The 6 Most Technical 14ers in Colorado

Challenge yourself on the 6 most technical standard 14er routes.

Greg Heil

Images

BrendanBombaci1.jpg
View of Capitol Peak on the approach from Capitol Creek trailhead

by Brandon Bombaci

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North Maroon Peak, with South Maroon Peak behind.

by Jesse Varner

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Most of the route is visible here, including the 1st gully (lower right), 2nd gully, (center right), and the Northeast Ridge

by MostlyDeserts

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Hiking up the cirque toward Pyramid’s north face

by Dustin Gaffke

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Staring up the Northeast Ridge

by Dustin Gaffke

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Looking across from Pyramid Peak at the Maroon Peaks

by Dustin Gaffke

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by Scott Anderson

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Capitol Peak from Capitol Creek Trailhead

by Brendan Bombaci

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Blanca Peak Group, including Little Bear Peak

by David Herrera

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Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak & Ellingwood Point closeup

by David Herrera

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El Diente Peak, Wilson Mtn, and Gladstone from 38-Dunton Rd

by turcottes78

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Sunshine Mtn, Mt Wilson, Gladstone Peak, El Diente Peak, Wilson Peak from Hwy 145

by turcottes78

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Andy, Sunlight, Windom

by Mouser Williams

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by Adam Baker

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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

Adventures