Maroon Peak South Elevation: 14156 ft / 4315 m

Undoubtedly, the Maroon Bells (North and South Maroon Peak) are Colorado’s most recognized mountains, for these peaks are likely the most photographed mountains in North America. The popularity is easily explainable; in spring, summer, fall and winter, these peaks are stunning to look at. It’s that simple. Nothing beats their pyramid symmetry framed inside the gorgeous Maroon Lake u-shaped valley. The composition is perfect and memorable. And it’s why legions upon legions of vacationers visit these peaks. Lastly, a potent combination of popularity and picture perfection tends to cultivate a powerful lure among mountaineers….and the casual visitor, to make the summit.

The White River forest service likes to call them the “Deadly Bells” for every year these peaks do claim human life. Considering the high traffic, the Deadly Bells are probably not as deadly as one may think. However, it’s imperative to understand what it takes to climb these peaks and what it takes to do it in a safe manner. Ascending the Bells is a climb, not a hike.

First, these peaks are made up of crumbling sedimentary rock. The potential for rock fall is real, and likely is the number one hazard to be aware of while climbing. Don’t be an idiot and climb these peaks without a helmet and always know where others are in relation to you. Second, know and understand the weather. South Maroon’s standard class 3, South Ridge Route is very long and requires a lot of time above tree line where lightning tends to hang out. Spending time hanging out with lightning and hail will make you crap your pants. Third, without the existing cairns, the route finding for a casual climber could be a nightmare. Terrain from crumbling rock tends to be tough to discern a route. The fact of this matter is that there are cairns and this helps immensely, but keep in mind that the mountain hosts almost too many cairns. Trust your mountaineering instincts not somebody’s pile of rocks. Lastly, please understand your physical limits. Everyone will respect you for turning around as much as they will respect you for making a summit. The best mountaineering debates take place when someone disregards their physical limits.

The standard climbing routes for North and South Maroon Peak are very different, with the exception that both peaks are loose and dangerous. For South Maroon, I would describe the South Ridge Route as a strenuous exercise in route finding and determination. The route is only class 3 but it is long and steep. For most, the route will take maybe 9 to 11 hours to complete.

Humboldt Peak Elevation: 14064 ft / 4287 m

Humboldt Peak Overview

Humboldt Peak rests 1.5 mile northeast of its more famous neighbors, Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak. These conglomerate peaks reside within Colorado's linear Sangre de Christo Range. This fantastic stretch of mountains starts where the big and bulky Sawatch Range ends, just south of Salida, Colorado. Continuing south for 220 miles into New Mexico, the Sangre's host some of Colorado's more adventurous climbing. In contrast to the class 3,4,and 5 climbing within the Crestone Group, Humboldt offers a class 2 hike. The standard West Ridge route is a perfect introduction for hiking Colorado's famous fourteeners. Although not technically difficult, Humboldt requires a long approach and plenty of vertical (4,464 ft.). Be in shape so you can really enjoy this epic hike into a beautiful basin.

Humboldt Pk was named after Alexander von Humboldt who was a famous geographer, traveler, explorer, and mountaineer. The name was given by the miners in 1874.

Longs Peak Elevation: 14259 ft / 4346 m

Overview

Long's Peak stands proudly as Colorado's northernmost fourteener. It is unquestionably the monarch of the Front Range and northern Colorado. It is not only the highest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park and Boulder County, but it is also the 15th highest peak in Colorado. It's close proximity to Denver and its pure majesty make it the most popular climbing mountain in the state. The Keyhole Route is the most climbed route of any fourteener route in the state and is a true classic climb. It is not uncommon to have over 100 people on the summit at a time on a busy summer weekend, and long lines of people following each other up and down the mountain, often too close for comfort. The Keyhole route will attract several thousand climbers every summer. Routes up the mountain range from the Class 3 Keyhole to the Hornsby's Direct Route rated at 5.8. There are several trailheads, but most routes and variations start from the Long's Peak Trailhead.

