Did you know that Colorado boasts more than 50 peaks over 14,000 feet? Known as 14ers, these tall mountains call to the truly adventurous and make for epic bucket list items for humans and dogs alike. 

Before diving in deeper, it should be noted that 14ers should be approached with great respect. These peaks are not to be trifled with; they present a great deal of risk - trails are often not well marked, more remote routes are not frequently traveled, weather changes quickly and you can experience all 4 seasons in one day, exposure ranges from moderate to extreme, high elevation and lack of oxygen can seriously impact even the most experienced hikers, etc. Especially when you add a dog to the mix, please hike with caution, do your research, and ensure you are adequately prepared for all you may face.

Okay, now that we have that out of the way! Today we're going to focus on two peaks that are very close to Denver - Mt. Bierstadt and Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Mt. Evans). These are shorter hikes with lots of foot traffic and they're relatively safe options to start with!

Mt. Bierstadt

Located near Georgetown, Colorado, Mt. Bierstadt is often the first 14er people hike! The most popular route, West Slopes, starts from the top of Guanella Pass and ascends 2,850ft with a round trip distance of 7.25 miles.

The difficulty of this hike is considered Class 2 meaning that it's a fairly safe, easy hike (relative to other 14ers, not relative to all hikes). It is pretty easy to navigate thanks to a well-worn path and the large number of people who frequent the trail.

Toward the top there is about 250ft of scrambling across boulders, but otherwise the trail is not particularly technical. If your dog is going to struggle anywhere, it would be in this section!

Because of the proximity to Denver, this trail is extremely popular. To find parking you'll need to arrive by about 5am on a weekday, even earlier on the weekend. 

Mt. Blue Sky

Mt. Blue Sky is one of the few 14ers that has a road all the way to the top, but we recommend hiking it!

The West Ridge route starts at Summit Lake, located along the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway. This road is currently closed, but is set to reopen Memorial Day of 2026. A timed entry permit is required to park at Summit Lake.

From the lake, the trail ascends 2,000ft up and over Mt. Spalding and on to the summit of Mt. Blue Sky. The roundtrip distance is 5.5 miles making this a shorter, but steeper hike than nearby Bierstadt. It is also considered a Class 2, but with considerably more route finding and scrambling.

Overall this is a more strenuous hike for both humans and dogs. This peak is known for having mountain goats, especially at the summit, so make sure your dog is leashed at all times!

Safety Considerations

NOT ALL 14ERS ARE DOG FRIENDLY.
Make sure you do your research and find trip reports from folks who have summited with their dog. These mountains are huge physical feats - trails are often 5+ miles with several thousand feet of elevation gain. Not only that, but on some trails dogs pose significant threat to human hikers. If there are lots of loose rocks, dogs may accidentally kick rocks down onto hikers below. Trails that pass through wilderness areas or private property may not allow dogs at all. If there is a specific trail you're interested in, make sure you research it thoroughly before attempting it with your dog.

Acclimate first!
If you are coming from sea level, make sure you give yourself a few days to acclimate. Going from low elevation straight to the top of a 14er is a recipe for disaster. If you have time, spend a few days at 5 to 6k feet (like in Denver or Colorado Springs, then a few days at 8 to 10k feet (like in Breckenridge or Buena Vista). To help with acclimation, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest.

Always check the weather forecast, but expect that it will likely change.
The typical weather pattern is clear weather in the morning followed by afternoon thunderstorms. When you're in the alpine, lightning is extremely, extremely dangerous. It is critical to start hiking early (often in the middle of the night - bring a headlamp) to ensure that you're back below treeline (or even better - off the mountain) before noon. If you see lightning, immediately take cover. Always be prepared to encounter snow as well. It can snow year round at the top of 14ers, and patches of snow can remain throughout the summer, particularly in shaded areas.

Dress appropriately!
Anticipate that you'll experience temperatures ranging from 20 or 30 degrees and windy, to 70 or 80 degrees and hot. An example of appropriate clothing would be a base layer of hiking pants and a long sleeve sun shirt, plus a lightweight fleece, down puffy, and gortex rain shell packed in your backpack. For your dog, consider booties and rex specs for added protection from sharp rocks and bright sun.

Pack plenty of water.
Some peaks have water sources such as streams but many do not. Ensure you have at least a few liters of water for yourself as well as your dog. If you plan to refill on the mountain, make sure to pack a water filter.

Carry a satellite communication device.
Phone service is scarce in the mountains. Whether you get a flat tire on the road to the trailhead or injure yourself on the mountain, you should always carry a device that will allow you to communicate via satellite. Many smart phones now have satellite capabilities, but it devices like the Garmin inReach Mini 2 are safer and more reliable. 

Don't rely on Search & Rescue (SAR).
Always be prepared to carry your dog down the mountain! We cannot stress this enough - SAR does not exist to aid in the rescue of your dog. Every once in a while SAR will assist in a dog rescue, but you should always be prepared with a first aid kit and rescue harness. 

Be prepared to spend the night on the mountain.
An emergency bivvy (or two) is a great addition to your emergency supplies. Even if you call for help, it could take hours for SAR to respond. As we've discussed, temperatures can drop rapidly in the mountains and emergency shelter can be the difference between life and death. 

Would you climb a 14er with your dog? We'd love to hear from you in the comments!