Climbing a fourteener- anyone done it?

[Flower]

This next summer, hubby & I are going to the Rocky Mountain National Park again, and we're thinking about climbing to Long's Peak. It's 14,255 feet, or 8 miles one way. Now, I've hiked a bit in the tundra at 12,000 feet, but nothing too strenuous. Just a small day hike.

I've read what I can of other's experiences with Long's Peak, but I'd like to hear about any experiences you guys have had with fourteeners. We'd be starting out very early (about 3 am) so we can be off of the summit by noon. I don't want to spend the night, so starting that early is kind of a must. I know how to pack for the hike & will be in shape for it when the time comes (in August), so I guess I'd just like to hear about your summits & any things remarkable about the way up. Would you do it again? Is it worth it?

[Funkified]

i've just done 13,000, i've hiked higher elevation than that, but that ain't what ya wanna hear :)

if you've hiked higher elevation before, i'm sure you know all about the swelling fingers and stuff. that's the only bothersome thing to me, honestly. that and the weather can be scary.

i like hiking up much more than down, as brutal as switchbacks may be...but coming down, especially at higher elevations about tree-line, is not as fun as going up. call me crazy.

so obviously i have little informative input :) have fun though!

[ForestGlade34]

Do you go to the gym a lot?.... or have any exercise equipment of your own and machines that would help gain the max strength particularly in the legs?... You wanna start fitness prep as soon as possible. Fitter the better. http://www.veganfitness.net << The guys there will better be able to help you for sure!!!!!!

Only do this if you are fully confident... I am not even knowing what you mean by ""fourteener""... but even if I did I would not have any experience to tell you, and the main thing~ I oh so hope you stay safe and remain several steps ahead of yourself to determine well in advance, where possible, things like unforseen freak weather events etc. Take care, have fun, get fit, be prepared for the worst, and hope for the best. :up:

PLEASE>>> Always Always Always>>> WHETHER or NOT you are happy with conditions >>> you SHOULD ALWAYS tell several friends at home of your departure at home, so as to ensure you and others (YOU AND PARTNER/FELLOW CLIMBER/s) are both/each well in hand, should things be not as you expected, no matter what the location or difficulty of ascent, whether easy moderate or hard...AND regardless of IF or IF NOT you are really novicing your way toward higher climbs (even though I gather from previous insight you appear to have had at least some experience) you are always doing the wise thing in asking questions before you go. :yes: And double check all your equipment before you set off so that you are not without any essential items. Take backups of anything liable to malfunction too if not too heavy or cumbersome.

[Flower]

I have a home gym and am currently starting to train for it. :) They do have a log that you have to sign in at the ranger's station before you begin the trek, and I would definitely be wary of weather conditions, so I'm well aware of the safety issues. Thanks so much for the concern! :)

By "fourteener", I mean climbing a mountain that has a summit at 14,000 feet. There are 54 (or somewhere around that many) of these types of summits in Colorado. I really want to get one under my belt,and hopefully many more over the years.