7 Easiest 14ers in Colorado for Beginners (+Trail Stats)
Discover the easiest 14ers to conquer in Colorado. Including trail stats and tips.
The easiest 14ers in Colorado are still challenging hikes. Even beginner-friendly 14ers involve high elevation, changing weather, and long climbs above tree-line.
If you’re planning your first 14er, choosing the right mountain makes a huge difference. Some Colorado 14ers have straightforward trails with minimal scrambling, while others involve steep exposure and complex route finding.
➡️ Interested in more Colorado hikes? Be inspired by my Colorado outdoor adventure guide. Find your next trail!
I’ve climbed over a dozen Colorado 14ers. The mountains on this list are based on trail difficulty, elevation gain, and overall accessibility for beginner hikers.
In this guide, I’ll cover seven of the best beginner-friendly 14ers in Colorado, including Mount Sherman, Mount Bierstadt, and Handies Peak. I’ve climbed each of these mountains and would recommend them to hikers seeking a manageable introduction to Colorado’s 14ers.
What Are the Easiest 14ers in Colorado?
If you’re looking for the easiest 14ers in Colorado for beginners, these peaks are some of the most approachable. They have relatively straightforward routes, moderate elevation gain, and clear trails compared to many other Colorado 14ers.
The easiest 14ers in Colorado are:
- Mount Sherman
- Mount Democrat
- Mount Bierstadt
- Grays Peak
- Torreys Peak
- Handies Peak
- Uncompahgre Peak
These beginner-friendly 14ers are mostly Class 1 or easier Class 2 hikes, meaning the trails are straightforward and require little to no technical climbing.
Class 1 14ers in Colorado for Beginners
If you want to avoid scrambling entirely, look for Class 1 14ers in Colorado. These mountains have established trails all the way to the summit and don’t require handholds.
Some of the best Class 1 14ers for beginners include:
- Grays Peak
- Handies Peak
- Mount Elbert
Note: Mount Elbert is significantly harder than Grays or Handies due to the distance and elevation gain. I wouldn’t hike it as a first 14er.
➡️ If you’re looking for a high elevation mountain experience, but don’t want the crowds of 14ers, check out the Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop. Gorgeous alpine scenery without tons of people.
What Makes a 14er One of the Easiest in Colorado?
Let’s get this straight, summiting a mountain is not a walk in the park. But some peaks are more approachable for the average hiker. Several factors make a mountain “easier” to hike.
➡️ If you’re new to mountaineering, check out my hiking 14ers guide, where I define key terms, go over safety precautions at high elevation, and tell you what to expect.
Class Rating (Class 1 vs Class 2)
A Class 1 mountain has a well-established trail that you can hike the entire way to the top. Most mountains start as a Class 1 trail, and then as you get towards the top, the maneuvers required classify it as Class 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Class 2 means there is some scrambling required, but you don’t need a rope. Using your hands is enough to climb safely. There may be some limited exposure.
A Class 2 section might be relatively short compared to the rest of the hike. Don’t let a Class 2 rating scare you off from a decent trail.
Moderate Elevation Gain
The easiest 14ers in Colorado have moderate elevation gain. I’ve hiked some Class 1 14ers that I felt were more difficult than Class 2s, due to the elevation gain and distance. Just because a mountain is Class 1 doesn’t automatically mean it doesn’t take significant effort.
There are two popular Class 1 14ers I’ve climbed that I wouldn’t consider to be easy, and I’ll give more details about them at the end of the post.
Clear Route Finding
On the easiest 14ers, there isn’t much route finding. The trail is mostly obvious and won’t leave you guessing your next turn.
I’ve summited mountains that are basically just a scree field leading to the top. No discernible trail whatsoever. You just pick your own adventure and hope for the best.
