What is a 14er (“fourteener”)? It’s a mountain peak over 14,000 feet – and there are eight 14ers near Aspen, Colorado. The state has 58 total 14ers, and many aspiring hikers love to see how many they can accomplish during a set amount of time, like a year or a lifetime. Some of Colorado’s 14ers have easy trails with a gradual climb that are perfect for families or hiking newbies. Others, however, are treacherous and rated expert-only. The 14ers near Aspen provide a few challenges, and each one is different.
The 14ers near Aspen are Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Capitol Peak, Castle Peak, Conundrum Peak, Snowmass Mountain, and La Plata Peak. Seven are part of the Elk Mountain Range. La Plata Peak, just to the east, over Independence Pass, is part of the Sawatch Mountain Range. While each mountain shares the 14,000-plus-foot distinction, each one is unique and has its own distinct character. There are a few things you should be aware of before heading out on your Colorado hiking vacation. Here’s everything you need to know about the eight great 14ers near Aspen.
Fourteeners Near Aspen
Summiting a 14ers is an exhilarating experience – it doesn’t matter if it’s a leisurely stroll or an advanced technical climb. Working your way to the top and finally reaching your goal is a feeling that everyone can relate to. Once you climb your first one, you’ll want to try the next, and the next, and so on. It is fantastic exercise mixed with stunning beauty, but mostly it’s about a sense of achievement and accomplishment. It’s also a terrific confidence booster.
Mountaineering routes are graded by class and based on the difficulty of the hike. Trails are rated from Class I (easy and walkable) to Class V (highly technical rock climbing with ropes). Class II routes include a wide range of hiking with exposure, loose rock, and steep scree. Class III hikes require un-roped climbing or what’s called “scrambling,” walking up steep terrain using your hands.
Tips for Climbing a Colorado 14er
If you’re planning on climbing a 14er, we recommend doing far more research than just reading this blog post. Here, we’ll just give you a few basic pointers to get you started.
First, always stay on the route. Going off-route puts you in more hazardous terrain and can lead to you getting disoriented or lost. Second, always hike with a buddy. Never go it alone. Third, consider hiring a professional guide if you’re attempting anything out of your comfort zone. Pro guides know the best routes and allow you to enjoy the scenery and vibe, and not looking at your map or compass the entire time. You can hire a guide through ACES (Aspen Center for Environmental Studies)
Here are a few other basic hiking vacation tips when tackling a Colorado 14er:
- Start easy and build up
- Do your research and know the routes
- Pack smart. Bring extra layers and a good outer shell
- For most peaks, wear a helmet; rock in the Elk Mountains is loose
- Get an early start; allow time for the hike and the summit
- Eat a good breakfast and bring water and snacks
- Never climb above another climber
- Stay alert
- Don’t disturb the delicate ecosystem; stay on the route and be respectful to the trail and others
Ready for your Colorado hiking vacation? Here are the eight 14ers near Aspen that can’t be beaten!
Hike: Pyramid Peak
Summit: 14,018 feet
Vertical Climb: 4,450 feet
Rating: Class IV
Route: 6 miles, roundtrip
Description: Pyramid Peak is a favorite near Aspen. It’s highly visible from Highway 82. A classic, technical 14er, Pyramid Peak has fascinating and tough terrain and magnificent views. A satisfying Class IV, ropes aren’t needed on the northeast ridge, but you’ll need strong Class III scrambling skills to make it to the summit.
Hike: North Maroon Peak
Summit: 14,014 feet
Vertical Climb: 4,450
Rating: Class IV
Route: 8 miles, roundtrip
Description: The northeast ridge is semi-technical. There is a Class IV climbing section that requires ropes. Much of the route up North Maroon can be seen as you approach the Maroon Lake trailhead. The hike requires lots of time and route-finding, so plan your climb accordingly (and when there is pleasant weather).
Hike: Maroon Peak
Summit: 14,156 feet
Vertical Climb: 4,600 feet
Rating: Class III
Route: 10 miles, roundtrip
Description: The South Ridge requires great determination and excellent navigation skills. The traverse between North Maroon Peak and South Maroon Peak is one of the best 14er traverses in the world. You can never go wrong with the picturesque beauty of the iconic “Bells.”
Hike: Capitol Peak
Summit: 14,130 feet
Vertical Climb: 5,800 feet
Rating: Class IV
Route: 17 miles, roundtrip
Description: Capitol Peak is notorious for its razor-sharp ridge. A popular hike is an overnight excursion, with camping at beautiful Capitol Lake. The hike is a good length and poses a strong vertical gain to test your mettle. You’ll need to up on your climbing game – at least Class IV skills – to summit this bad boy
Hike: Castle Peak
Summit: 14,265 feet
Vertical Climb: 4,500 feet
Rating: Class II
Route: 10 miles, roundtrip
Description: Castle Peak, rated Class II, is the perfect 14er for a first run. But it’s no slouch. It’s the highest 14er in the Elk Mountain Range and offers a thrilling summit with rewarding panoramic views. At 10 miles roundtrip, it can be a bit of a jaunt for most hikers. But another bonus is that Conundrum Peak is nearby (see below).
Hike: Conundrum Peak
Summit: 14,060 feet
Vertical Climb: 4,300 feet
Rating: Class II+
Route: 10 miles, roundtrip
Description: Conundrum is often considered a sub-peak of Castle Peak because it rises less than 300 feet from the connecting saddle with Castle. A relatively new addition to the official 14ers list, joining in 2008, its proximity to Castle Peak makes this the ideal opportunity to summit two 14ers in a single day.
Hike: Snowmass Peak
Summit: 14,092 feet
Vertical Climb: 5,100 feet
Rating: Class III
Route: 21 miles, roundtrip
Description: Snowmass has a good vertical climb – more than 5,000 feet – and one of the most picturesque approaches of all the 14ers near Aspen. At 21 miles roundtrip, this Class III beauty is best conquered on an overnight hike. It’s one of the few opportunities for a snow-climb ascent any time of year.
Hike: La Plata
Summit: 14,336 feet
Vertical Climb: 3,380 feet
Rating: Class II
Route: 7 miles, roundtrip
Description: The fifth highest peak in Colorado, La Plata Peak is a relatively easy climb. Rated a Class II, most of the difficult hiking is off-trail, so if you stay on the beaten path, you’re in for a treat. If you’re in Aspen, this is a rare opportunity to hike on the other side of Independence Pass in the Sawatch Mountain Range.
Lodging for your 14ers Hiking Vacation to Aspen: Where to Stay
Lift One Condominiums is a great choice for your Aspen 14ers hiking vacation – and here’s why.
We have reasonable prices with no hidden charges or resort fees. Our daily rate is one of the best in town and includes several perks and added value. Enjoy first-rate accommodations, daily housekeeping, free parking, an on-site lobby and staff, and a heated pool and hot tub. Our amazing location puts you within walking distance to downtown Aspen’s shopping, dining, and nightlife. You’re also only a couple of blocks from two access points to Aspen Mountain: Gondola Plaza and historic Lift 1A.
Contact us for help in planning your 14ers hiking getaway to Aspen. Browse our rental listings, email us or give us a call toll-free at 800-543-8001 or 970-925-1670.
Leave a Reply