The mountains are calling from 14,000 feet above sea level! Whether you’re looking up at them or looking down from the summit of them, bagging 14ers is an infamous accomplishment across Colorado and the Western United States.
What is a 14er?
A 14er (fourteener) is common slang, especially in Colorado and the Western US, for a mountain or peak that exceeds 14,000 feet in elevation. “Bagging a 14er” means you’ve reached the top (and now have bragging rights)! In the United States, there are just under 100 14,000+ feet mountain tops, all located in four states: Alaska, California, Washington, and Colorado. Colorado hosts the most with a total of 58 including the popular Collegiate Peaks (Mt. Princeton, Mt. Yale, Mt. Colombia, Mt. Oxford, etc.).
14ers in Southwest Colorado
Divided into seven areas (Front Range, Tenmile Range, Mosquito Range, Sawatch Range, Elk Mountains, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the San Juan Mountains [which is our area]) Colorado has a great array of tall mountain peaks. Just in our corner of Southwest Colorado there are 14 14ers, one just barely making the cut!
Uncompahgre Peak - 14,308 feet
Mount Wilson - 14,254 feet
El Diente Peak - 14,160 feet
Mount Sneffels - 14,157 feet
Windom Peak - 14,088 feet
Mount Eolus - 14,085 feet
Sunlight Peak - 14,059 feet
Handies Peak - 14,058 feet
North Eolus - 14,042 feet
Redcloud Peak - 14,036 feet
San Luis Peak - 14,022 feet
Wetterhorn Peak - 14,019 feet
Wilson Peak - 14,020 feet
Sunshine Peak - 14,004 feet
These mountains are a gateway to many alpine lakes and adventures along the San Juan Scenic Byway, Colorado Trail, and the surrounding areas. Locals, visitors, and wildlife enjoy these stunning mountain peaks in Southwest Colorado. The natural beauty and abundant natural resources are just one reason why we love calling the Durango area home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about living or visiting Durango.
