Have you ever heard in passing something about Colorado's fourteeners (14ers) and just kind of wondered a little at what in the heck those people are talking about? The Colorado 14ers are a set of 53 or 54 mountains in that great state that have a elevation of over 14,000 feet, hence 14ers. By the way I'm pretty sure there is 54 of them, but if anyone knows for sure leave a comment and set me straight. All the "real" mountaineers over in the Himalayas probably laugh at all us fools in North America getting all worked up about all our peaks that we love and cherish so much that we have named them with so much care. And truly there is a boneafide cult following of peak baggers intent on knocking off every 14er in Colorado. I myself am a proud owner of a 14ers "passport" book, a great gift from a greater friend.

I can tell you from personal experience that most all Colorado 14er's are in within the reach of anyone in reasonable shape willing to try something adventurous. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you you. If you want to read about my whole adventure at Capitol Peak, CO, check out this link. Anywho, back to the matter at hand. The 14ers are absolutely addictive in their nature for more then one reason. The volume of online community and personal information about many of the Colorado 14ers is amazing. There are tons of web sites about routes, personal trips, and just general information on every single 14er. I believe the reason for the cult following of the 14ers is something I mentioned in passing before, the accessibility.

Without a doubt whenever someone with any sort of adventuresome spirit sees a picture in a magazine or a movie with a huge mountain landscape, something inside you leaps for joy at the awesome beauty and danger. So, knowing that a piece of this awesomeness is only a one day road trip away from your living room can be one of the greatest discoveries of a person's life. If you want to know what you should do to "prepare" for a hike/climb check out this link about what you may need and what to expect. It's pretty much common sense what you need to do to prepare... run, bike, hike, etc. The below video should set a little fire alight in your mind about what to do this summer for fun. It would be hard to talk about 14er's without saying that probably one of the best parts of climbing/hiking is the people you will meet on your trip. There is a certain bond that instantly formed most of the time when you are in the wilderness and meet another human being. The people and stories you will encounter are sure to stay with you. It's always nice to meet others with a similar wander-lust.

I also want to point out that you should not be intimidated by the thought of heading off to conquer a mountain. Without a doubt there are many risks involved and you need to have a little common sense and forethought, but that goes for any sport or outdoor activity. With 54 mountains in Colorado over 14,000 feet you can find plenty that would qualify as "walk-ups" and other's that will be called "scrambles" up to class four. Also, when climbing in the summer season you will probably not be the only ameature out trying your luck, so that can be of some solace to you. Anyone out in the world wide web climbed some 14ers? What are your thoughts and experinces, have any wisdom or trips to share?

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