How to Hike Your First 14er: Tips to Safely Summit

Whether you’re new to hiking or an old timer, you’ve probably heard of a “14er” or fourteener—what we call mountains with summits higher than 14,000 feet (or 4,267 meters) above sea level. It’s an alluring challenge for lovers of the great outdoors. If you’re hoping to check one off your hiking bucket list and learn how to hike your first 14er, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve climbed my fair share of 14ers over the years as a travel writer, outdoor show host, and stuntwoman. I’m sharing all the tips and tricks you need to make your hike a success. I’ll explain what not to do so that you can avoid making some pretty common mistakes that can prevent you from reaching the summit. I’m also including a list of my favorite 14ers for beginners!

Hiking has always been in my blood. Growing up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I spent every summer hiking in New England and Colorado, reaching the summit of Mt. Washington at the age of five. I’ve crossed quite a few challenging mountains and 14ers off the list since then, including several in Colorado and California—and a few 19,000-foot peaks, too (why don’t we call these 19ers?!).

I’ve got lots of tips to get you ready for the summit! As you might’ve guessed, learning how to hike your first 14er begins with being physically fit enough to reach the summit. If you’re not sure you’re up for the challenge just yet, check out my 12-week training guide to get a head start.

Hiking your first 14’er is a milestone experience that requires some planning and preparation to be successful at the summit. Please note that you may see affiliate links in this post that help me earn a small commission at no cost to you when you click and make a purchase. 

What Is a 14er?

If you want to hike or climb a 14er, let’s start with a solid definition of what a 14er actually is. A 14er is a mountain peak that reaches an altitude of at least 14,000 feet above sea level. The term is most commonly used in the western United States, where numerous mountains meet this criteria. In fact, Colorado has 58 mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet—more than any other state, making it one of the most popular places to visit once you’ve done some research on how to hike your first 14er. 

For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, summiting a 14er is a serious badge of honor. Not only does it require a significant amount of physical effort and dedication, but it also often entails spending extended periods of time at high altitudes. These higher elevations can be tough on the body, even when you’ve trained properly and take all precautions to acclimatize yourself.

Nevertheless, many people find the challenge to be well worth the rewards—I think you will, too. Reaching the top of a towering mountain provides a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match.

Best Beginner-Friendly 14ers in the United States

It may seem intimidating when you’re learning how to hike your first 14er, but the good news is that not all 14ers are created equally. There are some that are easier than others and I find these are absolutely perfect for beginners. You can find several 14ers in Colorado that are perfect for beginners.

• Grays and Torreys Peaks in Colorado are both great options for beginner climbers—relatively short with well-established trails, their proximity to Interstate 70 makes them easy to get to.
• Another popular option is Quandary Peak, also located in Colorado. The trail is well marked and not too difficult, though there are a few steep sections.
• If you’re looking for an even easier climb, Mount Bierstadt in Colorado is considered by many hikers as the state’s easiest fourteener; the ascent is gradual, open, and not as steep as many of its neighbors.
• If you want a real challenge still on the easier side, Mount Elbert is the tallest peak in Colorado. It’ll give you bragging rights for summiting the state’s highest mountain (read about my experience here: Hiking Mt. Elbert: Colorado’s Tallest 14er)! Don’t be intimidated by the height or the nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Mt. Elbert may be tall, but the trails are easy to follow and no scrambling is necessary to get to the summit.

A few tips for hiking all 14ers, no matter how easy or challenging: take it slow, drink a lot of water, and do not attempt to summit in bad weather.

How to Hike Your First 14er

When you’re ready to hike your first 14er, you’re setting yourself up for a big challenge (and major rewards). There are a few things you want to keep in mind to ensure you’re able to get to the summit successfully without injuring yourself, succumbing to altitude sickness, or getting lost along the way.

Before you set out to climb your first 14er, there are certain things that you will need to do to prepare. These are large mountains, and hiking to the summit is not a trivial task (even when you’ve trained properly). Most accidents happen when people are unprepared or take this kind of hike for granted.

Invest time into a training program before attempting your first 14er. You can also practice climbing by tackling shorter hikes. Here’s my training guide for hikers and backpackers to help you get physically strong and fit enough to tackle your first 14er.

Prepare for Altitude and High-Elevation Hikes

First, if you’re not used to hiking at high altitudes, it is essential to give your body time to adjust. This process is known as acclimation or acclimitization. It generally takes a few days for your body to get used to the thinner air with limited oxygen you’ll experience when you hike your first 14er.

