When I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers, creating a stark contrast to the more solitary climbs I initially experienced.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness, which completely changed my perspective.
California’s 14ers a bit more technical and challenging than most of Colorado’s 14ers. Photo by Dalton Johnson
My Altitude Sickness Story
Without giving it much thought, I drove from Santa Cruz, CA, straight to the base of a California 14er. I slept in my van and woke up the next morning ready to summit. As I climbed, I began to feel dizzy and developed a pounding headache. At first, I dismissed these symptoms as minor annoyances, but they grew worse with every step. I had to stop several times just to collect my thoughts and regain my balance. I didn’t know what was wrong, but I stubbornly pushed on to the summit and eventually made it back to my van.
I practically collapsed into bed, falling into a restless sleep. When I woke up a few hours later, night had fallen, and I felt worse—still dizzy and increasingly nauseous. To give you an idea of how bad it was, I wrote a note in my journal apologizing to my parents in case the worst happened. In that moment, I truly feared for my life, alone in the dark with no one to help.
Thankfully, I woke up the next morning feeling normal again. The dizziness and headache were gone. I brushed it off as just a fluke and didn’t think about it much—until I gained more experience and realized what had happened. It was a hard-earned lesson in the dangers of solo climbing and the unpredictability of altitude.
Every time I reach the summit, I get a high. Some may call it my addiction. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Risks of Climbing Alone
After learning more about altitude, I realized I had experienced altitude sickness. Looking back, I know how much worse it could have gotten. Altitude sickness can escalate quickly, and when you’re alone, there’s no one to monitor your condition or help you make critical decisions.
Solo climbers face unique risks. A fall, sudden weather changes, or getting lost can turn into life-threatening situations without the support of a partner. The more remote the peak, the greater the stakes. My experience taught me that even seemingly straightforward climbs can become dangerous when you’re unprepared or overconfident.
Since that day, I’ve continued climbing 14ers alone but with a lot more caution. I always take the time to acclimate properly before heading up, and I listen to my body. If I could go back and give my inexperienced self some advice, I’d say: Don’t climb 14ers alone until you know what you’re doing.
Why You Shouldn’t Start Solo
When you’re new to 14ers, climbing with a partner or group is a smart choice. Here’s why:
Safety in Numbers: If something goes wrong—whether it’s altitude sickness, a fall, or getting lost—having someone with you can be life-saving. A partner can assist in emergencies, share gear, or call for help if needed.
Shared Knowledge: A more experienced partner can guide you on pacing, hydration, route-finding, and what to do if symptoms of altitude sickness appear. Learning from someone else’s expertise can accelerate your skills and confidence.
Support System: Even if nothing goes wrong, having someone to encourage you and share the experience makes the climb more enjoyable. The camaraderie of climbing with others often enhances the overall adventure.
For your first few climbs, having someone with you is not just about safety; it’s about building a foundation of knowledge and confidence for future solo attempts.
Climbing above the clouds while making a sunrise summit bid on a Colorado 14er. Photo by Dalton Johnson
If You Do Climb Alone
If you’re set on tackling a 14er solo, preparation is key. Here are some steps to make your climb safer:
Acclimate Properly: Spend time at higher altitudes in the days leading up to your climb. Avoid heading straight from sea level to 14,000 feet like I did. Gradual acclimatization can reduce your risk of altitude sickness.
Know the Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs of altitude sickness—dizziness, headache, nausea—and be ready to turn back if they appear. Don’t ignore your body’s warning signs.
Carry the Essentials: Bring plenty of water, high-calorie snacks, layers, a first-aid kit, and a GPS device or map. Redundancy in navigation tools is essential in case one fails.
Choose Your Route Wisely: Start with well-trafficked, Class 1 or Class 2 routes where you’re likely to encounter other hikers. These routes are generally safer and easier to follow.
Tell Someone Your Plan: Always let a trusted friend or family member know your route and expected return time. This step is crucial for ensuring help can be dispatched if something goes wrong.
Check the Weather: Monitor the forecast closely and be prepared for sudden changes. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and storms can roll in quickly.
Solo climbing can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Proper preparation can make the difference between a successful summit and a dangerous situation.
Kristin summiting Mount of the Holy Cross in Colorado. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Is It Dumb to Climb 14ers Alone?
Not necessarily—but it depends on your experience level, preparation, and awareness of the risks. When I was just starting out, climbing 14ers solo was a gamble I didn’t fully understand. Now, with more knowledge and preparation, I know how to mitigate the dangers and enjoy the solitude.
Solo climbing has its rewards: the sense of independence, the peace of being alone in nature, and the personal accomplishment of reaching the summit on your own. But safety should always come first. If you’re new to climbing 14ers, I recommend finding a buddy for your first climbs. The mountains aren’t going anywhere, and building your skills with others can make solo climbing safer and more fulfilling in the long run.