Easiest 14ers Quick Comparison
| Mountain | Distance | Elevation Gain | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Sherman | 4.7 mi | 1,981 ft | Class 2 |
| Mount Democrat | 4 mi | 2,011 ft | Class 2 |
| Mount Bierstadt | 7.3 mi | 2,726 ft | Class 2 |
| Grays Peak | 7.5 mi | 3,001 ft | Class 1 |
| Torreys Peak | 8.3 mi (with Grays) | 3,602 ft | Class 1+ |
| Handies Peak | 5.5 mi | 2,450 ft | Class 1 |
| Umcompahgre Peak | 7.5 mi | 2,880 ft | Class 2 |
1. Mount Sherman (14,036 ft)
If you’re going to make one mountain on this list your first 14er, make it Mount Sherman. Never have I completed a 14er and said, “That was it?” It was short and sweet and under 2,000 feet of gain.
Why Mount Sherman is One of the Easiest 14ers
- Class 2 but very straightforward
- Wide open terrain
- Minimal exposure
- Gentle summit push compared to others
I parked at the Fourmile Creek 4WD trailhead at 12,020 feet, making this elevation gain pretty minimal as far as 14ers go. The parking lot does fill up quickly, as this is one of the best 14ers for beginners. Get there early to get a spot. I saw that people had parked far down the road when I returned to my car early that afternoon.
Mount Sherman Trail Stats
Distance: 4.7 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,981 ft
Class Rating: Class 2
Mountain Range: Mosquito Range
Mount Sherman Trail Map
Mount Sherman is Best For
- Strong beginners
- First-time 14er hikers
- People testing altitude tolerance
2. Mount Democrat (14,155 ft)
Why Mount Democrat is Beginner-Friendly
- Short, manageable Class 2 section
- Popular Kite Lake route
- Well-defined trail
The Class 2 section is short-lived. There were hand-sized and larger boulders that were slightly loose, but I could make out a trail without much difficulty.
If you’re new to route finding, the trail might not be obvious. There was a group of hikers that were freaking out on this short Class 2 section that my husband and I had to calm down.
They clearly weren’t comfortable with this type of terrain and asked us where to go. Their footing choices lead them to slide.
Mount Democrat is still one of the easiest 14ers because the distance is short, and if you’re familiar with mountain trails, you won’t have much difficulty.
Mount Democrat Trail Stats
Distance: 4 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,011 ft
Class Rating: Class 2
Mountain Range: Mosquito Range
Mount Democrat Trail Map
DeCaLiBron Route
There’s a popular route called the DeCaLiBron that combines Democrat, Cameron (unranked), Lincoln, and Bross. I talked to people on the trail who were completing the loop, and they said that summiting Bross first and descending from Democrat last was the best.
The trail up Bross is steep, but going down it would be much harder. I wanted to check out the area and decided to get the Democrat summit out of the way and complete the other summits in one go, another time.
The saddle leading up to Democrat would be brutal after climbing the other summits. Cameron is an unranked peak because its summit is only 138 feet above the saddle with Mount Lincoln, not following the 300 feet of prominence rule.
While I wouldn’t consider the DeCaLiBron loop to be beginner-friendly, it would be a fun challenge for experienced hikers.
3. Mount Bierstadt (14,060 ft)
Why Mount Bierstadt is Popular for Beginners
- Class 2 section is short
- Close to Denver
- Very well-traveled trail
Mount Bierstadt was one of the busiest summits I had been on. The trail was in sad condition. It was really wide in sections, and you could tell lots of people cut the switchbacks.
Because of the crowds, this 14er didn’t feel as special as others I have climbed. The view was still stunning, and the sunrise was gorgeous. Just be prepared to share the summit with others.
The Class 2 section consists of boulder hopping near the top. Everything was stable, and the boulders were large. Overall, a good hike.
Mount Bierstadt Trail Stats
Distance: 7.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,726 feet
Class Rating: Class 2
Mountain Range: Central Front Range
Mount Bierstadt Trail Map
4. Grays Peak (14,270 ft)
Why Grays Peak is Considered One of the Easiest Class 1 14ers
- Class 1 standard route all the way
- Clear trail
- Steady grade
I actually really loved hiking Grays Peak. There weren’t as many people as I thought there were going to be — I hiked it on a Monday. If you can make your summit ascent on a weekday, that usually limits the crowds.
