7 Best Beginner-Friendly 14ers in the Rockies

For those who are new to hiking and looking for beginner-friendly 14ers, embarking on your first climb in the Colorado Rocky Mountains can feel both thrilling and a bit daunting. As someone who grew up in Colorado, I’ve hiked many of these summits, starting as a reluctant 11-year-old, and I’ve since become hooked on the adventure. If you’re looking for a popular yet unique Colorado escapade, these beginner-friendly 14ers are a fantastic place to start.

With some preparation, the right attitude, and a touch of adventure, summiting a 14er can be one of the most rewarding travel achievements you can find in the United States.

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What is a 14er, and Why Should You Hike One?

“14ers” refer to mountain peaks that rise over 14,000 feet above sea level (4,267.2 meters). These climbs and hikes aren’t just about the challenge—they offer jaw-dropping scenery, the chance to connect with nature, and an incredible sense of accomplishment. Even for beginners, there are several peaks in the Rockies that are manageable and memorable.

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Essential Preparation for Your First 14er

Before diving into the list, here’s what you should know:

• Start Early in the Morning: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Rockies. Aim to summit and start descending before noon.
• Bring the Right Gear: Layers, sunscreen, plenty of water, and sturdy hiking boots are essential. Don’t forget snacks to fuel your journey.
• Acclimate to the Elevation: Spending a few days at higher altitudes beforehand will help prevent altitude sickness. Drinking lots of water can also help you avoid this.
• Know Your Limits: Take breaks as needed and turn back if the weather looks risky or you feel unwell.

You’ll also want to plan to hike a 14er during the summer. Hiking typically from late June to early September, is ideal for several reasons:

• Trail Conditions: By summer, most of the snow has melted so there will be less snow and mud, making them more accessible easier to navigate
• Weather Stability: Summer makes the weather a bit more reliable
• Wildlife and Flora: You’ll be about to appreciate the wildflowers and active wildlife like marmots and mountain goats. 

Attempting to hike 14ers outside of this window can present challenges such as snow-covered trails, increased avalanche risk, and harsher weather conditions, all of which require advanced skills and equipment. My brother and I once tried to hike Mt. Quandary late spring but we had to turn back once the snow went up to well past my knees.

In this review, I’ll be giving the difficult ratings for each mountain. These difficulty ratings are based on the Yosemite Decimal System, where:

• Class 1: Hiking on a trail.
• Class 2: More difficult hiking that may be off-trail; you may need to use your hands occasionally for balance.

It’s important to note that while some peaks have a Class 1 rating, factors like elevation gain, weather conditions, and individual fitness levels can influence the overall difficulty of the hike. For more info check out this route difficulty explanations here.

Always prepare adequately, check current trail conditions, and consider your experience level before attempting any 14er. The following list of beginner-friendly 14ers each have a rating class difficulty from 14ers.

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Beginner-Friendly 14ers

1. Mount Bierstadt (14,066 feet)

Mount Bierstadt is named after Albert Bierstadt, a renowned 19th-century landscape painter famous for his dramatic depictions of the American West. His works often romanticized the grandeur of the Rockies, and the peak’s name honors his artistic contribution to showcasing this stunning region.

Mount Bierstadt is a favorite for first-time 14er hikers, and for good reason. The trail is accessible, the hike is scenic, and the payoff at the summit is breathtaking. Even though I’ve summited Bierstadt several times, it never gets old. It’s my go-to 14er for friends and family new to long hikes or mountain hiking. One of my wildest experiences at Mt. Bierstadt was seeing a moose swimming through the lake at the head of the trail. It was such an incredible moment and at the time it was the first moose I had ever seen in Colorado.

Bierstadt has a straightforward, well-marked trail which makes it perfect for beginners. The scenery is incredible—from the open sky framed by peaks, to the alpine grass and valley you can peer down into below.

• Parking: The trailhead has a decent-sized parking lot, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early—by 6:00 AM if possible—to secure a spot.
• Distance: 7 miles round trip.
• Elevation Gain: ~2,850 feet.
• Standard Route Difficulty: Class 2

Scenery and Trail Details:

The trail begins with a long wooden boardwalk over marshy terrain. The boardwalk provides a clear path through the wetlands before you start to ascend through an alpine meadow dotted with wildflowers.

