Hiking any one of Colorado’s 14ers is a rite of passage. For some, one is a bucket list item but for others, one is just the beginning.
In the Centennial State, a 14er is everyday language, but not everyone has massive peaks in their backyard. The quick description: a 14er (or fourteener) is a peak of 14,000 feet or higher. Colorado has the most in the country with 53 peaks above 14,000 feet, so it’s no secret that hiking these giants is an accomplishment — and definitely a highlight of Colorado hiking.
Yes, hiking a fourteener is a physical and mental challenge. But the real highlight is the view from the top. I’ve been chipping away at Colorado’s 14ers ever since college — only 9 left! — and I never get tired of the expansive panoramas.
But here’s the rub: 14ers boast varying difficulty. Some of them — rated as a Class I or II hike — are merely walkups. Others are more difficult, requiring scrambling or occasionally ropes. No matter the technical difficulty, altitude will be a challenge. Prepare accordingly.
And they all take a a decent amount of gear. If you’re not sure what to pack for a 14er hike, we’ve got you covered!
Ready to reach new heights? Here’s a list of our top picks for the easiest 14ers in Colorado.
Editor’s Note: This was updated on April 29, 2024 to update the name of Mount Blue Sky. Formerly known as Mount Evans, the peak’s name was officially changed in September 2023 to recognize the Indigenous history of the region.
1. Pikes Peak
Why you should go: Take a car, shuttle tour, or train to the top!
- Summit elevation: 14,110 feet
- Elevation gain: negligible
- Distance: 100 feet
- Nearest town: Colorado Springs
Pikes Peak is one of two drive-up 14ers in Colorado, and if you’re a beginner, don’t be a hero. Take the road! If you are looking for the easiest 14er to tackle, what’s easier than jumping in a tour bus or train that guides you all the way to the summit of a mountain?
If you do choose to hike it from one of the lower trailheads, consider yourself warned: this isn’t an easy hike. With nearly 26 miles roundtrip and some 7000+ feet of climbing, Pikes Peak is only beginner-friendly if you’re in the car. The first time I hiked Pikes Peak, I was exhausted and sweaty when I got to the top, only to see a bunch of fresh-faced, clean folks who had been much smarter than me and used their vehicle.
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2. Mount Blue Sky
Why you should go: Easy access from Denver with the option to hike from below or drive all the way up.
- Summit elevation: 14,264 feet
- Elevation gain: 2,100 feet
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Nearest town: Denver
Though you can drive to the top of this 14er, the hike up Mount Blue Sky is even more epic. The route from Summit Lake Park is short but steep with some light scrambling near the top — so it’s easy as 14ers go, but not for the faint of heart. That said, the route is stunning, and you will also cross the summit of Mount Spalding (13,853 feet) before continuing onto Blue Sky.
Starting at about 13,000 feet, the hike is entirely above treeline, and you will have open views for the entire hike. Once you return to the trailhead, take the ache out of your feet by dipping them in Summit Lake.
Note: Mount Blue Sky was formerly referred to as Mt. Evans. The name was officially changed in September 2023 to preserve Indigenous history.
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3. Mount Bierstadt
Why you should go: One of the easiest 14ers is a great introduction to the Colorado high country.
- Summit elevation: 14,060 feet
- Elevation gain: 2,800 feet
- Distance: 7.2 miles
- Nearest town: Denver
Starting at Guanella Pass at 11,700 feet, there are two large parking areas and a bit of dispersed camping, making it easy to get an early start for those willing to spend the night.
The parking area and trail will be extremely busy on any nice summer weekend, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience, this one is best tackled during the week. The hike begins by winding through the willows over boardwalks along the creek before ascending the shoulder.
You may see some hikers traversing the ridgeline connecting Mt. Bierstadt to Mount Blue Sky. This ridgeline is called the Sawtooth and it’s not beginner-friendly. It involves mostly Class III maneuvers and a bit of exposure. If you have a few peaks and you’re ready to up your game, the Sawtooth is a good place to do so — but don’t tackle the ridgeline on your first day out.
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4. Quandary Peak
Why you should go: Just outside Breckenridge, this is one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado.
- Summit elevation: 14,265 feet
- Elevation gain: 3,300 feet
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Nearest town: Fairplay
Breckenridge has a ton of great hiking with Quandary being a great example. It’s not a quiet mountain — it see a lot of Denver traffic — so parking here is regulated and requires a permit in the summer. However, a free shuttle operates from the Airport Road Lot to the trailhead every 30 minutes.
Once you make it to the trailhead (pro tip: try weekdays), Quandary Peak is a straightforward uphill hike. It’s also one of the more accessible 14ers for winter hiking or skiing as it snakes up the ridgeline and stays mostly out of avalanche terrain. But, if you end up doing a spring snow ascent, it’s important to understand the snow science and be avy prepared.
There are some great opportunities to view wildlife along this route, including mountain goats!
Related Read: 11 Best Winter Hiking Destinations in Colorado
5. Grays Peak and Torreys Peak
Why you should go: Knock off two 14ers in one go!
- Summit elevation: 14,270 feet and 14,267 feet
- Elevation gain: 3,479 feet
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Nearest town: Denver
Rising high above on the Continental Divide, you can catch a glimpse of these two prominent peaks as you drive up I-70. Just a glimpse, though. To understand their full scale, you’ll have to attempt these two.
