Outdoors

Hello fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and welcome to the very first Living the Rockies blog! My name is Elliot Matthews, staff writer and photographer for “The Oredigger”, and flatlander-turned altitude junkie. The general topic of this blog is pretty much anything and everything related to outdoor activities in the Rockies and the lifestyles that accompany them. Discussion topics may include, but are not limited to, trip suggestions, helpful tips, upcoming events, gear opinions and/or all-around mountain wisdom. Preface in mind, let us get things headed upward… say, to 14,000 feet or so?

Many a person has sought the lofty summits of the mountains simply known as “Fourteeners” or at least heard of their magnificent existence in passing conversation. They have inspired books, guides, songs, websites and many a soul. I have personally experienced the wonder of climbing four different peaks and, personally, they each symbolize what John Denver was singing about in “Rocky Mountain High” (Pikes Peak might be the only exception). Of those I have talked to who have traversed their awesome slopes, I have found there to be a preference among many hikers as to a particular peak, and for various reasons. It may because it was the first one they did, the most scenic, most memorable, or the most technical. Bottom line- virtually everyone I have talked to has a favorite peak or climb for whatever reason. This said, I pose the question: Which Fourteener is really the best?

Now, before bloggers go off on a tangent about why they think a certain peak is better than another, keep these judging standards in mind. 1. Scenic Value 2. Variation in Difficulty 3. Interesting History 4. Unique Geologic/Topographic features 5. Least Traffic 6. Other Interesting Attributes.

I will get it started off. Of the four that I have climbed, all in the Sawatch Range, my favorite peak thus far is Mt. Massive. It is fairly secluded, has several cool routes up to the summit varying form level 1 to level 2, it is a long and scenic hike from Mt. Elbert campground, and is relatively low traffic when I usually hike in Mid-June. Is it the best? From my brief experience it is, but if you think otherwise, prove it.