Pyramid Peak: Northeast Ridge
14,000-foot summit requiring huge elevation gain and steep scrambling with wild exposure.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
The 6 Most Technical 14ers in Colorado
Challenge yourself on the 6 most technical standard 14er routes.
Alpine Climbing Moderate, Difficult
Description
Colorado's famous 14,000-foot mountain peaks—known as the "14ers"—are home to a vast array of mountaineering challenges ranging from hikes along well-maintained trails to ultra-technical mountaineering ascents. If you're looking for a demanding mountaineering challenge in Colorado, then read on.
This guidebook rounds up the six most technical 14ers, as ranked by their standard route. All six of these mountains require a Class 4 climb to reach the summit by the easiest route. According to 14ers.com, ranked in order they are: North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Mount Wilson, Sunlight Peak, Little Bear Peak, and Capitol Peak.
While these mountains do not offer any easy options to reach their summits, the standard routes on most 14ers are generally not all that technical. For the accomplished mountaineer looking for a true challenge, look beyond the standard ascents, and consider the lesser-traveled routes. If you're interested in some of Colorado's most technical mountaineering challenges, set your eyes on Colorado's 4 Great Traverses.
Sources: 14ers.com
Routes included
North Maroon Peak: Northeast Ridge
A long day of difficult hiking and rock scrambling to the top of Colorado's most photographed 14er.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Capitol Peak - Northeast Ridge
Capitol Peak is infamously one of Colorado's most difficult yet most rewarding 14ers.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 26 km
- Ascent
- 1.8 km
- Descent
- 1.8 km
El Diente and Mount Wilson Combo
A technical combo of two San Juan 14ers.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 20 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak from Needleton
A two-peak combo deep in the Weminuche Wilderness featuring one of Colorado's most technical 14ers.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 30 km
- Ascent
- 2.1 km
- Descent
- 2.1 km
Little Bear Peak
One of the most technical and coveted 14er summits.
Difficult Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 4.6 km
- Ascent
- 715 m
- Descent
- 715 m
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