The Mountains are Calling, and I Must Go
Getting Started: Basic Information for Hiking & Climbing Colorado’s 14ers.
Today it is widely accepted that there are 58 mountains that qualify as Colorado mountains over 14,000 ft in elevation. There is great deal of information out there to help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable day in the mountains. In this article, I will outline some of my most trusted resources for good information that I use to stay safe and make good decisions in the mountains.
Weather Tips + Tricks
Anyone who has visited Colorado or lives here knows that our weather in constantly changing. Climbing these mountains takes a long time. It is imperative that you understand what the weather forecast is so that you avoid potentially life-threatening storms.
In the summer months: most folks start extremely early (in the dark) to be able to summit and head back down before noon! Most summer storms appear in the afternoon. These storms have rain, hail, graupel, wind, thunder, and lightning. Above tree line, there is nowhere to hide. It is critical that you plan your hike to be down below tree line before a storm hits.
In the winter months: high winds plague us. Look for calm days and get an early start. Snowshoeing up these mountains takes longer as trails are not defined. Going down though is quite quick on snowshoes.
Weather Resources
Open Summit App: I find this the most reliable. It categorizes each day in green, yellow or red. You can drill down on rain, lightning, and wind forecasts hourly. Green days are the best.
Mountain-Forecast.com: I also use this site to compare. It forecasts at various altitudes (summit, mid, and base of mountain)
Noaa Weather App: I also check Noaa forecast
Route Resources
14ers.com: Fantastic site and incredibly useful for planning. Breaks out routes (standard and non- standard), trip reports, peak conditions, and weather. Also, very accurate directions to trailheads. I print out all the directions for hard copies that I carry in my pack in a ziplock bag.
(Colorado Trail Explorer)GPS maps and routes: I download the route ahead of time so that I can use offline when I get to the mountain. Uses less battery. Very easy to learn!
Garmin InReach: I also use my InReach which is a satellite communicator featuring TOPO maps.
Colorado’s Fourteeners – From Hikes to Climbs third Edition Book by Gerry Roach: Considered the classic guidebook known for its accuracy and comprehensiveness with detailed specs on each climb including GPS coordinates.
Ten must have essentials
The ninth edition of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, published in 2017 (fantastic book) defines the ten essentials as:
1. Navigation: map, altimeter, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon
2. Headlamp: with LED bulb and spare batteries
3. Sun protection: sunglasses, sun protection clothing, sunscreen (my 2 cents here: also, lip block with sunscreen)
4. First Aid: a first aid kit wrapped in waterproof packaging
5. Knife: hikers on a short trip may also carry a multi-tool, strong adhesive tape (duct tape) and cordage
6. Fire: the means to start and sustain a fire
7. Shelter: plastic tube tent, jumbo plastic trash bag, or a Bivy sack
8. Extra Food: At least one day’s food for short hike, that should require no cooking
9. Extra Water: drinking water and the skills and tools to purify water
10. Extra Clothes: additional items may be needed if spending night in emergency shelter
The first five items are intended to prevent and respond to emergencies. The second five to safely spend one or more nights outdoors.
Other Tips
Garmin InReach: There is a monthly subscription that is well worth peace of mind. The InReach is set up to send emails every hour to my family with GPS coordinates so they can track my progress. There is also an SOS feature in emergencies. Garmin hosts educational webinars every month for its subscription paying members to learn all the bells and whistles available on this device. Often you will not have cell coverage, so the satellite system is the only way to reach people.
Battery Pack: Bring a battery pack. Your 6-hour planned day can easily change. My friends and I take turns putting our phones on airplane mode and each of us uses a different route tracking device for back up. With that being said, often there is no cellular service. So, see above information regarding the InReach
Extra Food: Again, your 6-hour planned day can easily change into 24. I always throw in about 1000 extra calories in my pack and extra electrolyte tablets. My go to snack is Belvita Breakfast biscuits which provide sustained energy and are nutritious and light to carry. However, I also enjoy peanut m n m’s, and Nuun’s hydration electrolytes.
