Choose Your Peak

Beginner-friendly 14ers ranked by difficulty

You have trained. You are ready. Not all 14ers are created equal. These peaks offer well-maintained trails, moderate elevation gain, and stunning summit views. Each peak is rated by trail class, elevation gain, and distance to help you choose the right challenge.

The Easiest 14ers

These are perfect first summits for beginners, featuring Class 1-2 trails with moderate elevation gain.

Peak	Elevation	Class	Gain	Distance	Time	Trailhead Access	Resources
Quandary Peak East Ridge	14,271 ft	Class 1	3,450 ft	6.75 miles RT	5-7 hours	Easy Paved road to well-maintained gravel parking lot. Accessible to all vehicles.	Full Guide →
Mt. Bierstadt West Slopes	14,065 ft	Class 2	2,850 ft	7.25 miles RT	5-7 hours	Easy Paved highway to large parking area at the pass. Easy access for all vehicles.	Full Guide →
Grays Peak North Slopes	14,278 ft	Class 1	3,000 ft	7.5 miles RT	5-7 hours	Medium Rough dirt road with potholes and washboard sections. 2WD possible but difficult.	Full Guide →
Torreys Peak South Slopes	14,275 ft	Class 1	3,000 ft	7.75 miles RT	5-7 hours	Medium Rough dirt road with potholes and washboard sections. 2WD possible but difficult.	Full Guide →
Mt. Sherman Southwest Ridge	14,043 ft	Class 1	2,100 ft	5.25 miles RT	4-6 hours	Hard Very rough dirt road with deep ruts and rocky sections. High clearance SUV minimum, 4WD preferred.	Full Guide →
Handies Peak Southwest Slopes	14,058 ft	Class 1	2,500 ft	5.75 miles RT	4-6 hours	Hard Steep, rocky 4WD road with stream crossings. High clearance 4WD absolutely necessary.	Full Guide →
Huron Peak Northwest Slopes	14,010 ft	Class 2	3,500 ft	7 miles RT	6-8 hours	Hard Rough dirt road with stream crossings and rocky sections. High clearance vehicle required.	Full Guide →

Quandary Peak

East Ridge

Mt. Bierstadt

West Slopes

Grays Peak

North Slopes

Torreys Peak

South Slopes

Mt. Sherman

Southwest Ridge

Handies Peak

Southwest Slopes

Huron Peak

Northwest Slopes

Go the Extra Mile

Ready to push further? These peaks range from slightly longer hikes perfect for first-timers with solid training, to iconic challenges and multi-summit adventures.

Peak	Elevation	Class	Gain	Distance	Time	Trailhead Access	Resources
Grays & Torreys Combo Combined Loop	14,278 ft & 14,275 ft	Class 1	3,600 ft	8.25 miles RT	6-8 hours	Medium Rough dirt road with potholes and washboard sections. 2WD possible but difficult.	Full Guide →
Mt. Elbert Northeast Ridge	14,440 ft	Class 1	4,500 ft	9.75 miles RT	7-9 hours	Easy Well-maintained dirt road suitable for all vehicles. Easy access from Leadville.	Full Guide →
San Luis Peak Northeast Ridge	14,014 ft	Class 1	3,600 ft	13.5 miles RT	8-10 hours	Medium Rough dirt road with some rocky sections. 2WD possible in good weather, high clearance preferred.	Full Guide →
Pikes Peak Barr Trail	14,115 ft	Class 1	7,400 ft	25 miles RT	12-15 hours (or overnight at Barr Camp)	Easy Trailhead located in downtown Manitou Springs with paved parking. Easiest access of any 14er.	Full Guide →