How to Prioritize Safety During Peak Fourteener Season

Some of Colorado’s most popular attractions are also the state’s most dangerous.

Fourteeners – mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet above sea level – attract thousands of hikers every summer, but without proper preparation, they can be risky. Several fatalities are linked with the 58 fourteeners across the state each year due to a variety of reasons. Experts say increasing altitude, less oxygen, and technically challenging terrain are reason to properly prepare for such a vigorous workout.

Late summer presents some of the best conditions for hiking fourteeners because much of the snow has melted and the weather is warmer. Still, dangers can persist.

“It’s important to be prepared, because conditions can change quickly on these mountains,” says Mia Derstine, MD, a senior instructor of emergency medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and associate fellowship director in the Section of Wilderness and Environmental Medicine.

“Some people don’t realize that each of these mountains requires a different set of skills. Some of the fourteeners are only a few miles round trip but have serious elevation gain. Others might be longer and exceed 20 miles. Some require technical skills and equipment beyond simple hiking. You really have to research, otherwise you might end up in a situation where you’re faced with a climb that you’re not equipped to do.”

Derstine shares helpful tips for staying safe while summiting this summer.

What are some of the most common injuries seen in emergency departments during fourteener season?

First, people who don’t have exposure to altitude — they’re maybe coming from out of state, and they’re used to living at sea level — and suffer from an altitude illness, usually acute mountain sickness.

Emergency departments also commonly see general trauma from how technical the terrain is, which could be caused by a fall, twisted ankle, or other similar injury.

Finally, there’s always the threat of lightning strike when the hiker is exposed on the mountain, so it’s important to keep an eye on the weather and get an early start to beat the threat of storms.

How can hikers, especially those new to Colorado, prepare for the sudden altitude climb that comes with fourteeners?

The biggest thing is acclimatization. This means spending a few days at a moderate altitude before going up to a higher altitude. An example would be somebody coming to Colorado and spending a few days in Denver first, then traveling to a mountain town for another day or two before their hike.

In some cases medications can be used if a hiker is going to be spending several days at high altitude. This would be something you would want to talk to your doctor about before the trip.

Preparation for a hike is so important. What are some things hikers should put on their check-list before heading out?

Definitely a headlamp. If you’re getting an alpine start — beginning before sunrise — you’ll want to be able to see the trail and surrounding areas, but some of these hikes can be very long, so you might need a headlamp as you’re coming back down as well.

This early start can also help prevent running into storms that roll over the Rocky Mountains in the early afternoon. Trying to summit before then is a good idea, which means you’ll likely start before the sun comes up, but also that the parking lot will be empty. So, that’s a good perk.

Having the appropriate amount of water is important, too. Each hiker should carry a half liter per hour of hiking. Pack a snack can that can give you an energy boost and act as a treat before you head back down the mountain.

People should also be prepared that the top of fourteeners are cold, even in the middle of August. It can be around 30 to 40 degrees. You’ll want to pack layers, gloves, and a hat. With some of these more technical fourteeners, melting and freezing snow and ice can make the snowpack unstable. It’s important to be mindful when you’re in those conditions.

What should hikers consider about their own physical fitness?

When you’re at altitude you’re going to be working a lot harder than doing that same hike at sea level. Fourteeners are very physically challenging. This is important. If you don’t think you can manage something this strenuous, it’s better to hike something lighter.

If a person encounters an injury on the mountain, what should be their next move?

It certainly depends on the injury, but the first thing is to assess the situation. Check scene safety first. Can they get themselves off the mountain and is it safe to do so? If this is not possible, yes, call for help, but remember that in many circumstances it can take rescue teams time to assist. They have to assess situation and determine what resources are required to make a safe rescue.

There may not always be cell service available, but there are devices you can purchase that you can carry to help reach emergency services if need be. Look at the coverage network and make sure it covers where you recreate – not all devices are created equal.

A wilderness first aid class is a great way to learn some of the basics about how to handle emergencies that can occur on these long or challenging hikes.