Hiking from Steven’s Gulch, wind up the valley via a gentle grade before ascending the ridge. Head up the saddle and a before switchbacking up to Grays Peak. From there, Torreys is a hop, skip, and a jump away — but hiking at over 14,000 feet never feels that easy.
While you climb, make sure to keep an eye (and ear) out for marmots and pikas that call the alpine home. If you’re really lucky, you may even spot a ptarmigan strutting through the alpine meadows!
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6. Mount Antero
Why you should go: Long but not too difficult trail follows a rough two-track road almost all the way to the top.
- Summit elevation: 14,269 feet
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Nearest town: Salida
The key to making Mount Antero easy: drive an ATV most of the way up the road to 13,800 feet, where the on-foot class 2 scrambling begins. Not generally highly rated, this hike is certainly one of the more straightforward Colorado 14ers to tackle. If you opt for the 4×4 version, keep in mind that there is tons of exposure and not a lot of wiggle room — you need to know what you’re doing behind the wheel.
However, if you decide to hike the whole road — a 15.2 mile round-trip hike — it’s likely going to feel like a bit of a drag and not nearly as easy.
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7. San Luis Peak
Why you should go: One of the most remote 14ers in Colorado.
- Summit elevation: 14,014 feet
- Elevation gain: 4,800 feet
- Distance: 11.2 miles
- Nearest town: Creede
With its remote location, getting to the trailhead can be more of an adventure than actually hiking to the summit of San Luis Peak.
The start of this hike is about two hours (via car) from the nearest paved road and the parking is limited. This may be considered an “easy” 14er, but it’s still a pretty long hike — and when you’re this far from civilization, you need to be prepared for anything. My husband and I hiked-and-ran it a few years ago over Labor Day weekend — and we were literally the only two people on the mountain.
The first 4.5 miles of the hike are the mellowest as it winds up along Stewart Creek. Eventually, the trail steepens and finally, around 13,000 feet, becomes a talus field before ascending the last ridge to the summit. Given how remote this one is, it’s likely that even on a perfect summer weekend, you won’t have to battle any crowds.
Editor’s note: As of April 2024, the Middle Bridge along Highway 50 outside of Gunnison is closed due to damage. There is no re-opening time as of yet. Depending on which way you’re approaching from, this may mean you cannot access Creede or San Luis Peak without a several hour detour.
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8. Mount Sherman
Why you should go: One of the shorter hikes on the list, with epic views over Breckenridge.
- Summit elevation: 14,036 feet
- Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Nearest town: Fairplay
With the Four Mile Creek trailhead sitting at over 12,000 feet, Mount Sherman one of the highest 14er access points and is a great option for a hiker’s first 14er. Bonus: the summit is the size of a football field so there is lots of room to run around….or relax.
Once you reach the saddle, head north and ascend the ridge via some loose braided trails to reach the summit — from there, enjoy the views of Leadville, Fairplay, and Twin Lakes.
If you still have gas in the tank after summiting Sherman, take the time to head up Mount Sheridan. It’s not a 14er, but is still a worthwhile side trip if you have the energy.
Related Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Leadville, Colorado
9. Mount Elbert
Why you should go: It’s Colorado’s tallest peak!
- Summit elevation: 14,433 feet
- Elevation gain: 4,500 feet
- Distance: 10.5 miles
- Nearest town: Twin Lakes
As the highest summit in Colorado, Elbert may seem intimidating, but it is generally not that much harder than many of the others on this list. In fact, it was my first-ever 14er in college, so you know it’s not challenging! With camping available at the trailhead, it’s easy to get out and start the North Mount Elbert Trail early in the day.
Enjoy the beautifully maintained trail and wildflower meadows once you leave the dense forests. The trail is definitely steep but is usually in great shape due to the efforts of the Colorado Fourteener Initiative. Be wary as you ascend this mountain, as there are three false summits along the way before you get to the real peak.
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10. Huron Peak
Why you should go: Barely a 14er — but it still counts! — with unparalleled views of the surrounding area.
- Summit elevation: 14,003 feet
- Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
- Distance: 6.6 miles
- Nearest town: Twin Lakes
The North Huron Trail can be a little eroded in places, especially where it gets steep, but the effort is rewarded. The upper third of the hike is all above treeline, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
With snow-capped mountains backdropping wildflower-filled meadows, it’s breathtaking and not just because of the altitude. From the summit, enjoy epic views of the Three Apostles, a cluster of 13ers that are harder and more technical than any 14er on this list.
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11. Handies Peak
Why you should go: hard-to-reach trailhead with views worth the effort.
- Elevation: 14,048 feet
- Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
- Distance: 5.4 miles
- Nearest town: Silverton
To reach the trailhead up the south slopes up Handies Peak, you’ll want a high clearance and 4-wheel drive vehicle. Otherwise, your hike might be a little longer than you’re expecting.
However, if you can get to the main trailhead, the hike isn’t too bad. The grade is fairly moderate the entire way, with a bit of a steep grade right at the end. Heading up the valley at the start, as you wind through wildflowers and willows, you’ll have amazing views of the craggy mountains above.
The trail is mostly quite reliable, with only a few sections of rockiness here and there. After enjoying the summit, stop by Sloan Lake on the way back down for a lunch break or a dip (if you can tolerate the cold).
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