic trek, 14er hikes in Colorado are a can’t-miss activity for avid outdoors enthusiasts. And here’s a hot tip: Surrounded by numerous peaks, Vail is a top destination for climbing nearby 14ers, including the towering Mount of the Holy Cross. You’ll love the challenge of conquering these majestic giants, as you witness jaw-dropping panoramas from the summit and trails showcasing verdant forests, curious critters and blossoming wildflowers. Discover more about ascending these peaks around Vail.

What Does 14er Mean?

A 14er is a skyscraping mountain that stretches more than 14,000 feet. Did you know Colorado has 58 incredible 14ers, more than any other state? Colorado is a haven for those looking to complete one of these challenging, yet oh-so rewarding activities. Eleven of these can be found and tackled near Vail, making the villages your ideal home base for one of these strenuous hikes.

How to Climb a 14er

Reaching the top of a 14er is no easy feat. It takes careful preparation and planning to complete an expedition. Once you do, the views from the pinnacle and the exhilaration of defeating the mountain are well worth the effort. Check out our hiking tips and insights below to bag some of Colorado’s tallest hikable peaks.

Ascend a Colorado 14er With a Guide

One of the best ways to ensure a successful and safe trip is with an experienced guide, especially when you’re facing your first 14er. By being familiar with the terrain and routes, guides not only enhance your safety, they’ll add to your experience with insights into local ecology, history and geology. Plus, hiring a knowledgeable pro means less prep time, so you can focus more on how to celebrate your triumph.

The Vail Valley is home to several guide services that can lead you up some of the area’s favorite 14ers. Paragon Guides offers several guided options, including trips up Mount of the Holy Cross as well as other Colorado 14ers and 13ers (mountains topping out around 13,000 feet).

For those looking to conquer the tallest 14er Colorado has to offer, Apex Mountain School specializes in journeys up Mount Elbert, which seemingly touches the clouds at a whopping 14,438 feet.

If you’re a 14er first-timer, Quandary Peak is one of the easier peaks to try (though even the least difficult 14er hikes are challenging). Colorado Adventure Guides can help you reach the top of Quandary or can provide a guided warmup to smaller nearby targets, like Mount Victoria or Buffalo Mountain.

Plan You Summer Ascent

• If you opt out of a guided journey, make sure to thoroughly research and map out your route beforehand.
• Brush up on backcountry safety tips and bring the proper equipment (see more information below).
• Be prepared to start your hike early — maybe even before the sun rises — so your party can return below the treeline before noon to avoid thunderstorms.
• Take time to acclimate to the higher elevation with plenty of breaks.

Pack Your Bag With Essentials

• Stay hydrated and fueled up with water and high-calorie snacks, like trail mix, a protein bar or energy gummies.
• Always have a stocked first-aid kit on hand, including any daily medications you may need.
• Weather can range from sunny to windy to rainy and sometimes even snow in summer, so gear up for the elements with sunscreen, warm layers and water-resistant clothing.
• Be sure to pack a compass and map (downloaded or paper).
• Bonus Points: Bring a satellite phone/messaging device in case something happens.

Know Before You Go

• Follow Leave No Trace Principles by respecting wildlife and packing out everything you bring in.
• Coming from somewhere closer to sea level? Find a comfy hotel in Vail and take a day or two to acclimate to the higher elevation to help prevent altitude sickness.
• Tell someone where you plan to go and when you will return.
• Check the weather conditions before starting your expedition, not just for your current location but that of where you’re going.
• Watch for changing conditions, such as sudden storms or elevation sickness.

Make Vail Your Home Base for Climbing 14,000-Foot Peaks in Colorado

Whether you’re getting ready to tackle a 14er or celebrating your victory, Vail is your ideal base camp for adventure. Extend your stay with activities like fishing on Gold Medal waters, whitewater rafting along a rushing river or practicing your golf swing amid aspens and rugged peaks. Looking for some thrills before your big hike? Book a rock-climbing excursion or take a gondola ride up Vail Mountain where you can mountain bike or e-bike your way back into town.

If you’re seeking less strenuous activities before and/or after your trek, meander the cobblestone streets and shop for unique gifts and mementos. Or explore the villages’ creative side with a self-guided tour of public-art displays. Plus, with a continuous lineup of festivals and special events in Vail, you’ll find plenty to entertain everyone in your group.

After crushing your climb, treat yourself to a relaxing massage, luxurious spa treatment or rejuvenating oxygen-bar session. Then, reward your hard work with traditional Bavarian dishes, decadent desserts, MICHELIN Guide-recommended cuisine and other tantalizing foods at Vail’s can’t-miss restaurants.

14ers Near Vail

While some peaks may be less difficult to conquer than others, there’s no such thing as an easy 14er. Routes are divided into four difficulty classes with even the lowest level requiring stamina, sweat and skills:

Class 1: Challenging treks on well-marked trails

Class 2: Difficult ascents with some more technical elements and the potential for unmarked routes to the summit

Class 3: Steep and technical inclines with some un-roped rock climbing and scrambling needed to reach the pinnacle

Class 4: Terrain is steep and dangerous with roped climbing required to reach the top

Mount of the Holy Cross

Mount of the Holy Cross, Vail’s home 14er, is an expert expedition not for the faint of heart. At 14,004 feet, it just sneaks onto the list of Colorado 14ers and is considered a Class 2 challenge.

Pro tip: Transform your 14er experience into a quick camping trip with a stay at Halfmoon Campground. In the morning, you can hit the trailhead right outside your tent to jump-start your ascent up Mount of the Holy Cross.

14er Peaks Near Vail

All the 14ers near Vail are identified as Class 1 or Class 2. Though these are not as challenging as the higher classes, any attempt to conquer them should be well thought out.

Class 1 Peaks:

• Mount Elbert: 14,438 feet
• Quandary Peak: 14,270 feet

Class 2 Peaks:

• La Plata Peak: 14,343 feet
• The Lincoln Group
• Mount Bross: 14,172 feet
• Mount Cameron: 14,238 feet
• Mount Democrat: 14,148 feet
• Mount Lincoln: 14,286 feet
• Mount Harvard: 14,422 feet
• Mountain Massive: 14,424 feet
• Mount of the Holy Cross: 14,004 feet
• Mount Sherman: 14,040 feet

After finishing your big hike, you’ll love relaxing at casual spots like Vail Brewing Co. or Garfinkel’s where you can sip refreshing, well-earned brews — no shower or dressing up needed. Vail welcomes any kind of adventure dirt, so just get comfy, feel at home and bask in the glow of your astounding accomplishment.

Discover More

• Discover more hiking opportunities near Vail.
• See more mountain views on a scenic drive.
• Enjoy the benefits of a midweek trip.
• Find fun things to do in Vail this summer.

Hero image courtesy of Tim Drescher