As you ascend, the trail becomes rockier, with switchbacks leading you up a ridge and toward the summit. If you start to hear squeaking it’s the marmots that live up there. The final stretch is a bit of a scramble over boulders but manageable for most hikers and dogs. From the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding Sawatch Range, including Mount Evans to the east. On clear days, you can see for miles across the Rockies.

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2. Mount Sherman (14,043 feet)

Mount Sherman stands out for its historical charm. The trail passes remnants of old silver mining structures, offering a glimpse into Colorado’s rich mining history. Named after William Tecumseh Sherman a Union general from the American Civil War, the mountain is part of the Mosquito Range and close to the famous historic mountain town of Leadville. Luckily despite it’s name you’ll be unlikely to encounter many mosquitos that high up in the mountains. Sherman is known for being easier than other 14ers and great for beginners.

My favorite memory of this mountain was our descent after reaching the top. It was so snowy, my family and I decided to turn our jackets into sleds and slide down the mountain. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying as we dodged rocks on the way down, all while our dog, Waffles, chased us in a mix of excitement and confusion.

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3. Grays and Torreys Peaks (14,275 and 14,272 feet)

Why hike just one 14er when you can conquer two in a single day? Grays and Torreys are connected by a saddle, making them a perfect option for beginners who want to challenge themselves a bit more. Grays is the 10th tallest mountain in the entire Rocky Mountains Range and it is the highest point on the Front Range and the Continental Divide.

The views from both peaks were absolutely worth the effort, and completing two 14ers in one day will leave you with such a sense of accomplishment.

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4. Quandary Peak (14,272 feet)

Quandary Peak offers a unique hiking experience that begins below the tree line. The initial stretch through the forest gradually transitions to rocky terrain as you ascend, showcasing the change in vegetation with elevation.

On one hike up Quandary, I encountered mountain goats grazing near the trail. They’re adorable to watch, but it’s crucial to respect their space and keep a safe distance. This hike also taught me the importance of starting early. I came close to getting caught in a thunderstorm near the summit, which was a valuable reminder of how unpredictable mountain weather can be.

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5. Mount Blue Sky (14,268 feet)

Mount Blue Sky was formally know as Mount Evans up until 2023 when the name was officially changed. It is a huge mountain on the Front Range and can be seen from almost 100 miles away from the east including from Denver. It is one of the most accessible 14ers, as you can either hike or drive to the summit. The drive along Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formally Mount Evans Scenic Byway) is stunning, but for a true 14er experience, take the hiking route.

This was the first 14er I ever hiked, and I did it begrudgingly at age 11. At the time, I wasn’t thrilled about spending a day outdoors, but by the time I reached the summit, I was hooked. The views were so stunning that they completely changed my perspective on hiking and being in nature. Today, I look back on that hike as the moment I fell in love with exploring the mountains.

What to Know:

• Trailhead: Summit Lake Trailhead or start higher up with the road.
• Distance: Varies based on your route.
• Elevation Gain: ~1,400 feet from Summit Lake.
• Standard Route Difficulty: Class 2

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6. Pikes Peak (14,109 feet)

Pikes Peak is another famous mountain that can also be seen from miles away. It is a beginner-friendly 14er that offers multiple ways to reach the summit—you can hike, drive, or even take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

The train ride is about $60 per person and is a fantastic option if one of you isn’t quite ready for a full hike but still wants to enjoy the breathtaking views. For hikers, the Barr Trail is a longer trek but worth it for the varied scenery and sense of accomplishment waiting at the summit.

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Final Tips for Your First 14er Adventure

• Plan Together: Discuss your goals and choose a peak that suits both your experience levels and time constraints.
• Hydrate and Fuel Up: Dehydration hits harder at altitude, so drink water regularly and bring plenty of snacks.
• Be Respectful: Leave no trace. Respect wildlife, stay on trails, and pack out all trash.
• Stay off the Tundra grass: This grass takes years to grow and is very fragile so please respect signs and stay on trails

Whether you’re taking on your first 14er as a couple or making it part of a bigger road trip, these peaks are beginner-friendly, rewarding, and packed with unforgettable experiences. So lace up your boots, grab your gear, and get ready to make some incredible memories together.

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Have you tried hiking a 14er before? Let me know in the comments which peak you’re most excited to conquer, or share your favorite 14er experiences!

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