This was the only 14er I’ve seen mountain goats on. I also spotted ptarmigan and pika in the rocks — much more wildlife than I was used to seeing on 14ers.
A true Class 1 trail, I just walked to the top. It is one of the best 14ers for beginners, with some really well-built trail structures, too. If technical trails worry you and you don’t mind more distance and elevation gain, this is an excellent first 14er. The sunrise alpenglow on Grays and Torreys was magnificent.
Grays Peak Trail Stats
Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 3,001 ft
Class Rating: Class 1
Mountain Range: Front Range
Grays Peak Trail Map
I made this a double summit by adding Torreys Peak, and I’d recommend it as one of the easiest two-for-one routes. Set the alarm for an alpine start to safely summit both mountains and be down at a reasonable time before afternoon storms roll in.
5. Torreys Peak (14,267 ft)
Why Torreys Peak is Still Beginner-Friendly (With Caveat)
- Class 1+ via standard route
- Slightly steeper than Grays
- Can combine with Grays for a double summit
Add under a mile and about 600 feet of gain to complete Torreys Peak with Grays.
Grays and Torreys Combination Trail Stats
Distance: 8.3 mi
Elevation Gain: 3,602
Class Rating: Class 1+
Mountain Range: Front Range
Grays and Torreys Combo Trail Map
Most people climb Grays Peak first, then traverse to Torreys. I liked this combination and would recommend that order, but the reverse works as well. Ascending the milder Grays Peak allows for a steeper, but quicker descent from the saddle later.
I thought Torreys Peak looked intimidating while I stood on the summit of Grays. But as I started my ascent, it wasn’t that bad. The summit was small, but not many people were doing both mountains, so it wasn’t crowded.
Handies Peak: My First 14er
6. Handies Peak (14,048 ft)
Why Handies is a Top Beginner Pick for Easiest 14ers
- Class 1 via American Basin
- Solid trail all the way to the top
- Incredible wildflowers mid-summer
I actually hiked the alternate route from the Silver Creek–Grizzly Gulch Trailhead. My college’s outdoor program planned this as a backpacking trip with Handies Peak summit. This was my first 14er (and first backpacking trip)!
I wasn’t in great shape and had never hiked anything like this before, so my perspective is a bit skewed. If I were to climb this again, especially up the Class 1 standard route, I’m sure it would be one of the easiest 14ers of all.
Handies Peak Trail Stats
Distance: 5.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,450 ft
Class Rating: Class 1
Mountain Range: San Juan Range
Handies Peak Trail Map
7. Uncompahgre Peak (14,321 ft)
Why Uncompahgre is an Easier 14er
- Class 2 but stable trail
- Broad summit
- Minimal exposure
I saw patches of columbine flowers while hiking Uncompahgre Peak. The scenery was unusually green, unlike the rocky terrain mostly found on 14ers.
There is one section on this trail that is a bit tricky, but it’s short-lived. Right before the summit push, there is a wall you need to scramble. It was sturdy, but it did have some exposure. The rest of the hike is mostly walking.
Uncompahgre Peak is also the tallest mountain on this list of beginner-friendly 14ers. Every step feels more laborious above 14,000 feet, so keep that in mind.
Uncompahgre Peak Trail Stats
Distance: 7.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,880 ft
Class Rating: Class 2
Mountain Range: San Juan Range
Uncompahgre Peak Trail Map
I drove the 4WD road to the Nellie Creek Trailhead at 11,460 feet. The stats reported are for parking at the 4WD trailhead. You can also park down below and hike the road.
ATV-ing is popular in this area, and some people just drive this road with their ATVs. You could probably drive the road in a Subaru, but I was glad to have a true 4WD Toyota Tacoma to take up to the trailhead.
Which 14er Should I Hike First?
If you’re trying to decide which 14er to hike first, the answer depends on your hiking experience, fitness level, and comfort with scrambling. While several peaks are considered beginner-friendly, some stand out as better first attempts.
