Beginner's Guide to the Colorado Fourteeners | a.foot outdoor education

As the 2025 summer fourteener season comes to an end, it is time to begin planning for next year. If you are new to the fourteeners and hope to explore them in 2026, this class is for you.

“Perhaps there’s no better act of simplification than climbing a mountain. For an afternoon, a day, or a week, it’s a way of reducing a complicated life into a simple goal. All you have to do is take one step at a time, place one foot in front of the other, and refuse to turn back until you’ve given everything you have.” ― Ken Ilgunas

Comments from previous attendees:

"Very thorough and very engaging presentation. Excellent use of web and presentation technology. And, very educational!"

Join presenter Bernard Tibbetts as he introduces you to the peaks in Colorado over 14,000 feet. Known as the Colorado Fourteeners, they provide amazing alpine experiences for thousands of people each year at all experience levels: hikers, backpackers, rock climbers and seasoned mountaineers alike.

Bernard will:

• Introduce you to the Colorado mountain ranges and groups where the Fourteeners are located. • Discuss "first Fourteener" options. • Explain how to research route and trailhead locations. • Explain route ratings and use them to assess route difficulty. • Present checklists for obtaining proper gear and clothing. • Discuss ideas for getting fit for the Fourteeners.

Bernard Tibbetts has summited all of the Colorado Fourteeners and has been leading Fourteener hikes for over 10 years.