1. The Lead-Up/The Stoke Factor
The weeks and days leading up to your impending trek are usually characterized by reviewing maps, looking at Google Images, and dreaming of reaching the summit. There is so much excitement at this stage, the wanderlust fully kicks in, and you get super stoked.
2. The Base Camp
After waiting for so long and sitting through a several hour car ride you’re finally at the mountain! Alas, often times you will have to set up camp and hang out for the night before heading out the next day.
3. The First Mile
This isn’t so bad… right? This is usually a gorgeous stage, towering pines, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls usually line the path. With each step towards the apex of the mountain you take a step away from the crazy-ness of life, from class, from drama, and best of all, from phones, TV, and laptops.
4. The Moment The Altitude Hits
Hitting a new altitude can be scary; attempting to breathe with the incredibly thin air takes a bit to get used to, each step grows harder, and you probably wish that you hadn’t packed so much in your pack.
5. Crossing The Tree Line
Leaving the comfort of the forest to the rugged alpine terrain marks a very important part of your journey, usually marked at 11,000 feet, you can finally see so much more ahead, as well as behind you.
6. The “Will This Wind Knock Me Off This Mountain?” Moment
One thing often overlooked while climbing a 14er is the craziness of the wind that you will encounter. Winds often whip up to 60 mph in certain valleys, so stay safe! Also, probably try to avoid any huge cliff drop offs while posing for pictures. You don’t want a close call with falling off.
7. The False Summit
You’re almost there! Except not at all… Coming up to what you assume is the final push only to have to travel an extra few miles certainly takes a toll on the psyche.
8. Finally… The Summit!
I can see my house from here! Not really… But you do feel as if the world is lying out before your own eyes. Looking out over the vast expanse of land and peering across miles upon miles of mountain ranges is a surreal experience that can not be replicated.
9. Time To Head Back Down
Finally, no more uphill trekking! Yet, you still have to face the many miles of the journey back to the base of the mountain. At this point you will definitely have the adrenaline from summiting to pull you through the next few miles of the adventure.
10. Holy Blisters
Speaking of going downhill… Your toes will probably be hitting the tips of your hiking boots unfortunately resulting in some painful hot spots and even bubbly blisters.
11. The Switchbacks From Hell
Left-Right-Left-Right, will it ever end? Bonus points if you have to make your own switchback without a trail on a scree field.
12. Will I Ever Feel My Legs Again?
Reaching your camp for the night after summiting is often characterized by collapsing on the nearest flat meadow followed by an exhausted nap. The walk from the tent to the nearest tree for a bathroom is suddenly one of the hardest things you could attempt.
13. Amazement Kicks In
Although I have never had a child I would assume climbing a 14er is somewhat like giving birth. The process is trying, mentally, and physically challenging but looking at the top of the peak after accomplishing your trek gives you an incredible amount of pride.
14. Back To Real Life
After hanging in the backcountry for a few days it takes a little bit of getting used to having clean, non-iodined water around, actual music, and your cell phone back. After such an amazing trip though, you definitely have some amazing pictures and memories to carry you over until you go back to climb a new fourteener.
