Navigating the majestic 14ers of Colorado can sometimes require more than just physical preparation; it often demands thorough planning regarding parking, camping, and even hiking reservations. These permits help manage and control the unintended negative impact created by climbers, but they can be difficult to understand and hard to find without a lot of pre-planning.
With changing regulations each season, here’s an essential guide for the 2024 climbing season to keep you informed and ready for your next summit. This information is current as of June 5, 2024, but it may change throughout the summer. Always double check the links below and know before you go!
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Table of Contents
Current Colorado 14ers Requiring Permits, Tickets, or Reservations
It is difficult to track which of Colorado’s 14ers require a reservation because they are managed by so many different public and private entities. I spend a few hours this week compiling all that information into a single list, with links to route guides and sites where you can buy reservations and permits.
As of June 5, 2024, fourteen of the Colorado 14ers (nearly 25% of the peaks) require permits or reservations to hike, park, drive up or climb them along their standard routes. Here is what you need to know about each of them.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
1. Quandary Peak
Parking Reservation Required: Due to its growing popularity and proximity to Breckenridge and other popular ski towns, parking at the Quandary Peak Trailhead requires a reservation from June 15 to September 17, 2024. You can make reservations up to two weeks in advance.
A shuttle from Breckenridge is available with the same reservation window. This can alleviate the stress of finding parking and is recommended given the peak’s popularity. You must buy a ticket in advance.
NOTE: You can ride a bike to the trailhead or have friends help drop you off and pick you up later without any permits, fees, or reservations.
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2. Culebra Peak
Access Reservation Required: As one of several privately-owned fourteeners in the state, accessing Culebra Peak always requires a reservation. It’s one of the unique cases where the reservation is mandatory for climbing the peak itself, not just parking or camping. Numbers are strictly limited to help maintain a wilderness route and reduce the development of social trails.
NOTE: The Ranch does not currently allow solo climbers or dogs. Climbing is also limited in August and September due to the elk hunting season.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
3. Mount Blue Sky
Timed-Entry Permit and Parking Reservation Required: Access to Mount Blue Sky, especially parking at Summit Lake where the standard hiking route begins, necessitates a timed-entry permit for the Byway and a parking reservation specficially for the Summit Lake Park (Managed by Denver Mountain parks). Details for obtaining this permit can usually be found on recreation.gov and the Denver Parks website.
NOTE: If you arrive before 8am, you still need a permit. Display it in your windshield in your parked car while hiking so you do not get a ticket.
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4. Windom Peak (Chicago Basin 14ers)
Train Reservation Optional: While not mandatory, a train reservation to access Windom Peak and the other Chicago Basin peaks is highly recommended due to the remote nature of these peaks. The train cuts 18 miles off your round-trip distance, leaving you less exhausted when you reach the peaks. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is typically how hikers access this area.
NOTE: Wilderness Access tickets are booked by phone and are only available on trails departing Durango. I recommend booking far in advance as tickets usually do sell out.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
5. Mount Eolus (Chicago Basin 14ers)
Mount Eolus, another Chicago Basin 14er, is typically reached using the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
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6. North Eolus (Chicago Basin 14ers)
While not an ‘official’ 14er, most people who climb Mount Eolus also climb North Eolus. It also usually requires a train ticket to reach the Basin.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
7. Sunlight Peak (Chicago Basin 14ers)
Sunlight Peak is the only class 4 fourteener in the Chicago Basin and the hardest to summit. Like the others, it is most often climbed in conjunction with a train ride to the Needleton Flag Stop.
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8. Maroon Peak (Maroon Lake Trailhead)
Parking and Camping Reservations Required: Access to these peaks via the Maroon Lake trailhead requires a parking reservation. If planning a multi-day trek, camping reservations are also necessary. These can be made through the Recreation.gov website but sell out far in advance. There are also reservations for the shuttle system from Aspen.
NOTE: I recommend trying to buy a ‘midnight-to-midnight’ pass, which works if you are planning on climbing a 14er within one day.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
9. North Maroon Peak (Maroon Lake Trailhead)
Another 14er access from the Maroon Lake Trailhead, it similarly requires either a parking reservation, camping permit, or a reserved shuttle ride from Aspen.
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10. Pyramid Peak (Maroon Lake Trailhead)
The third 14er accessed from the Maroon Lake Trailhead, Pyramid Peak will require a parking reservation, camping permit, or trip on the shuttle from Aspen (reservation required).
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
11. Snowmass Mountain
Camping Reservation Required at Snowmass Lake: Traditionally, most people climbing Snowmass camp during their ascent at Snowmass Lake, which now requires backcountry camping permit that can be difficult to snag.
NOTE: Without a camping permit, you must complete the climb in one long day or find dispersed camping spots below the permit-only area, which adds an extra 2 miles on your summit day.
