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.