This July, I’m giving myself a week to do something I’ve wanted to do for a long time: see how many Colorado 14ers I can summit in five days. Chasing fourteeners in Colorado is something to get excited about.
No flights, no big expedition—just me, some close friends, and the mountains in my backyard.
We’re focusing on Class 1 and Class 2 peaks—starting with Castle Peak and Conundrum Peak (which toes the line of difficult Class 2-plus), then heading into the big wide-open of the Sawatch Range: Mt. Massive, Mt. Elbert, La Plata, Huron… whatever the weather and legs allow.
The idea isn’t to “bag peaks” as fast as possible. It’s to be in the mountains, to test the endurance and strength I’ve been building, and to see what happens when you put up back-to-back big days.
Wait—What’s Class 1 vs. Class 2?
Quick mountain lingo breakdown:
- Class 1 trails are generally well-maintained, easy to follow, and usually hikeable without using your hands. Think of your classic trail hike—still hard, but straightforward.
- Class 2 steps it up a bit—expect loose rock, steeper terrain, and occasional scrambling. You might have to use your hands for balance or to navigate rougher sections. It’s still non-technical (no ropes required), but it demands more focus, coordination, and confidence in your footing.
Training for the Long Game
This goal of chasing fourteeners has been on my mind for a while. I’ve been slowly and intentionally prepping with the kind of training we believe in at Summit—focused, functional, and designed to help your body show up strong for whatever adventure calls you. Additionally, my current 30K training has made this goal manageable, as I have a solid foundation of endurance.
Here’s what’s been in the training rotation:
Weighted Hikes
A backpack with 20–30 lbs (or a toddler and 7 different types of snacks to make a journey of any length successful) and a trail with some vertical—simple, brutally effective. These mimic the effort and strain of summit days without needing to be in the alpine every weekend.
Stairs + Step-Ups
When time is short or the weather’s wild, I turn to the dreaded stair stepper and/or weighted step-ups. The indoor work gets mundane, but consistency is the most important. I tend to throw on a YouTube video (currently obsessing over David Roche and his training for the Western States 100). Finding an athlete that makes me feel motivated helps keep me going.
Trail Running
Short and steep, or long and smooth—trail running has kept my aerobic engine sharp and my feet quick. I have joined a trail running group that constantly tests my limits – picking trails that I would otherwise avoid and running at paces that challenge my mental strength. This will help when the trails turn to the talus and every step becomes a puzzle.
Strength Work
No surprise here. I’ve kept a huge focus on unilateral strength work, tempo training, and mobility. Training for long days on the mountain takes resilient joints and legs that can endure the exhaustion of back-to-back climbs and lack of steady oxygen (hello, high altitude).
Chasing Fourteeners; Big Goals, Realistic Expectations
I like big goals. I like testing limits. But I also love a good dose of reality. If we summit five 14ers? That would be incredible. If we only summit two? That’s also a win. I’ll be in the mountains, surrounded by friends, soaking in wild air and alpine light. And honestly, nothing tastes better than a Summit PB&J.
This trip is as much about presence as it is about performance. Laughing (& huffing) on the trail, watching the sun rise while getting in those first few miles, and cold-plunging in an icy creek post-hike—that’s the stuff I’ll remember.
A Reminder to Leave No Trace
We’re moving fast and light, but always intentionally. That means:
- Staying on-trail where possible
- Packing out every last wrapper, fruit peel, and micro trash
- Respecting wildlife and fragile alpine ecosystems
- Giving other hikers space and good vibes
Colorado’s high country is wild, fragile, and deeply special. The more time I spend in it, the more fiercely I want to protect it. As we will be covering a lot of ground, we will be mindful about leaving it the way we found it.
The Why
This isn’t just my goal—it’s a reminder that your mountain, your trail, or your dream trip is possible. You don’t have to be a pro athlete. You need a goal and a plan to achieve it. If you’ve got something in mind and want help getting started, we’re here for that. Whether it’s one peak or five, let’s make it happen. Chasing fourteeners is just the start.