14er — Journal — Douglas DeVoto

Mt. Massive

An alpine start to enjoy sunrise on a 14er required getting to the trailhead for Mt. Massive by 3:30 am. The nearly full moon helped illuminate the trail and the many avalanche paths that were still melting away from the record spring snowfall. As we reached 13,000 ft we realized that we would not reach the summit before sunrise so we found a great viewpoint looking south towards Mt. Elbert. The subtle colors in the alpine glow were quickly overwhelmed by the strengthening sun, but not before we captured the first light.

Douglas DeVotoAugust 17, 2019Hiking, Scrambling, Mt. Massive Wilderness, 14er, Sunrise, Mountain Goats

Summit Lake

The mountains are quickly melting out in the high country! Mt. Evans is one of the more popular 14ers due to a paved road to the summit, but there are many alternative trails to explore.

Douglas DeVotoJune 24, 201714er, Trail Running

La Plata Peak

The Front Range has experienced an unusually warm June, so I attempted to beat the heat by searching for higher ground. As a day trip, La Plata is an easy class 2 climb accessible off of Highway 82, southwest of Leadville. The mountain was originally named for the silver mines that once operated in the area.

Douglas DeVotoJune 18, 2016Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, 14er, Hiking, Scrambling

Quandary Peak

As a 14er, Quandary is an easily approachable mountain throughout the year, situated just south of Breckinridge, CO. The route is so popular in the wintertime that snowshoes can typically be left behind. Having family in town for a short trip makes the mountain an attractive destination for easily earned views in a day trip.

Douglas DeVotoJanuary 5, 201614er, Hiking, White River National Forest, Mountain Goats

Mt. Sneffels

What started as a trip to explore golden aspens turning into another 14er hike. The timing was perfect to enjoy the changing colors of the trees, but a dry fall had yet to blanket the mountains with their first snowfall. The warm weather made for great late-season hiking and tackling the trail up to Sneffels from the East Dallas Creek was just the reward for Penny after waiting patiently by my camera’s tripod for landscape shots.

Douglas DeVotoSeptember 26, 201514er, Scrambling, Hiking, Mt. Sneffels Wilderness, Sunset