Why do people love Colorado’s Fourteeners so much?

If you’ve ever visited the state of Colorado for a mountain getaway, then you may already know a little about the famous 14'ers.  But for the uninitiated, a “fourteener” in Colorado is a mountain with a peak that is above 14,000 feet.  These awe-inspiring centerpieces of the Colorado Rockies include 54 peaks that exceed 14,000 feet, and they attract more than 500,000 people each year.  The Colorado mountain range with the largest number of fourteeners is the Sawatch Range, at 15, and the San Juan Range not far behind.  But in the Mosquito Range near our vacation rental cabin  near Breckenridge is a fourteener known as Mount Democrat, and that's the mountain I call home. 

Climbing Mount Democrat

Mount Democrat is close to the historic town of Breckenridge, which makes it even more inviting for climbers.  Summer access to climbers of Mount Democrat and Mount Lincoln is usually granted by early June, weather permitting, but it is important to confirm access to the mountain before attempting a visit.  Like many other 14’ers, the peaks and alpine basins of Mounts Democrat and Lincoln have been impacted by increased recreational use, so hikers must take the rules very seriously.  Landowners must first give their approval before granting access to the peaks, which is usually pending compliance by hikers.  Hikers must always remain on the trails and keep away from mining structures.

The Kite Lake route, which is just a few miles from our cabin,  takes hikers around the full loop, which goes up Mount Democrat, over Cameron, to Lincoln and then around the summit of Bross.  (However last year Bross summit was closed.)   The mountain experience of hiking this route is incredible, and it attracts hikers and climbers from around the country and the world. Some Coloradoans are so into hiking and climbing that they have made it their goal to tackle every single one of the fourteeners in the state.  You may even see people walking around wearing a Colorado Fourteeners t-shirt that allows them to check off the peaks they have climbed.  One has to admit; once you've tackled a fourteener it is tempting to try all 54, but that may be impossible unless you live in Colorado. 

If you will be staying in the area surrounding Mount Democrat, consider renting a cozy cabin in Colorado for a week or a weekend.  Our vacation rental cabin offer jaw-dropping mountain views, a hot tub, fireplace and plenty of space to stretch out and relax. And if you're feeling energetic, you can climb nearby Mount Democrat and discover why people love the Colorado Founteer experience.