Ability to Filter Water: Water is heavy. Some folks don’t bring enough water and that’s a big problem. I carry 3 Liters as well as a Katdyn BeFree 1.0 L water filter. It’s extremely light and very easy to use.
Layers: Even in the summer, I have a down puffy jacket, winter gloves, wool hat, windbreaker and handwarmers in my pack. You never know when you will need to stay the night on the mountain, and it is not uncommon for 14ers to drop to below freezing temperatures in the summer.
I hope these resources and tips are helpful to you and hiking adventures – stay safe Colorado!
Colorado is home to more than 3,200 species of wildflowers. Here at Frowning Cactus Ranch several species are popping up including some of my favorites. These bright bursts of color speckled in the meadows or among the high desert rock formations bring joy.
These are the wildflowers that are growing on the ranch right now!
Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus – also known as Claret Cup Cactus
Indian Paintbrush – Just gorgeous
Plains Prickly pear – This is a fruit bearing cactus species. The fruit is high in fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids. A favorite for the prairie dogs and pronghorn antelope.
Purple Locoweed – Also known as wooly locoweed and crazyweed. It is toxic to livestock.
Whitest Evening Primrose – Traditionally used by the Zuni people in rain ceremonies
Common Star Lily – Star of Bethlehem found mostly in the Rocky Mountains
Colorado’s State Flower – Rocky Mountain Columbine
My sister-in-law, Debbie, recommended the app Picture This to me a few years back to learn more about the flowers I come across every day. This app is fantastic – it helps identify both plants and flowers! My friends and I use it often on our treks in the mountains. As you see a flower, you take a picture of it, and the app identifies it – tells you what it can be used for, and you can add it to your “garden”. Your “garden” creates a fun jog down memory lane of all the beautiful flowers you have come across on your adventures.
Are you in the market for a strong, kind, and competitive young jumper, but don’t exactly know what to look for? Well then, this is what we look for when buying promising young jumpers. To make things easier on ourselves (and you!) we have broken down what we look for into a few different groups.
Conformation and Pedigree
Is this horse bred to jump?
Research the pedigree, are the dam/sire known to be rideable? Scopey? Fast? Does this type of breeding suit you and your goals/capabilities?
Is the horse built strong, and correct?
When looking to determine if the prospect is strong and healthy, we look for a few major things. Does the prospect have straight legs with an uphill build? (Remember, many young horses 0-4 will be downhill at times due to growth). Square hip? Large joints and bones? Healthy hooves? Remember to constantly ask yourself, “does this horse’s potential align with my goals and intent in the future?”
Natural Ability
How does the horse free jump and lunge – or go under saddle if broken?
Watching your prospect go through a jump chute can be one of the best ways to tell if you’re looking at a good horse. Pay attention to the horse’s demeanor – are they brave, or pensive? Do they seem natural over the jumps, or do they seem labored by the idea? Look for proper jump technique, and a capable hind end – tight knees, quality bascule?
Movement
How does the horse carry itself?
When determining whether a prospect is going to be capable of a competitive jumper career, we look for 4 major characteristics.
- Does the horse have an elastic stride?
- Is their step even from left to, right?
- Do they track up?
- Do they demonstrate balance?
If all answers are “Yes” that is a good sign you are looking at a capable horse.
Pre-Purchase Exam
Vision, lungs, heart
Be sure to lunge the horse, paying extra attention to their feet. (No dragging toes!)
Make sure the horse can hold the canter lead both ways. (If a 0-3yo and lead is not held, is this a veterinary issue, or a training and strength issue? Discuss with your vet.)
Radiographs of legs, back, and neck are now becoming more common. (Remember, horses do not have perfect radiographs, it is up to you and your vet to determine what you can live with and manage.)
