10 great summit hikes

Hiking jagged, imposing Cathedral Peak (13,943 feet) involves a steep ascent of 3,900 feet. The trek is 9 miles roundtrip in White River National Forest and your arrival at the summit is met with a jaw-dropping view of the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells. R. Scott Rappold, Special to The Denver Post

By R. Scott Rappold Special to The Denver Post

There are few moments in life as lovely as standing atop a mountain you conquered with your own two feet, alone and in awe of the quiet solitude one can find high in the Rocky Mountains.

If your summer hobby is climbing the fourteeners (peaks that rise above 14,000 feet), such solitude can be surprisingly elusive. More than 500,000 people a year hike one of these 54 mountains, and climbing some peaks, especially near the Front Range, can seem more like a conga line than a wilderness experience. But lower your elevation standards a bit and you may experience a peace and quiet that’s becoming more rare on the fourteeners. Colorado has more than 600 thirteeners, many just as challenging and beautiful as the higher peaks.

We’ve put together a list of 10 peaks that are worthy of a visit, from gentle strolls off a paved mountain pass to rugged backcountry adventures, arranged in order of difficulty. Keep in mind that the same safety guidelines apply for fourteeners: Get an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Bring more water and food than you think you’ll Distance: 2.6 miles Elevation gain: 2,000 feet Cottonwood Pass west of Buena Vista pierces the alpine tundra of the Collegiate Peaks at 12,126 feet. This knob of a mountain is a short but occasionally steep hike away. The majesty of the Collegiates spread out in all directions is worth every step.

need. Be prepared for any weather. Have a map. And, of course, don’t forget a camera.

Mount Sniktau

13,240 feet, White River National Forest Distance: 4 miles Elevation gain: 1,580 feet This peak is so accessible that many people climb it in winter. You can drive to nearly 12,000 feet on Loveland Pass, and from there it’s a simple ridgeline stroll up the north side of the pass. Off in the distance you’ll see fourteeners Grays and Torreys, where hordes of hikers are likely swarming the trails. You just may have Sniktau’s summit to yourself.

Mount Owen

13,070 feet, Gunnison National Forest Distance: 4 miles Elevation gain: 1,800 feet The Elk Mountains of Crested Butte are a grand spectacle, and this peak in the Ruby Range is one of the most accessible. Starting at the Lake Irwin Campground (temporarily closed to campers in summer 2022), it’s a modest walk up a rough road past old mining buildings, then a steep ascent to the top of the range. One can summit all three peaks in this range, but resist the urge to try to make it a loop hike because there is no safe way down.

Baldy Cinco

13,383 feet, Rio Grande National Forest Distance: 7 miles Elevation gain: 2,485 feet The La Garita Range is one of Colorado’s lesser-visited, with only one fourteener, but that means many opportunities for solitude. This huge hump of a mountain is located just off Spring Creek Pass between Lake City and Creede. Starting at the top of the pass, it’s a steep ascent along the Colorado Trail. After emerging above timberline, simply stroll across the vast tundra to the summit spire.

Bald Mountain

13,684 feet, Arapaho National Forest Distance: 7 miles Elevation gain: 2,700 feet Boreas Pass, drivable in summer only, connects Breckenridge with South Park, offering endless opportunities for hikes along the tundra. Reaching this summit entails a walk up an old mining road followed by a pleasant tundra stroll. Like the name suggests, you won’t find many trees.

13,391 feet, Arapaho National Forest Distance: 5.5 miles Mount Owen (13,070 feet) is one of the more accessible peaks in the Ruby Range near Crested Butte.

R. Scott Rappold, Special to The Denver Post

Elevation gain: 2,800 feet This peak is an easy day trip from Denver. It’s one of the high peaks you see in the distance from Interstate 70 as you head west out of the city. It’s also highly visible while skiing Winter Park. The way is occasionally steep and mostly offtrail, starting at Fall River Reservoir. On a clear day you may see the downtown skyscrapers, but you’ll feel a world away.

West Spanish Peak

13,626 feet, San Isabel National Forest Distance: 8 miles Elevation gain: 2,600 feet The Spanish Peaks are so prominent an entire region of southern Colorado is named for them. Though higher than its neighbor East Spanish Peak, West Spanish Peak is easier to summit, as you can drive high on the mountain via Cordova Pass. Starting at a campground across the dirt road, it’s a modest hike at first but soon becomes steep as you follow rock cairns up the side of the talus heap. From the top, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains dominate the view in all their glory.

Spread Eagle Peak

13,423 feet, San Isabel National Forest Distance: 14 miles Elevation gain: 4,000 feet The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness has more stunning lakes per square mile than any other in Colorado, and this hike will take you to three of the most amazing, the Lakes of the Clouds. Starting at the Gibson Creek trailhead near Westcliffe, it’s a short but steep ascent up the Swift Creek Trail to the lakes. Spread Eagle towers above to the south. You can hike 13,425 feet, Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: 16 miles Elevation gain: 4,885 feet The Mummy Range, known for long, gentle peaks, is one of the lesser-visited areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. That’s because it’s a slog to reach, and these peaks are most easily climbed after spending the night at one of the backcountry campsites near Lawn Lake (reservations required). This quiet area might not have the dramatic appeal of Longs Peak or Trail Ridge Road, but visit and you’ll find a new way to look at this busy park.

Cathedral Peak

13,943 feet, White River National Forest Distance: 9 miles Elevation gain: 3,900 feet This jagged, imposing peak near Aspen gets the “most difficult” spot on this list not for mileage, but a hand-over-hand ascent of a steep couloir. The rock is so loose many hikers prefer to climb it when snow still fills the route. Whatever season you hike, an ice axe and helmet are a good idea. The climb will take your breath away and the view of the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells from the summit will drop your jaw.

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