With 12 mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation, Chaffee County is often called the “Home of the Fourteeners” and good folks who serve in the search and rescue crews that protect the area are well acquainted with what it takes to have a safe and fun time in the mountains.
Big thanks to the Chaffee County Search and Rescue North who compiled this handy list of tips for anyone thinking of heading out and conquering a 14er including not catching “Summit Fever” and a reminder that cellphones don’t always work when you need them to. Be prepared, be safe, have fun:
14 Tips For 14er Fun:
- CHOOSE Your 14er: Assess YOUR ability before selecting which 14er to hike. Only Class 1 hikes have trail all the way to the summit. Mt. Belford-NW Ridge route, Huron Peak-NW Slopes route and Mt. Elbert East Ridge route are Class 1. The other 14ers in the Sawatch are all Class 2 near the summits.
- Do your RESEARCH: Know exactly where the trailhead is and whether your vehicle can get there. Read about the route, including mileage, elevation gain and notable landmarks.
- Assess your ABILITY: Take into account your experience with altitude; 1 mile that gains 1,000’ of elevation gain takes much longer to hike than 1 flat mile at sea level.
- Start EARLY: In the summer, regular mountain thunderstorms create significant risk of being struck by lightning. Plan to summit and be back to treeline by noon!
- Plan a TURNAROUND time: Before starting your hike, decide on a time to turn around and head back, even if you don’t summit. This helps avoid being caught by lightning and/or dark.
- Your CELLPHONE is not reliable: Cell reception in Chaffee County’s backcountry is sparse. Have a plan for communication that does not rely on your phone.
- Hike with a trustworthy FRIEND: It is best to hike with a group… but only if you stick together! Do not split up your group, even if it means that no one summits.
- Be PREPARED to spend the night: When things go wrong, it can take many hours for Search & Rescue to reach you. Having a means for fire and shelter, as well as a headlamp sure makes the wait more tolerable.
- HYDRATE and FUEL often: The dry, high elevation air requires drinking more water and keeping your body fed is vital to get you happily through many hours of hiking.
- Know how to NAVIGATE: Carry a map and compass, even if you also use a GPS. More importantly… know how to use these tools.
- Use SUN protection: Solar power is intense at high elevation. Be sure to use sunscreen. Sunglasses and a brimmed hat can make the hike much more comfortable.
- Pack extra LAYERS: The weather at 14,000’ is often radically different than at the trailhead. It can be sunny and 80 degrees in the valley while hailing, windy and 35 degrees on the summit.
- Hike SLOWLY: Most 14er routes start around 10,000’, leaving you short of breath from the get-go. The higher you go, the less oxygen in each breath. Slowing down helps your lungs, heart and body adjust.
- ENJOY your hike: Avoid getting overcome by “Summit Fever” a malady that leads to poor decision-making. Remind that the mountain will still be there… that summitting is optional, returning safely & happily to the trailhead is mandatory! Every moment spent in Buena Vista’s big, beautiful backyard is amazing; take time to fully enjoy your time here.
About Chaffee County Search and Rescue-North:
Chaffee County Search and Rescue-North is a dedicated team of skilled volunteers trained to handle diverse outdoor challenges. We maintain top-notch equipment for missions in mountains, rivers, deserts, and lakes, while also promoting outdoor safety through public education.
Chaffee County Search and Rescue (CCSAR) is a critical lifeline for those in need across the rugged terrain of central Colorado, with land missions forming the backbone of their operations. Given the county’s vast wilderness, high-altitude peaks, and extensive trail systems, the majority of CCSAR’s missions involve locating and assisting lost, injured, or stranded hikers, climbers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. These land-based rescues demand a high level of expertise, endurance, and teamwork, as responders navigate challenging backcountry conditions, often in extreme weather.
The team’s deep knowledge of the region, combined with their specialized training in swift evacuation and medical aid, ensures that those in distress receive timely and life-saving support. As the primary responders to land-based emergencies, CCSAR plays an indispensable role in keeping outdoor adventurers safe, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that defines Colorado’s search and rescue community.
History
Founded in 1964, the Chaffee County Search and Rescue Team was born out of necessity as outdoor recreation began to grow in the rugged landscapes of central Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Chaffee County boasts the Collegiate Peaks and a variety of wilderness areas that draw adventurers from near and far.
Medically Trained
We are a highly skilled and diverse group comprised of an experienced ER doctor, paramedics, registered nurse, EMTs, Wilderness First Responders, and BFA/CPR-certified members. Our team brings a wealth of medical expertise and backcountry knowledge to every incident
MRA Certified
Achieving Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) accreditation is a distinguished honor for any search and rescue team, signifying the highest standards of skill, dedication, and expertise in mountain rescue operations. This certification reflects countless hours of rigorous training in technical rope systems, avalanche response, wilderness survival, navigation, and medical care, ensuring teams are prepared to face the most challenging and hazardous environments.
images from Chaffee County Search and Rescue North Facebook
