So you’re coming to Colorado, and you want to tackle one of the state’s famed 54 14,000-foot peaks, or “fourteeners”? You’re in luck – the optimal season for hiking fourteeners runs from late June through early September, despite the constant threat of afternoon storms. After that, the weather becomes even more unpredictable. But before heading for the high peaks, make sure you have the knowledge and skills to make your trip a safe one.

Before you commit to your trip and select a peak as a goal, give yourself an honest evaluation about your preparedness. Are you acclimated and fit? The average person needs about four days to acclimate to elevation – two spent at about 5,000 feet, and two spent at around 10,000. Depending on your physiology, it could take more or less time to adjust, so leave yourself some padding. In addition, consider your fitness level. If you’ve been hiking hard or performing intense aerobic activity regularly this spring and summer, you’ll have a better, safer chance at reaching the summit.

While fitness and acclimation are crucial components for peak bagging, technical abilities and mountain skills are equally important. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) recommends that first-timers take a class before heading for the mountains. If you don’t take a class, consider hiring a guide. Either way, find a partner who knows his or her stuff as well before you choose which peak to climb – a decision that should also be made with care.

Many tourists flock to Rocky Mountain National Park in hopes of scaling Longs Peak each season, but nonetheless, it may not be the best choice out there, especially if you’re not acclimated and experienced.

“Longs (Peak) is one of the worst fourteeners for a beginner to climb because it is eight miles to the summit and eight miles back,” explained Keith Desrosiers, CFI’s former executive director, noting that the trail also involves exposed third-class scrambling.

Grays and Torreys, often done together, are a popular and more appropriate choice for first timers, as are some of the peaks – like Humboldt and Huron – with trails constructed by CFI. After selecting a summit goal, contact the area’s land manager, consult multiple guidebooks, and then make a clearly defined plan that includes an agreed to turn-around time. Let other people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Desrosiers strongly recommends that you plan to summit no later than noon in order to avoid being caught in one of Colorado’s frequent late-day storms.

“You need to fully understand and be aware of the environment that you’re putting yourself in,” said Desrosiers, pointing out that oftentimes, in addition to taking the peaks too lightly and starting up too late, beginners are unaware of the fragility of the alpine environment and do not understand the ethics promoted by Leave No Trace . Learning how to avoid having a negative impact on the mountain is an important step that should not be ignored.

What to bring

Clothes: Avoid cotton. It’s worse than useless when wet. Instead, start with synthetic, lightweight layers next to the skin, followed by a layer of synthetic polar fleece or wool. Waterproof, breathable outer layers for top and bottom should be part of your gear, too – pick Gore-Tex ® or the like. Don’t forget a warm hat, a hat with a brim, gloves, and an extra pair of socks. Heavy-duty, waterproof leather boots are the footwear of choice, and they must fit well. Blisters can make for a miserable experience.

Equipment: CFI recommends carrying a low profile, internal frame daypack for day hikes, 2,500-3,000 cubic inches in size. In addition to food, water and clothes, throw in a first-aid kit, a safety whistle, lighter, mirror, waterproof matches, compass, pocketknife, map, headlamp and batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, cell phone and a water filter or water purification tablets.

Food/water: Desrosiers suggests drinking a liter of water in the parking lot before hitting the trail. Then drink two liters on the way up and one on the way down. Dehydration occurs faster at high altitude, so drink even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring more food than you think you’ll need – extra food and water can be lifesavers.

Other considerations:

Start hiking just as the sun is rising, if not several hours before, to avoid being caught in one of Colorado’s notorious afternoon lightning storms. Should you find yourself in such a storm, the Lightning Protection Institute  offers the following suggestions: do not use a tree as shelter; stay away from metal objects; avoid standing near tall objects; get away from large bodies of water; don’t stand near others; crouch down and cover your ears; and do not lie down or put your hands on the ground. If you are with someone who is struck, administer CPR and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Hiking a fourteener can be a fun and rewarding adventure if you are well prepared for the endeavor and understand the serious nature of climbing any high-altitude peak. Take the time to educate yourself, find a great partner, and then make an airtight plan before you hit the trail. Happy peak bagging!