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12. Capitol Peak
Camping Reservation Required at Capitol Lake: Just like Snowmass Mountain, you need to reserve a camping spot at Capitol Lake, the traditional spot to spend the night before your summit day ascent. Alternatively, you can do the entire ascent in one, long day or find a dispersed campsite 2 miles below the lake, outside of the “Capitol Lake Zone.”
NOTE: Several recent accidents on Capitol Peak happened when someone tried to climb it in a single day. I highly recommend taking two days for Capitol Peak to give yourself more time.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
13. Pikes Peak
Timed-Entry Permit Required: While you can climb Pikes Peak along the Barr Trail without a reservation, you do need one if you want to drive to the summit along the Pikes Peak Highway during the busiest summer months. If you show up to the entrance gate without a reservation, you will be turned away. Another option is buying a ticket to take the cog railroad to the summit, which operates all year-round.
NOTE: You do not technically need any permits or reservations to climb Pikes Peak, but people often get a ticket on the railway to ride it down from the summit.
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14. Longs Peak
Timed-Entry Permit Required: If you plan to enter Rocky Mountain National Park to visit or climb Longs Peak after 9am during the summer, you will need to purchase a timed-entry permit to access the park and 14er. However, it is strongly recommend that those climbing Longs Peak start by 4am at the latest, when you do not need a time-entry reservation.
NOTE: The entrance station to the Longs Peak Trailhead usually does not open before 9 AM, so you usually do not have to pay a park entrance fee.
Key Links:
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Prevent More Permit Requirements: Leave No Trace
As the allure of Colorado’s 14ers continues to draw large numbers of hikers and climbers each year, it’s vital to adopt Leave No Trace (LNT) principles to preserve these majestic landscapes for future generations. Here are key guidelines to follow:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Ensure you have the correct permits and are aware of any restrictions for the area you plan to visit.
- Check weather forecasts and trail conditions before departure and adjust your plans accordingly.
- Learn about the local wildlife and plant life to avoid disturbances.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Stay on established trails and avoid cutting switchbacks, which can cause erosion and damage plant life.
- Camp at designated sites or on durable surfaces like rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Utilize toilet facilities where available or bury human waste in a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from water, trails, and camp sites.
- Be mindful of microtrash (e.g., bits of food wrappers) which is often overlooked.
- Preserve the natural state of the wilderness by not taking rocks, plants, or other natural objects.
- Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species by cleaning gear and shoes between trips.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light instead of making a fire, unless a fire is permitted and necessary.
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, keep fires small, and burn all wood to ash. Put out fires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
6. Respect Wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals as it damages their health and alters natural behaviors.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Keep noise to a minimum to allow others to enjoy the natural sounds of the outdoors.
- Yield to other users on the trail and maintain small group sizes to reduce impacts and preserve the quality of the wilderness experience.
By adhering to these principles, you contribute to the sustainability of these natural treasures and ensure that they remain vibrant and intact for those who follow. For more detailed information on Leave No Trace principles, visit my LNT Tips page.
Conclusion: 14ers Permits & Reservations in 2024
As the popularity of 14er climbing continues to grow, so does the complexity of regulations surrounding these adventures. By staying informed about the necessary reservations and permits, climbers can ensure they not only respect the natural environment but also enjoy a hassle-free experience. Planning is key, and with this guide, you’re well on your way to a successful 14er season!
Still have a question? Check out the FAQ section below or leave it in a comment and I will get back to you as soon as possible with more information.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which 14ers require a permit or reservation specifically to climb?
A: Only Culebra Peak, a privately-owned 14er requires a climbing permit rather than at timed-entry reservation or a parking or camping permit. All other 14er permits are for parking or time-entry reservations and not specifically for climbing the peak.
Q: Where can I make reservations for these 14ers?
A: Reservations for parking, camping, or climbing can generally be made on the respective national forest or park websites, or through specific reservation platforms like Recreation.gov depending on the peak. Most sites also have a number you can call to book by phone. Check the article key links above for more information.
Q: Are there any peaks that require permits but not reservations?
A: Yes, many of Colorado’s 14ers are in wilderness areas that require self-issue wilderness permits available at trailheads. These do not need to be obtained in advance.
Q: What happens if I don't secure a reservation?
A: Without the necessary reservations, you may be turned away at the trailhead or fined, especially in highly regulated areas like Quandary Peak or the Maroon Bells. It’s crucial to plan ahead to ensure a smooth and legal hiking experience.
Q: Why are permits and reservations required for 14ers?
A: Permits and reservations are required for climbing some 14ers to manage and mitigate the environmental impact caused by the high number of climbers. They also help control the number of people on the trail at any given time, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Q: How many Colorado 14ers require some kind of permit or reservation?
A: 14 of the 58 Colorado 14ers require either a climbing, camping, parking, or timed-entry reservation to climb along their standard route. While some of the peaks can still be climbed using an alternate longer route, most choose to secure the necessary reservation to climb the standard route, which is usually the easiest path up the mountain.
