Mt. Massive - Southwest Slope
The Southwest Slopes route is the perfect way to summit 14,421' Mt. Massive: short, steep and secluded.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 1.2 km
- Descent
- 1.2 km
Aspen, Colorado 14ers that Dare You to Climb Them
These seven 14,000-foot peaks near Aspen beckon with proud summits and routes that range from moderate to severe.
Alpine Climbing, Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Severe
Description
Colorado’s “14ers” are the ultimate hiking challenge, with steep terrain at high altitude and the allure of a summit taller than most in the nation. The mountain town of Aspen sits amid a cluster of peaks which promise that 14,000-foot perch, if you can reach it. To accept the challenge, make Aspen your base camp for a summer peak-bagging mission, and choose your route based on distance and difficulty. You can jaunt up talus fields on La Plata Peak, a relatively easy ascent, or tiptoe the knife-edge ridge of Capitol Peak, among Colorado’s toughest. One of these 7 routes on 14ers near Aspen could be your next big objective.
Keep in mind that these are all alpine routes, not maintained trails. They require advanced routefinding skills and total self-reliance. Weather is the biggest danger in the high mountains, and thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons. Standard procedure for Colorado 14ers is to summit and get back to safer terrain by noon, so plan your route accordingly.
Routes included
La Plata Peak: Northwest Ridge
14,336-foot La Plata Peak's Northwest Ridge Route may be the “standard” route, but it is certainly an above average hike!
Easy Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
Castle Peak: Northeast Ridge
The highest and most accessible summit in the Elk Range, but still a strenuous and potentially dangerous hike.
Easy Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 19 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
Snowmass Mountain: East Slopes
A two- or three-day mission to summit one of the most remote 14ers in Colorado, requiring snow travel and Class 3 scrambling with exposure.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 33 km
- Ascent
- 1.9 km
- Descent
- 1.9 km
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
Maroon Peak: South Ridge
A long day of steep, sustained hiking and scrambling up one of Colorado's most iconic mountains.
Moderate Alpine Climbing
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 1.6 km
- Descent
- 1.6 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
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
Related guidebooks
10 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Heart of the Rockies: Chaffee County 14ers
16 routes · Hiking
Stunning Hikes to Alpine Lakes in Central Colorado
6 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
Million-Dollar Views on the Capitol Creek Circuit
6 routes · Hiking
Discover Stunning Rock Formations in Colorado National Monument
8 routes · Hiking
Discover the Top Breckenridge Hiking Trails
11 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
Hike the High Rockies: Best Hikes in Salida, Colorado
16 routes · Hiking
Hike Through a Sea of Wildflowers in Idyllic Crested Butte
6 routes · Hiking
Best After Work Hikes near Denver, Colorado
7 routes · Hiking
Denver Day Trip: Top 7 Scenic Hikes
5 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Closest 14ers to Denver
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •
- •