Spending a night or two in a town near the mountain you plan to hike is an excellent way to start the acclimation process. This will help your body get used to the altitude before hiking. If you don’t have time for an entire acclimation period, there are still things you can do to prepare your body for high-altitude hikes.

• Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is always essential, but becomes even more crucial when hiking at high altitudes. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your hike and pack extra water for the hike itself.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine for a few days before and during your hike. These substances can dehydrate you and make it harder for your body to adjust to the altitude.
• A high-protein diet is another way to prepare your body for high-altitude hikes. Protein helps your body build muscle, which can be helpful when hiking at altitudes where oxygen is scarce.

In addition to preparing your body, it’s also essential to be prepared for the conditions you will encounter on the mountain.

• Check the weather forecast before your hike, and be aware of any potential storms that may be rolling in. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in many parts of the country, so it’s important to be off the mountain before they hit.
• Check the trail conditions before you start your hike. This information is usually available on the park’s website or forest service that manages the trail.

Knowing what to expect on the trail will help you be better prepared and more likely to have a successful hike.

What to Pack for Your First 14er Hike

Now that you know how to prepare to hike your first 14er, let’s talk about what to pack.

• Broken-in hiking boots
• Hiking poles
• Rain jacket
• Water and electrolyte mixes
• High-energy, nutrient-dense snacks
• Hiking/backpacking essentials
• Sun protection
• Camera

First, you will need a good pair of hiking boots, which should be comfortable and broken in before you start your hike. This is not the time to put new boots to the test—hot spots and blisters can and will happen with new boots! Break them in ahead of time and make sure your hiking boots fit comfortably enough to finish the hike.

Hiking poles can also be helpful, especially on steeper sections of the trail. They take some of the strain off of your legs and can help you keep your balance. When you’re hiking in Colorado, you will also need a rain jacket. Weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall.

In addition to comfortable shoes, a rain jacket, and hiking poles, you will also need to pack some essential items for your hike.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and high-energy snacks like trail mix or energy bars. An electrolyte drink is also great to have while on the trail. And don’t forget your 10 essentials—yes, even on a day hike. Check out my list of 10 essential items for hikers and backpackers here.

Sun protection is also essential, even on cloudy days. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Finally, you may want to bring a camera to document your hike. But be sure not to sacrifice safety for photos. If you need to take a break to snap a picture, find a safe spot off the trail.

Tips to Successfully Summit Your First 14er

You’re almost ready to climb your first 14er—these tips will help you increase your chances of reaching the summit successfully. 

• Before heading out, check the weather and pack in layers. Regardless of the time of year, it is not uncommon for the morning to be cold and afternoons to be warm. So wearing layers is key to staying comfortable.
• Start your hike early in the morning. This will help you avoid afternoon thunderstorms and give you more time to reach the summit. Storms roll in around 3 pm, so it is highly recommended to be below the tree line well before that time.
• Pace yourself on the trail. Take breaks when you need to, and don’t push yourself too hard. Remember that hiking at high altitudes can be challenging, even for experienced hikers.
• Know when to turn back. If the weather turns bad or you start to feel ill, don’t ever be afraid to turn back. It could save your life and keep you safe. It is never worth risking your safety to reach the summit.

How to Hike Your First 14er: What to Avoid

While there are many things you can do to prepare for your hike, there are an equal number of things to actively avoid. 

• Refrain from strenuous activity in the days leading up to your hike. This includes activities like running or lifting weights. You want your body to be well-rested before starting a long, strenuous hike.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before your hike. As mentioned before, these substances can dehydrate you and make it harder for your body to adjust to the altitude.
• Don’t try to do too much too soon. If you are new to hiking, start with shorter and less challenging trails before tackling a 14er.

By following these three simple tips, you will be well on your way to having a successful and safe hike.

Getting Ready to Hike Your First 14er

The key to having a successful and safe hike, whether it’s a challenging 14er or a scenic trail through a forest, is being prepared. Now that you know how to hike your first 14er, what to bring, what to avoid, and how to prepare, you are one step closer to tackling your first 14er.

Just remember to take your time, pace yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the hike! And don’t forget to come back and share some of your own tips for hiking a 14er! Let me know what your takeaways are in the comments below. Happy hiking!

Check out some of my favorite hikes from places like Cotopaxi in Ecuador or Mt. Kilimanjaro.

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