11 Colorado 14ers You Could Hike This Summer

Hiking to the top of a Colorado 14er isn't for everyone, but if you're a hiker up for a challenge, one of these hikes is a great place to start.

Colorado's 14ers are ranked by difficulty from 1 to 5, with the most difficult peaks requiring technical climbing. Most hikers can do Class 1 or Class 2 ascents, but Class 3 and above require a high level of skill and fitness.

Several of Colorado 14ers are classified as Class 1, meaning they are "easy" hikes that follow a good trail. Don't be fooled by the term "easy". When it comes to hiking a 14er, there's nothing easy about it. Some "easy" hikes are more challenging than others, and just because you have hiked in the Colorado National Monument doesn't mean you are necessarily ready for a 14er. But, if you have done 3-5 mile hikes, regardless of their difficulty, chances are you could handle a 14er.

Anytime you are climbing, you're going to be using muscles that don't normally get that kind of use, so it's advisable to do some training and preparation before tackling a big hike. The amount of effort required on a particular hike will be determined both my distance and elevation gain.

If you think you are ready to take on a Colorado 14er and mark it off your bucket list, here are 11 hikes you could do this summer. You'll be rewarded with absolutely breath=-taking views from the top as you gaze over the Colorado Rocky Mountains - and a tremendous sense of accomplishment.