What is a 14er in hiking?

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“Fourteener” or 14er basically represent a class of mountains that are at least 14,000 feet in total elevation. Another commonly applied rule is that the “14er” must also have at least 300 feet of prominence in order to be considered a true 14er.

How many miles is a 14er?

2.6 miles
Simply put, a “fourteener” is any mountain that exceeds an elevation of 14,000 feet above sea level. That’s 4,267.2 meters, 2.6 miles, 46.6 football fields, nine and a half Empire State buildings, 2,089 stacked NBA players … okay, okay, you get it, they’re really tall mountains.

What is the closest 14er to Denver?

Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is the closest 14er to Denver and one of the best hikes in Colorado. The trail is easy to navigate, the hike is fun, and the views are awesome. It’s also relatively easy for a 14er – the elevation gain isn’t terrible, but there is some Class 2 terrain near the top.

How long does it take to climb a 14er?

We’re not going to call climbing a fourteener easy. You need to be physically fit, expect 8 to 12 hours of hiking, be acclimated to the elevation and also carry some common sense to the mountain.

Can my dog hike a 14er?

We suggest you remember Off-Leash K9’s three P’s of 14er preparedness: Permission, Provisions, and Practice. First and foremost, always ask your veterinarian if your dog is healthy enough to hike. Young pups and senior dogs might not have the stamina, or maybe your pet needs his shots updated before you go.

Is it hard to hike a 14er?

It Isn’t Easy to Climb a 14er. Even the easiest 14ers involve several thousand feet of elevation gain at a high elevation above 12,000 feet. Even at lower altitude, that much gain can be exhausting, especially if you aren’t in shape. High at altitude where there’s much less oxygen, it can be extremely exhausting.

Which is the easiest 14er in Colorado?

Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak is arguably the easiest 14er in Colorado, but if you are looking for a little more help on your first mountaineering trip, be sure to check out our Pikes Peak guided hiking tour.

How much water should you drink on a 14er?

Bring plenty of water but not too much. At 2 pounds per liter, water is the heaviest thing in your pack. Every individual has different needs, but as a rule of thumb, I bring 1 liter for every 2 hours of hiking. It will probably take you 3-4 hours to hike your first peak so bring 2-3 liters.