This was my first time solo-ing a 14er. I set my alarm for 2am, arrived at the trailhead at 3:30am, and hit the trail by 3:45am. It took me a little over 2 hours to reach the summit.

Some thoughts

• I hate waking up early, but starting a long hike before sunrise is always worth it in the end.
• I chose this hike as my first solo 14er because it’s considered an “easy” 14er and because both the parking lot and the road to it are paved. However, this means that it’s easily accessible to everyone which is why I went as early as I did.
• Getting to the parking was no problem, but embarrassingly, I had trouble finding the trailhead in the dark.
• I like pushing myself when it comes to elevation hikes. I prefer to hike at a consistent pace, only to slow when snacking. I drink water along the way — this is the number one reason why I stick to hydration bladders over water bottles. I did stop a couple times to rest my legs and back, but I find it easier to maintain a slow and steady rhythm rather than hiking with bursts and pauses.
• There were a couple unleashed dogs on the trail, which I encountered on my way down. I’m shouting into the void here, but dogs should be leashed at all times. It’s not about whether or not your dog is friendly to others on the trail. It’s about protecting wildlife and preventing trail damage. When in doubt, just follow the rules and try not to overthink it.
• More shouting into the void: uphill hikers have right of way, so anyone going downhill should yield to them. (Looking at you, trail runners.) Just stop, enjoy the scenery, and let the uphill hikers pass.
• People often hike beyond the edges of the established trail, causing erosion and gradually making the trail appear wider than it actually is. If you notice this, please just try to stay on trail as to not contribute to that erosion.
• I ran into a volunteer for the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative at the trailhead when I got back down. We had a good chat about do’s and don’ts of the trail, some of which I mentioned above. They seem to be doing good work, so shout to them.
• I want to traverse the Sawtooth to get to to Mt. Blue Sky from Mt. Bierstadt, but I’ve never climbed Class 3 before and even if I had, I prefer to not be alone while doing it.