Beginner’s Guide to Hiking Your First 14er: What to Pack, Expect & Love

So I decided to hike Grays and Torreys Peaks—Colorado’s iconic duo. It sounded doable, right? I mean, they’re right next to each other. Two summits, one trail, big win. I set my alarm for 4:15 a.m., fumbled through breakfast, and hit the trailhead around 5:30 a.m.

Turns out, that “little after” part makes a big difference.

I was feeling strong as I worked up Grays—paced myself, snacked smart, admired the sunrise throwing gold over the ridge. Somewhere around 13,000 feet, though, I checked the time and realized Torreys might not happen. The clouds were already looking moody, and I kept hearing that crucial phrase echoing in my head: “Be below tree line before 2 p.m.”

Even with decent speed, I knew pushing for Torreys might mean descending into lightning weather. And as tempting as it was to squeeze in both, I chose safety. I hit the summit of Grays, took it all in—cool wind, jaw-dropping views, the buzz of fellow hikers—and turned back.

Not gonna lie, part of me was bummed. But there was also this sense of calm in knowing I made the right call. That mountain will always be there. And now I know exactly what I’ll do differently next time.

Tips for First-Timers (aka Everything I Wish I’d Known)

1. Start Earlier Than Early

If you think 5:30 a.m. is early, go earlier. Aim for 4:30 a.m. at the trailhead, especially if you’re planning a double summit or a longer trail. You’ll avoid crowds and storms—and have more wiggle room for snack breaks, photo ops, and altitude pacing.

2. Know Your Route

• Research trail classes. For beginners, stick to Class 1 or 2 routes—these are non-technical and don’t require scrambling or climbing gear.

• Download offline maps via Gaia or AllTrails, just in case cell service ghosts you halfway up.

• Look for natural turnaround points. Even if you’re aiming for the summit, knowing exit options reduces stress.

3. Train with Purpose

Altitude doesn’t care how fit you are at sea level. Elevation stress is a whole different beast.

• Focus on slow, steady cardio—think stair workouts, trail hikes, or pack walks.

  • Tip: If you’re near the Springs, the Manitou Incline is the ultimate warm-up—over 2,700 steps of pure elevation gain. It’ll prep your legs and lungs like nothing else.

• Practice with a loaded backpack (10–15 lbs). It’s not just weight training—it’s realism.

• Acclimate when you can. Spending time above 8,000 feet a day or two before your hike can ease the pressure.

Gear That Earns Its Spot in Your Pack

Let’s be honest—you don’t need ultralight titanium everything. But these items? Worth their trail weight:

• Layered Clothing - Mornings are cold, summits are colder, storms are colder still.

• Electrolytes (packets/tablets)- Prevent altitude headaches, cramps, and fatigue.

• Headlamp - You’ll likely be hiking in the dark pre-sunrise.

• Trekking Poles - Save your knees on the descent, help balance on loose rock.

• Wool Socks & Extra Pair - Blister prevention and comfort—always good to have backups.

• First Aid Kit - Include blister pads, painkillers, and bandages.

• PB&Js - Because nobody craves dry granola at 13,000 ft.

• Extra pro tip: Pack essentials near the top. Digging for lip balm at mile six? Not the vibe.

Altitude Awareness: The Unseen Challenge

Grays took me from energized to lightheaded in a matter of switchbacks. You don’t always feel altitude sickness until it sneaks up—and once it hits, you’re negotiating every step.

Signs to watch for:

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness or confusion

• Shortness of breath

Tips to cope:

• Hydrate before the hike—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

• Sip electrolytes regularly, especially if you’re sweating more than usual.

• Rest often. Summit photos can wait—your oxygen levels can’t.

• If symptoms escalate, descend. You can always try again later.

Mental Tricks That Kept Me Moving

Around mile five, I had to pause and psych myself up. It wasn’t that my body couldn’t move—it was that my brain wanted to bail. I used a few tricks that genuinely helped:

• Mantras: I repeated “just this step” anytime things got tough.

• Trail landmarks: Mentally breaking the hike into sections made it feel more doable.

• Talk it out: Sharing a laugh or observation with fellow hikers pulled me out of my internal spiral.

• Visualize the summit: Sometimes imagining how good the views would be was enough fuel to push me forward.

Trail Etiquette & Respect

We all share the mountain. A few quick reminders make sure everyone gets to enjoy it:

• Stay on marked paths—avoiding trail erosion protects fragile ecosystems.

• Pack out all trash, even food scraps. The marmots don’t need trail mix.

• Don’t blast music. Let nature be the soundtrack.

• If you need to pee, step far off trail and pack TP out. Yes, really.

Fun fact: I met a marmot halfway up who straight-up tried to steal my snack. I admire its hustle.

Wrapping It Up: Summit or Not, You Win

Sure, I didn’t get Torreys. But I got a sunrise, fresh air, a chat with a stranger about energy chews, and a deeper understanding of what mountains demand from you. That’s a win.

If you’re planning your first 14er, remember:

• Prepare more than you think you need to

• Start earlier than you feel like

• Be flexible with your goals

• And let every step teach you something

Grays gave me grit. Torreys gave me something to look forward to. And the trail gave me perspective that goes way beyond elevation gain.