How do you train for a 14er in Colorado?
Weight training at least three times a week is a good start to get ready to tackle your first 14er. Work all your major muscle groups, not just your legs, and spend at least 30 minutes per workout. A strong core, as well as strong arms, will help propel you to the top.
Can you do a 14er without training?
Well if you’re not training yet, it’s time to get busy! The good news is that 14er season starts in July, so even if you’re behind, you have a couple of months to catch up. Today, let’s talk about your 14er training plan and what you can do now to get ready.
How fit do you need to be to hike a 14er?
When preparing to tackle a 14er, the most essential training aspects to focus on are cardiovascular endurance, strength and stability, and flexibility. Eighty-nine peaks in the United States meet or exceed 14,000 feet. Many are technical, requiring glacier travel or vertical climbing skills.
How do you get in shape for hiking in Colorado?
Lunges, squats, step-ups and calf raises are good for your legs. For core, focus on exercises that work the front and back core muscles. If you wish to do upper body, lat pulldowns, dips, chin-ups and push-ups are good options.
How hard is it to hike a 14er?
It Isn’t Easy to Climb a 14er. Even the easiest 14ers involve several thousand feet of elevation gain at a high elevation above 12,000 feet. Even at lower altitude, that much gain can be exhausting, especially if you aren’t in shape. High at altitude where there’s much less oxygen, it can be extremely exhausting.
Can you hike all the 14ers in Colorado?
While you can hike most of the 14ers year-round, the average person plans their hikes from July to September. The mountains have the least amount of snow. While you’ll still be cold at the summit, the weather is more predictable than in winter months.
How should a beginner train for a 14er?
There is no better training. Build up to three hikes a week, starting at two- to four-hour efforts. Close trails like Horsetooth Rock (elevation 7,255 feet), Arthur’s Rock (6,780 feet) and Greyrock (7,613 feet) are good beginning training hikes.