Mount of the Holy Cross Elevation: 14005 ft / 4269 m

One of Colorado's best known 14ers, the legendary Mount of the Holy Cross is famous for the east facing cross couloir, which fills with snow and forms a well defined cross. Erosion has made the cross less defined in the last 100 years. First discovered in 1869, it became the destination of Christian pilgrimages early in the 20th century, and continues to sport a colorful history that persists to this day.

The mountain is only 14 miles from the Vail ski area, and can be seen from a number of vantages, but for an intimate look at the mountain's namesake cross on the east face, one must climb up and over neighboring Notch Mountain to see it. There are two common routes to the top - Halfmoon Pass or Notch Mountain combined with Halo Ridge - both are Class 2 climbs. They can be combined into a loop for a very long day trek. A Class 3 steep snow and ice climb up the Cross Couloir is another route possibility for those looking for a moderate technical challenge. Angelica Couloir and Tear Drop are excellent alternate routes that still require going over Notch Mountain.

Mount of the Holy Cross was once a National Monument, but lost this status in the 50s. The area and the mountain became a wilderness during the 70s. The Holy Cross Wilderness is one of Colorado's shining jewels of nature's majesty. Unparalleled beauty adorns this beautiful plae of solitude, which teems with wildlife and flows free with an abundance of water.

Snowmass Mountain

Snowmass is the 32nd highest mountain, in Colorado and the 3rd highest in the Elk Range. Castle Peak is the only 14er in the range that is easier to climb then Snowmass. This say's a lot for the 14ers in the range considering Snowmass is a class 3 climb. All the rest of them are far more difficult and dangerous to climb.
Snowmass is also one of Colorado's most remote 14ers. Only San Luis Peak, Windom Peak, Eolus Peak and Sunlight Peak are more remote. The Shortest trail to its base is 8.4 miles. Snowmass cannot be seen from any roads or towns. There are several different routes up the mountain and they are all class 3. The Peak is a boulder that stands about 5 or 6 feet high. Snowmass is a spectacular mountain. It has a huge snowfield on the east side, which is one of Colorado's largest snowfields. The thin knife-edge ridges leading to the summit jet up about fifty feet from its slopes. The rocks look like spears coming up out of the earth. Following the tops of the ridges is a very exposed, dangerous, long and tedious process. These rocks are often no more then a couple of feet wide.

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Huron Peak Elevation: 14012 ft / 4271 m

Huron Peak is a beautiful hike from the South Winfield Trailhead. Although it barely qualifies as a 14er (14,012) it compensates by being the farthest 14er peak from a paved road in the Sawatch Range. You cannot see a paved road from the summit. The route is class 2. If you start climbing from the South Winfield Trailhead you will encounter class 1 as you essentially walk up a dirt road until you reach the Forest Service closure gate after about 2 miles. This is where the 4WD drive ends and parking is readily available. The route starts just to the left of the closure gate. The route is a relatively easy route for a 14er and is quite scenic. It is on a dirt road to begin, then it is generally all switchbacks on well maintained trails for most of the rest of the hike. If you drive to the end of the 4WD road it is a very short, fast climb. (We drove it.) The trail is in excellent condition thanks to the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

Start time 5:44 am

Summit at 9:00 am

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Mt. Antero Elevation: 14276 ft / 4351 m

Mount Antero Overview

Mount Antero attracts people for many different reasons. It is the 10th highest mountain in Colorado, and that alone makes it an important destination for many. It offers several climbing routes which are not terribly difficult. A wealth of fine gemstones have been mined from Antero's slopes, and this makes the mountain popular among rock hounds. Not coincidentally, there is a good, 4WD road on the peak's west side going nearly to the summit. This makes Antero a popular mountain for off-road enthusiasts, who keep the area "humming" in the summer. The San Isabel National Forest, of which this mountain is a part, affords countless recreational opportunities. For all these reasons, Mount Antero is a popular destination.

Chief Antero

Mount Antero is the highest Colorado mountain named after a native American Indian. Neighboring mountains Tabeguache, Shavano, and Ouray, are also American Indian names. Antero was the leader of the Uintah band of Ute Indians. Chief Antero was a proponent of peace between the Utes and the white men during the uprising of the late 1860's and 1870's. He was one of the signers of the Washington Treaty of 1880, which led to the Utes losing most of their land.

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