Best overall beginner 14er: Mount Sherman
Closest to Denver: Mount Bierstadt
Best Class 1 hike: Grays Peak
Most scenic beginner 14er: Handies Peak
Any of these mountains can be a great introduction to Colorado’s 14ers if you’re prepared for the challenge.
Tips for Hiking Your First Colorado 14er
If you’re attempting one of the easiest 14ers in Colorado, preparation still matters. Hiking above 14,000 feet comes with unique challenges that shouldn’t be underestimated.
A few important tips:
- Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Check the weather forecast carefully before heading out
- Bring at least 3 liters of water per person
- Don’t chase the summit if conditions worsen
- Train on lower elevation hikes first
I go into more detail about safety, route finding, and altitude considerations in my beginner’s guide to hiking 14ers in Colorado, where I also explain common mountaineering terms and how to prepare for your first summit attempt.
See my favorite gear guide and my day hike packing list to get gear recommendations for hiking 14ers.
Pikes Peak: The Ugliest Summit Photo
Why Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert Are Not the Easiest 14ers
While both Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert are non-technical mountains, that doesn’t automatically make them beginner-friendly. There’s an important distinction between technical difficulty and overall effort.
“Technical” describes the type of terrain, while “easy” refers to the total physical challenge. A mountain can involve simple hiking but still be extremely demanding due to its distance, elevation gain, and altitude.
Why Pikes Peak Isn’t an Easy First 14er
I hiked an alternate route up Pikes Peak starting from the Crags Campground Trailhead. The hike was 12.8 miles round trip with 4,010 feet of elevation gain and is considered a Class 2 route.
The standard route via Barr Trail is even more demanding. That hike is 24.4 miles round trip with 7,444 feet of elevation gain. While the entire trail is Class 1 terrain, the sheer distance makes it a major endurance challenge.
Pikes Peak is accessible by car and train, making it feel approachable. But hiking the mountain is a completely different experience.
Why Mount Elbert Is Physically Demanding
Mount Elbert is Colorado’s tallest peak, which makes it a popular goal for many hikers. The standard route is entirely Class 1 terrain, but the hike is still 10 miles round trip with 4,458 feet of elevation gain.
I remember repeatedly thinking, “Are we there yet?” during this climb.
There’s nothing technical about Mount Elbert, but the long distance combined with high altitude makes it far more physically demanding than many of the easiest 14ers in Colorado.
Easiest 14ers in Colorado FAQs
What is the easiest 14er in Colorado?
Based on my experience, Mount Sherman is the easiest 14er in Colorado. The trail is relatively short, the elevation gain is moderate, and the route is straightforward compared to many other 14ers.
What is the easiest Class 1 14er in Colorado?
Grays Peak and Handies Peak are two of the easiest Class 1 14ers in Colorado. Both mountains have well-established trails to the summit and do not require scrambling.
What is the best 14er for beginners near Denver?
Mount Bierstadt is one of the best beginner 14ers near Denver. The trailhead is about 1.5 hours from the city, and the hike is relatively short compared to many other Colorado 14ers.
Can beginners hike a 14er?
Yes, beginners can hike a 14er if they choose a beginner-friendly mountain and prepare properly. Many hikers start with peaks like Mount Sherman, Grays Peak, or Handies Peak.
How long does it take to hike a 14er?
Most beginner-friendly 14ers take 4–8 hours round trip, depending on distance, elevation gain, weather, and your hiking pace. It may take more time if you take a lot of breaks.
What is the hardest part about hiking a 14er?
The hardest part of hiking a 14er is usually altitude and endurance, not technical climbing. Even easy 14ers require some training in preparation.
📌 Pin this image on Pinterest to save this post for reference.
Final Thoughts on the Easiest 14ers
“Easy” is always relative. A hike that feels manageable to one person might feel extremely challenging to someone else.
If you’re planning your first Colorado 14er, start by building your endurance on steep day hikes and pay attention to how your body responds to elevation. Knowing your pace and comfort level on long climbs will help you choose the right mountain.
With proper preparation, one of these beginner-friendly 14ers can be an incredible first-summit experience. And the start of your own Colorado peak-bagging journey!
