Mount Massive, Colorado’s second-highest peak, is the often overlooked step-sibling to the highest peak in Colorado, Mount Elbert, just across the valley. However, climbing this iconic mountain comes with its challenges, and mistakes can quickly turn an enjoyable trek into a tough lesson. Based on personal experiences, here are the top mistakes to avoid when tackling Mount Massive, so you can have a safer and more rewarding adventure.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Timing Your 14er Ascent
Climbing a 14er—a peak with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet—is a bucket-list adventure for many hikers. However, timing your ascent is crucial for a safe and successful climb. Starting too late can put you at risk of thunderstorms, heat, and other hazards that can turn an enjoyable hike into a dangerous situation. Here’s what you need to know about timing your 14er adventure.
Read MoreWhich 14er Should You Tackle First; Mount Massive vs. Mount of the Holy Cross
Colorado is home to some of the most iconic 14ers in the United States, and Mount Massive and Mount of the Holy Cross are two standout peaks in the Sawatch Range. If you’re deciding which to climb first, this guide will help you compare the two peaks based on difficulty, scenery, logistics, and the best times to climb.
Read MoreMount Massive’s False Summit Is Heartbreaking
Waking up later than planned, I crawled out of my van with a packed bag, fueled by coffee and laced-up boots. Clicking my Coros watch to start recording my trek, I set off down the trail for a car-to-car push of Mount Massive. As Colorado's second-highest peak, I felt nervous but confident I could summit in good time. My legs were still sore from climbing Mount of the Holy Cross just a few days before, another challenging 14er in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
Read MoreGetting Altitude Sickness Changed My Mind On Climbing 14ers Solo
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.
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.
Read MoreThe Final Uphill on Mount of the Holy Cross Will Defeat You
When Kristin and I decided to road trip from California to Colorado to climb all the Sawatch 14ers, we had no idea the challenges that awaited us. Starting north to south, Mount of the Holy Cross was our first peak—a trial by fire for Kristin’s first 14er and a humbling reminder of the demands of high-altitude climbs for me.
Read MoreVan Life and Hiking Go Hand in Hand
You don’t need much to go for a hike, which is perfect for van life. Toss on a pair of shoes, ideally something a bit sturdy, and head out for a walk in the woods, desert, mountains, where ever your van is parked. I’ve lived on the road for 8 years now, in a van, focused on getting outside as much as possible to snap pretty photographs and reflect upon the question, “Why am I here?”
Read MoreHow To Climb All The Sawatch 14ers of Colorado
My legs still burn from the 20 days I spent climbing all of the 14ers in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. Home to fifteen summits poking above 14,000 feet the Sawatch range is a paradise for mountaineers, peak baggers, and hikers, offering a condensed grouping of challenging summits to test your fitness. For me, the goal was to climb all of these peaks in a single season, but for you, it could be to break the FKT or climb one a year, that is up to you.
Read MoreEverything You Need To Know To Summit Mount of the Holy Cross
Mount of the Holy Cross is a striking 14er located in Colorado's Sawatch Range, known for its unique snow-filled cross on the northeast face, which gives the peak its name. At 14,005 feet, the climb offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment for those who summit it. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your climb:
Read More9 Dreamy Snowshoeing Destinations
Winter's arrival doesn't mean you have to stay indoors. In fact, it's the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and embark on a snowshoeing adventure. Snowshoeing is an accessible and enjoyable winter activity suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. If you're searching for the perfect snowshoeing destination, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you to some of the most captivating snowshoeing locations across the United States and Canada.
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