About Colorado Fourteeners
Colorado is home to fifty-eight peaks that rise higher than 14,000 feet; however, only fifty-three qualify as “official” fourteeners under the Colorado Summit Criterion. To be ranked, the 14,000 foot peak must have a prominence of 300 feet. The summit’s prominence is its rise above the highest saddle connecting the summit to higher ground.
Prior to the Colorado Summit Criterion being introduced, most 14er lists included 54 peaks…counting El Diente and North Maroon Peaks while excluding Challenger Point which wasn’t named until 1987. The 55 peak 14er list includes Challenger Point and the 58 14er list includes Mount Cameron, Conundrum Peak, and North Eolus.
Just as the number of 14,000 peaks seem to be slightly controversial in Colorado, how to “bag a peak” is also controversial. The Colorado rule requires the climber to ascend at minimum 3,000 feet. The climber may traverse between peaks and the climber must descend 3,000 feet. Driving a car part way up and only climbing a few hundred feet or 1,000 feet doesn’t count! Some purists don’t even think traversing between peaks count.
Fourteeners are ranked by difficulty as well…from Class 1 to Class 5, easy hiking to technical climbing. Most fall in Class 2…more difficult hiking, some off trail that may require placing hands on the ground for balance.
BAG IT!