Want to Summit Your First 14er in Colorado? These are the 8 Easiest 14er Hikes

Your First 14er Doesn’t Have to Be Brutal

Want to join Colorado’s exclusive “14er club” in 2025? You’re in luck.

These eight peaks, all classified as Class 1 trails by 14ers.com (meaning they’re the least technical), are perfect for first-timers looking to bag their first 14,000-foot summit.

Handies Peak

The San Juan Mountains near Lake City hide one of Colorado’s easiest 14ers. With only 2,500 feet of elevation gain over 5.75 miles round trip, Handies Peak offers a well-maintained Class 1 trail with absolutely no scrambling required.

Time your hike between July and September to catch American Basin’s famous wildflower blooms when the trail is snow-free.

While you’ll need a 4WD vehicle to reach the main trailhead, don’t worry – there’s plenty of parking in lower lots for 2WD vehicles.

Grays Peak

Just a 75-minute drive from Denver, Grays Peak has become a favorite among first-time 14er climbers. This well-defined Class 1 trail gains 3,000 feet over 7.5 miles round trip.

Since the trail starts above the treeline, you’ll enjoy expansive views throughout your entire hike. Getting there requires navigating a rough 3-mile dirt road – 4WD is recommended but not always necessary.

You can tackle this peak from late June to early October, though expect snow outside this window. Many hikers pair it with neighboring Torreys Peak for a two-peak day.

Torreys Peak

Torreys Peak shares a trailhead with Grays Peak, making it the perfect combo summit. This Class 1 trail gains 3,000 feet over 7.75 miles, adding only 0.75 miles to your Grays Peak adventure.

While slightly steeper than its neighbor, it’s still beginner-friendly. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Front Range and surrounding peaks.

Word to the wise: start early on summer weekends because this popular route gets crowded.

Quandary Peak

Near Breckenridge, Quandary Peak stands as one of the most popular and accessible 14ers.

This Class 1 trail rises 3,450 feet over 6.75 miles round trip on a well-maintained path that’s easy for beginners to follow.

While it’s accessible year-round, save those winter ascents for when you’re more experienced. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and try not to feel jealous of their elite hiking skills.

New for 2025: you’ll need to snag a parking reservation.

Mt. Elbert

At 14,440 feet, Mt. Elbert is Colorado’s highest peak, but don’t let that intimidate you. Its Northeast Ridge route is surprisingly beginner-friendly.

Located near Leadville, about 2 hours from Denver, this well-marked and maintained Class 1 trail has 4,500 feet of elevation over 9.75 miles round trip without any technical sections.

Plan your summit between late June and early September when the trail is snow-free, and start early because afternoon thunderstorms and crowds are common.

San Luis Peak

San Luis Peak offers a true wilderness experience as one of the more remote 14ers.

This Class 1 trail gains 3,600 feet over 13.5 miles round trip, featuring a gradual ascent most of the way before steepening near the summit.

Located in the San Juan Mountains, you can access it from either Creede or Lake City. Hike between July and September when the trail is snow-free, and enjoy the long approach through beautiful alpine meadows and past several lakes.

Mt. Sherman

Often crowned as the easiest 14er due to its short distance and minimal elevation gain, Mt. Sherman near Fairplay (2 hours from Denver) is perfect for beginners.

It only has an elevation gain of 2,100 feet over 5.25 miles round trip. You’ll pass through fascinating historic mining areas, adding extra interest to your climb.

Thanks to its lower elevation gain, you can tackle Sherman earlier and later in the season than other peaks, making it especially popular among beginners.

Pikes Peak

While it’s the longest route on our list, Pikes Peak’s Barr Trail near Colorado Springs offers a well-maintained, non-technical Class 1 experience.

You’ll gain 7,600 feet over 24 miles round trip, but here’s the good news: you can break the hike into two days by staying at Barr Camp halfway up.

Even better, since the summit is accessible by car or cog railway, you’ve got one-way hiking options. Your reward at the top? A brand new summit house, opened in 2021, perfect for refueling after your epic climb.