The Belay on K2 | How An Ice Axe Saved Six in 1953
In 1953, Pete Schoening found himself and five climbing partners 25,000 feet high on the northwest ridge of K2 – the second tallest peak in the world. One of the five, Art Gilkey, was suffering
Colorado Mountain Ghost Towns | 7 Sites You Need to See
If you’re a regular visitor to the Rockies, you’ve likely stumbled upon an old log cabin or two deep in the woods; legacies of the rich history hidden in Colorado’s mountains. These cabins are just
Picking a Campsite? Here’s How to Minimize Your Impact
When camping in the Rockies, there’s nothing better than driving out to a quiet forest road to find a dispersed campsite and solitude. With National Forest and BLM land covering much of the state, it’s
Best Hiking Boots for 14ers | My Top Three
The right hiking boots are a necessity for hiking and scrambling up Colorado’s 14ers. While you can use shoes or boots, I recommend boots for their superior ankle support. However there are a lot of
Comparing the Colorado and California 14ers
California & Colorado are home to the vast majority of the 14,000 foot peaks in the lower 48. Between the two states, 70 named or ranked peaks exceed 14,000 feet that you can hike and
Easy Class 3 Colorado 14ers – 4 Peaks for New Climbers
When it comes to climbing 14ers, Class 1 and 2 peaks aren’t a huge technical challenge. With enough stamina and gear, almost anyone can hike up and scramble over boulders to one of these summits.
Most Difficult Colorado 14ers | 9 Deadly Peaks
While most of Colorado’s 14ers are an easy hike or scramble, a handful can be quite difficult to climb. With steep Class 3 and 4 climbing, dramatic exposure to cliffs and drop-offs, and complex route-finding
Best Backpacks for 14ers | My 3 Top Picks
One of the most important pieces of gear to bring along on 14er trips is a backpack to carry everything else. I get asked pretty commonly about my opinion regarding the best backpacks for 14ers.
Lightning on 14ers Infographic Guide
During the hot and humid summer monsoon in Colorado, afternoon thunderstorms are the norm on most days in July and August. Above tree line, this lightning is among the most serious risk you’ll face on
Dispersed Camping Near 14ers | A Guide to the Best Way to Camp
There are many ways to camp in Colorado’s public lands. Many people think first of family camping in campgrounds, popular in state and national parks. However, campgrounds involve fighting for a spot, permits & fees,