You want to mount a Colorado Fourteen

You want to mount a Colorado Fourteen It takes the bug yet? The desire to climb a mountain with a summit rising at least 14.000 meters above sea level has reached almost epidemic proportions in Colorado, with estimates of approximately 500,000 walkers and climbers on their way to one every fourteen years. The good news is that a number of Colorado? S 54 fourteeners can be installed by anyone with good stamina and fitness. That? And the bad news. People who know little about the specific risks of hiking in the mountains, often along a well marked and well-traveled path Fourteen poorly equipped for the company. Hypothermia and dehydration are two of the dangerous and too many problems that await hikers who are not ready. E 'was the fourth of July weekend, and we headed for the mountains to escape to Denver? The 95-degree heat. As we discussed during the summit the trees (the trees can not grow beyond a certain altitude, the altitude in Colorado is approximately 11,000 to 12,000 feet), began to snow. Hard. And the fact. Harder. We wore our pants and warm wind coats, hats and gloves, and continues upward. We found a hiker who had passed us on the track in the first day. He was dressed in the management of shorts and a light shirt, wearing tennis shoes (which are very wet by now), and implementation of a small bottle of water empty. He was shivering violently. People have started regrouping in their warm clothes, give him food and water, then helped back on track. Here are some basic data? Rules? first to recall the position of the mountains (hiking, even if the peaks of 14,000 feet below): 1st Bring extra layers of clothing. Whatever beauty and the climate is warm when you start, the temperature can go down and you can get wet if a storm is moving 2 inches. The storms are very common in Colorado? S mountains during summer afteoons. Plan your day so you can leave the summit and retu to the track at noon. Watch the sky with clouds and tu to make if a storm seems to be very soon. 3rd Bring plenty of water and drink often. Even in cool weather, you? Ll probably need to drink a minimum of 2 quarters of water during the jouey to and from the summit of one of the? Easier? Fourteeners. This quantity of water is low for many people. 4th Some of the others? Essential? bring: food (snack often? don? t let yourself run out of fuel?), map and compass (and know how to use them), fire starter, flashlight or headlamp, 1 rescue kit, sunglasses and sunscreen. 5th Excursion with a friend. It's cold, wet boy was lucky that other people came to help. Imagine what would have happened if it were only for 30 minutes! These suggestions are only the beginning to help you drive safer in the mountains. Consider joining a hiking club before tackling the highest peaks in Colorado. You can find new partners for trips, lea more outdoor skills, and, without doubt, a great time to start. I? Head of the hill! ----------------------- Many? Easier? Colorado fourteeners are embarrassed peak Mount Sherman Mount Elbert Mount Evans Mount Belford About the Author Diane Winger is co-author of? Highpoint Adventures? The complete guide to 50 Highpoint State?, And other guides. Visit to lea more about hiking, climbing, travel and outdoor adventures. Diane Winger © 2004 All rights reserved. So You Want To Climb A Colorado Fourteen It takes the bug yet? The desire to climb a mountain with a summit rising at least 14.000 meters above sea level has reached almost epidemic proportions in Colorado, with estimates of approximately 500,000 walkers and climbers on their way Fourteen every year.The good news is that a number of Colorado? s 54 fourteeners can be installed by anyone with good stamina and fitness. That? And the bad news. People who know little about the specific risks of hiking in the mountains, often along a well marked and well-traveled path Fourteen poorly equipped for the company. Hypothermia and dehydration are two of the dangerous and too many problems that await hikers who do not prepared.It was the fourth of July weekend, and we headed for the mountains to escape to Denver? The 95-degree heat. As we discussed during the summit the trees (the trees can not grow beyond a certain altitude, the altitude in Colorado is approximately 11,000 to 12,000 feet), began to snow. Hard. And the fact. Harder. We wore our pants and warm wind coats, hats and gloves, and after top.There, we found a hiker who had passed us on the track in the first day. He was dressed in the management of shorts and a light shirt, wearing tennis shoes (which are very wet by now), and implementation of a small bottle of water empty. He was shivering violently. People have started regrouping in their warm clothes, give him food and water, then helped to retu to trail.Here are some basic facts? Rules? first to recall the position of the mountains (hiking, even if the peaks of 14,000 feet below): 1st Bring extra layers of clothing. Whatever beauty and the climate is warm when you start, the temperature can go down and you can get wet if a storm moves in.2. The storms are very common in Colorado? S mountains during summer afteoons. Plan your day so you can leave the summit and retu to the track at noon. Watch the sky with clouds and tu to make if a storm seems early.3 form. Bring plenty of water and drink often. Even in cool weather, you? Ll probably need to drink a minimum of 2 quarters of water during the jouey to and from the summit of one of the? Easier? Fourteeners. This amount of water is low for many people.4. Some of the others? Essential? bring: food (snack often? don? t let yourself run out of fuel?), map and compass (and know how to use them), fire starter, flashlight or headlamp, 1 rescue kit, sunglasses and sunscreen. 5th Excursion with a friend. It's cold, wet boy was lucky that other people came to help. Imagine what would have happened if it were only for 30 minutes! These suggestions are only the beginning to help you drive safer in the mountains. Consider joining a hiking club before tackling the highest peaks in Colorado. You can find new partners for trips, lea more outdoor skills, and probably a great moment boot.Let? Head for the hills !------------------- ---- Different? easier? Colorado fourteeners are: Monte ShermanQuandary PeakMount ElbertMount EvansMount BelfordDiane Winger? 2004 All rights Reserved.About The AuthorDiane Winger is co-author of? Highpoint Adventures? The complete guide to 50 Highpoint State?, And other guides. Visit to lea more about hiking, climbing, travel and outdoor adventures.