Questions for your vet:
1. When can a minor flaw become a major issue, if ever?
2. What does this horse’s maintenance look like? (Remember, Sport and High-level Jumpers require regular veterinary checkups)
3. Will the horse hold up to the physical stress of the level of competition you desire?
For me, hiking and climbing the summits of Colorado’s tallest peaks is a spiritual, physical & mental journey. I gain experience and learn something with each climb. Here are my first 19 lessons as a NEWBIE:
- Go with someone you like, respect and enjoy. It will most likely be a long day and it’s important there is mutual respect and understanding about the risks you will and won’t take to summit. However, you should be 100% prepared with all the tools you need to manage a successful experience on your own. Do not rely on anyone else but yourself. You need to be 100% responsible for your safety.
- Make sure you eat a complex carbohydrate meal the night before. Fueling your body is critically important. At the beginning of the hike, be sure you snack- even if you are not hungry. BelVita crackers are good sources of long-lasting energy and help me power through. Honey Stingers also work for my body. I keep both snacks within easy reach to be able to eat on the move.
- Lay out all your gear the night before. Get an early start. Earlier than you want.
- Bring more water than you think you need. 2 – 3 liters is what I bring. Running out of water is dangerous. I also pack a Katadyn filter in my backpack so if there is a river I can fill up in an emergency.
- Use COTREX, bring a battery pack for your phone and print out two copies of summit directions/instructions. Keep one set in your backpack in a ziplock bag for emergencies. Directions can easily get wet or blown away in a gust.
- Make sure all your devices are charged completely. Bring Battery packs/ portable chargers.
- Purchase a Garmin INREACH. How much is your life worth? The INREACH uses satellite GPS and messaging, and you can send a SOS. You can set up your INREACH to send tracking updates to your contacts in regular intervals so that your family/friends have peace of mind. And if there is ever the need for a rescue it will be easier to locate you. You won’t always have a cell signal with your phone. In extreme cold weather your phone will die. Get an INREACH.
- Let someone know your plans. What Trailhead will you park your car/truck, what summit you plan to hike, and what is your expected time back. Use your INREACH to waypoint your parked car.
- Wear sunblock year-round. Worst sunburn I got was a winter hike up Mount Yale. Make sure your lip balm has sunblock in it. Be sure you reapply. Pay careful attention to your ears, under your nose and lips.
- Take breaks when you need to. Listen to your body. It isn’t a race.
- Be prepared to spend the night on the mountain. If there is a problem, rescues take time. Pack a BIVY, handwarmers, windbreaker, extra clothes, extra food and medical supplies. Pack extra gloves too.
- Winter climbing -don’t take chances. Pay attention to the slope degree and CAIC- Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecasts & warnings. Buy a BCA Tracker3. Get it synched with your team members. Carry a shovel and ice ax. In a pinch you can use your snowshoe as a shovel. Be safe, and smart. The mountain will be there another day, don’t take chances.
- Summer climbing, bring bug spray and a hoodie to protect the back of your neck and keep off bugs. The pullovers that have SPF are great!
- Tell your climbing partners if you feel dizzy and/or disoriented.
- Figure out ahead of time what to pack in your backpack to help you walk out on your own in the case of a minor injury (sprain, twist, fall). Ankle brace, knee support? You need to be self-sufficient.
- Agree on a turnaround time and make sure you turn around. You don’t want to get caught above tree line in a dangerous afternoon storm or attempt to climb down in the dark.
- Check Mountain-forecast.com for weather and wind conditions. 50 MPH winds are miserable and dangerous. Why put yourself through that?
- Good gear is very important. Have the right gear for the climate. Spikes are very helpful almost all year long. I keep a pair in my pack for icy conditions. It can be icy and snow covered in July at elevation.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Know your limits. If the conditions are unsafe or you aren’t feeling yourself, turn around. Live to try another day.
I hope to be healthy and capable enough to summit all 58. Can’t wait to see what I learn & experience in year two!