Colorado's 14ers Are A Bit Shorter Than We Initially Thought

COLORADO – The iconic 14ers of Colorado have been remeasured, with many of the previously recognized heights being about a meter too high.

According to a news release from the National Geodetic Survey, a new study found that many of Colorado’s 14ers, the peaks that sit over 14,000 feet, are not as high as initially thought. None of the peaks lost their 14er status and no new mountain has joined the club, but Huron Peak now sits as the lowest in the state at 14,004.1 feet.

“Referred to as the “14ers,” these peaks are all slated to become a bit “shorter” in a few years, with the implementation of the new national vertical datum. A new study published in the Journal of Geodesy by a team of researchers at the National Geodetic Survey estimates their new elevations, along with uncertainties on the new values.” – National Geodetic Survey

The new summit measurements were determined through a combination of airborne LiDAR and available geoid models. This also marks the first time that uncertainty estimates, sitting around just 6-8cm, are available following the measurements.

So your favorite 14er’s height might have changed a little! I might have to go through and update the heights on my little 14er guide book, or the cardboard sign I hold up the next time I reach a summit might be wrong… You can check out the full list of new measurements and uncertainties right here.