What we’re about
I'm starting this group in order to meet some new friends that are also interested in finishing off their 14er checklists.
I am currently at 41 and have 17 to go. I've done most of them solo but now I'm getting down to the nitty-gritty ones that require a bit more effort and planning and having some 14er experienced friends join me would be most welcome.
A few notes about this group: As the name of the group implies, this group is for those, like myself, that have at least some 14er experience and that intend to complete them all. This is not really a group for "newbies" that are just beginning their 14er adventures. I won't kick anyone out of the group for being a "newbie" so if you are just starting out, please be honest with your organizers. Organizers will have the sole discretion of decision on whether you are capable of joining their events... (I,myself, know I'm not ready for certain hikes and that is why my focus this year is on the Crestone group... so, in other words: challenge yourself but know your skill level before you RSVP or create an event.)
Event organizers: I have the sole discretion about who organizes events. I am very loose about this. I want this to be a networking group for everyone and will grant permission to those who wish to organize events. Again, know your skill level and be prepared to be responsible for "herding the cats"; i.e., getting everyone who RSVPs to your event on the same page and communicating how you pull the event together. I will easily grant permission if you wish to organize an event; especially if it's one I've already done or if it's a weekend hike that my work schedule precludes me from organizing. "Weekend Warriors" are welcome to step up and organize events, as my work schedule precludes me from organizing weekend events. That said, I reiterate that I have the sole discretion on who organizes events. If I decide someone is not living up to their duties as an Event Organizer, I have the power to pull your permissions.
So, to clarify... I want this group to be a networking resource for everyone to find other people to join and support their way to being a "14er Finisher" So... talk to each other, chat, post, find your peeps and then contact me when you wish to create an event! This group is for you to find the help and support you need to get across your own personal finish lines!
And yes, I'll try to organize "celebration events" for those who cross their finish lines!
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14er Risks and Safety info: hiking/climbing 14ers can be dangerous. If you are relatively new to the 14er community, please use the following links to familiarize yourself with risks and safety practices involved...
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Below is my personal checklist...
The 14ers I have left are:
Crestone Peak
Crestone Needle - DONE!
Challenger Point - DONE!
Kit Carson Peak
Blanca Peak
Little Bear Peak
Ellingwood Point
Windom Peak
Mount Eolus
North Eolus
Mount Wilson
Wilson Peak
El Diente Peak
Sunlight Peak
Maroon Peak
North Maroon Peak
Pyramid Peak
Smowmass Peak
Mount Lindsay
Culebra Peak - DONE!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Mount ElbertNeeds location
Join us for a hike up Mount Elbert. Standing at 14,440 feet, Mount Elbert is the tallest mountain in Colorado. This challenging but non-technical hike starts in the forest and climbs steadily above treeline, offering panoramic views from the highest point in the state.
Length: 9.8+ mi (out and back)
Elevation Gain: ~4,400 ft (Starting ~10,040)
Round Trip: ~8 hrsMore info
- [Multi-Day] Crested Butte → Aspen via West Maroon Trail → and backNeeds location
Traverse the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness in a spectacular bucket list hike from Crested Butte to Aspen, and then back the next day. You'll climb from dense forests through wildflower-speckled meadows, crest the panoramic West Maroon Pass at ~12,465 ft, then descend past Crater Lake and into the iconic Maroon Bells Basin. Then hike back the next day!
Note: This is a multi-day trip that requires booking appropriate shuttle transportation and lodging (if you wish) in advance.
The details:
July 15-16
7/15: West Maroon Trail (Crested Butte side) to Maroon Lake Trailhead (shuttle into Aspen)
7/16: Maroon Lake Trailhead back to Crested Butte
West Maroon Trail
Mileage: 20.6 (roundtrip)
Elevation Gain: 4,288 (roundtrip)
Difficulty: StrenuousWhat you'll need:
- Appropriate fitness level and hiking gear
- One-Way Return Shuttle Pass: 7/15 (to get into Aspen via Maroon Lake Trailhead)
- Round Trip Shuttle Pass: 7/16 8:00am (Maroon Bells Welcome Center to Maroon Lake Trailhead)
- [Optional] Lodging (Aspen). (Ben is staying at Independence Square Lodge by Frias). If camping, a permit is required in the Snowmass Wilderness.
Note: Free shuttle from Maroon Bells Welcome Center to Aspen is available - [Optional] Shuttle to/from CB to Trailhead if you don't have a 4x4 vehicle
Bonus: Ben has an extra pair of shuttle passes for 7/15 and 7/16 to the first person who RSVPs and who also attends.
Due to the complexities of logistics on this hike, Ben will also host a short zoom meeting to provide an overview of the hike in-advance.
![[Multi-Day] Crested Butte → Aspen via West Maroon Trail → and back cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/3/5/8/event_528664952.webp "[Multi-Day] Crested Butte → Aspen via West Maroon Trail → and back")
