All GPS tracks are available online in the GPX and KMZ file formats at mountainouswords.com/I70-hikes. These are free downloads for your personal use; please do not upload them on other sites.
While all the routes in this book are worthy (I’ve weeded out the stinkers), the very best are denoted by a star icon
Gear
Preparing for mountain hiking means that you may be dealing with blistering heat and frigid storms—sometimes in the same day! For three-season hiking in Colorado, here’s a checklist of recommended gear.
It’s been my experience that two particular pieces of gear are worth investing in the best possible options you can: eye protection and footwear. This doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive, but it does usually mean paying a bit more for better quality.
• High-quality footwear. I prefer a low-hiker with a rugged, Vibram outsole, often paired with gaiters for off-trail terrain. For off-trail hiking, a stiffer, full hiking boot is recommended for those with foot or ankle issues.
• High-quality eye protection. Make sure glasses cover your full range of eyesight and are UVA–UVB protected (without distortion from cheap lenses). I often pack along eye drops to use during and after the hike as well.
• First aid kit (see for more details)
• Noncotton base layers
• Lightweight rain/wind shell
• Lightweight, long-sleeved fleece
• Lightweight down or synthetic puffy jacket
• Gloves
• Winter hat and neck gaiter
• Visor or baseball cap
• Sunblock
• Camelbak (or similar hydration system) and at least 48 ounces of water
• Plenty of easy-to-digest food and snacks (I often use gels, gummies, and energy bars only on many hikes)
• 1,800- to 2,500-cubic-inch backpack
• Compass, map, GPS, or navigation-based smartphone app
• Gaiters
• Hiking poles (strongly recommended for many of the hikes in this guide!)
Safety: First Aid and Hiking at Altitude
The Effects of Altitude and Altitude Sickness
Lower levels of oxygen at altitude (more than 8,000 feet) affect people differently. Even fit, experienced hikers can have an off day due to altitude-related fatigue. It’s important to know thyself—a worsening headache, lack of concentration, upset stomach, and elevated fatigue are all signs of mild AMS (acute mountain sickness). AMS can turn serious if not dealt with, even at Colorado’s modestly low elevations (relatively speaking).
Of course, the tricky question here is this: How do I know if I’m experiencing AMS or just the inevitable fatigue of climbing a mountain?
A slightly dull headache is very common and isn’t necessarily cause to turn around. Fast-acting ibuprofen (such as Advil Liqui-Gels) can stave off such headaches. Remember, a lot of people (this author included) wake up earlier than normal to hike, plus driving has a weariness all of its own. Preventative medication is common, especially when you know mountain hiking may aggravate your knees or back.
Nearly all hikers lose a bit of power at altitude, especially over 11,500 feet. Brief shortness of breath is expected. Steady hiking, with well-paced rests, is the way to go.
There are telltale signs of legit AMS however; these include the following:
• Change in personality and enthusiasm; irritability, indifference, or sudden silence should be noted.
• Extreme fatigue, as evidenced in slumped-over positions while resting.
• Vacant eyes, confusion, and slow comprehension.
• Sudden pounding headache and intense light sensitivity, often with nausea.
• Prolonged coughing.
Those suffering from these conditions should descend immediately (and if possible they should not be left to descend alone). Most altitude-related symptoms will (mercifully) go away when returning to lower elevations, sometimes as little as a thousand vertical feet. If symptoms do not clear up within 2–3 hours after returning to low altitude, seek medical attention.
The occasional randomness of AMS is one of the many good reasons it’s worth hiking with trusted partners who know you well enough to notice significant changes in your personality—and vice versa. As someone who values hiking solo, I put extra emphasis on “checking in” with my body more often on adventures where I am by myself.
Preparing for high-altitude hikes isn’t something that happens overnight. If I’ve been out of the mountains more than a month, I work my way back up to them by undertaking lower summits or easier days between 8,000 and 11,000 feet to get my body back in shape. Fitness does play a role in AMS, as does one’s mental state. If you know how a steep trail feels at 9,000 feet, then you won’t be alarmed if you feel the same fatigue at 13,000 feet.
In general, those living above 5,000 feet can visit the high peaks as day hikes with little trouble. Be especially aware when you have friends coming to town from sea level—let them work up to the bigger mountains!
First Aid Kit
A good first aid kit should be packed to address the common types of illnesses and injuries on mountain hikes. Because hiking at altitude tends to have regular medical issues, here’s a look at what should be in your first aid kit:
• Painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin)—These will get a lot of use, so make sure you are stocked up both for yourself and your hiking companions/others you meet on the trail!
• Antacids—chewable Tums can help with altitude-related sour stomach.
• Blister pads and medical tape
• Adhesive bandages of various sizes (especially knuckle/finger size)
• Butterfly bandages
• Medical scissors
• Antibiotic ointment
• Sterile pads (two medium, two large)
• Alcohol pads
• Roller bandages
• Body thermometer
• Sugar packets/sugar candies
• Feminine sanitary pads
• Rubber gloves
• Sterile tweezers
• Syringe to wash out wounds
• Safety pins
• Plastic bags
• Foam-lined aluminum splint (such as a SAM splint)
• Laxatives