James Dziezynski - Best Summit Hikes in Colorado: An Opinionated Guide to 50+ Ascents of Classic and Little-Known Peaks from 8,144 to 14,433 feet

D epending on whom you talk to, there are 52, 54, or 56 peaks that top 14,000 feet. Perhaps it is because of these show-stealing summits that I began to wonder how the peaks would measure up if we didnt consider elevationindeed, if we threw out the tape measure and looked at other respectable mountain qualities like scrambling potential and dynamic routes. The more I scrutinized the rules that determined what was a 14er, the more I became convinced that a good summit is true no matter what the elevation. Four peaks in particularPacific Peak, Mount Hope, Mount Adams, and Mount Ourayare incredible hikes, but without that tag of 14er, these four are often overlooked, despite being premier climbs. Heaven help the poor, humble peak less than 13,000 feet!

With that in mind, I began to write notes on what are truly the best Colorado summits in a number-blind world. After years of hiking and encouraging friends to check out the best peaks (known and unknown) in Colorado, I decided to write them downthus the book youre holding in your hands. Most books group peaks either regionally or by elevation, but neither system ensures youll get a collection of superb climbs. I decided that my book would be different.

The criteria for my selections were simple: great hikes that captured the different moods and motifs of Colorados diverse mountains. As fun as it is to scratch off another 14er on the list, theres no denying the amazing allure of Bison Peak at 12,451 feet. Likewise, I was not going to omit a great hike just because it is over 14,000 feet. A combination of natural beauty, intriguing human history, and adventurous paths make up the hikes in this book.

From the top of Pacific Peak, which is just shy of 14er status, its easy to see why size doesnt always matter when it comes to deciding the best summits in Colorado.

In the summer of 2006, I hiked every standard route in this book and many of the optional routes. I also climbed several peaks that just didnt make the cut; I couldnt in good faith call them the best. Obviously, this is a subjective collection, but Im confident that all of the peaks included in these pages represent the grand flavor of Colorado mountains: rugged beauty, hard-earned vistas, a glimpse into the secret society of plants and animals that call these peaks home, clean air, historical significance, and a chance to elevate our spirits both literally and physically.

Beyond the scope of this book there are still many more mountains to explore. In fact, I have purposely left out such wonderful peaks as Arrow and Vestal in the Grenadier Range. Both could have made the cut, but its nice to have a few secrets in the world, dont you agree?