Trails Illustrated Map: Colorado 14ers North (Sawatch, Mosquito, and Front Ranges)
Colorado has the highest mean elevation of any state in the United States. It’s home to 58 mountain peaks higher than 14,000 feet – more than any other state in the U.S – making it a mountain sports mecca. “Bagging” these fourteeners is a goal for many Coloradans and visitors to the state—and for some, it’s an obsession. — The National Geographic Maps Trails Illustrated Map: Colorado 14ers North Topographic Map Guide provides the most accurate and convenient set of maps for the fourteeners of the Front, Mosquito, Tenmile, and Sawatch ranges of northern Colorado. Almost half of Colorado’s fourteeners fall in these ranges, but their proximity to large population centers leave no shortage of hikers on their slopes. Moderate ridges, established trails, and accessible trailheads are the norm on the standard routes, making many of these peaks relatively easy to climb. However, it’s important to note that these seemingly gentle giants also have their rugged side – including the north face of Mount Evans, the amphitheater north of Mount Democrat, Ellingwood Ridge on La Plata Peak, and the sheer east face of Longs Peak – placing them among the most challenging alpine experiences in the United States.
Each map page provides accurate trail statistics including trail mileages, total elevation gain and loss, trailhead elevations and elevations at trail junctions, and directions to trailheads. Route information includes climbing class (i.e. difficulty rating) and points of reference along the route. The maps include both 2WD and 4WD trailhead locations for the standard, recommended route. The standard route is the most sustainable route recommended by land managers in effort to preserve the fragile alpine environment of these peaks.
More convenient and easier to use than folded maps, but just as compact and lightweight, National Geographic’s Topographic Map Guide booklets are printed on “Backcountry Tough” waterproof, tear-resistant paper with stainless steel staples. A full UTM grid is printed on the map to aid with GPS navigation.
Peaks found in this map guide include:
Front Range: Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans, Grays Peak, Longs Peak, Pikes Peak, Torreys Peak Mosquito, Tenmile Ranges: Mount Bross, Mount Cameron*, Mount Democrat, Mount Lincoln, Quandary Peak, Mount Sherman Sawatch Range: Mount Antero, Mount Belford, Mount Columbia, Mount Elbert, Mount Harvard, Mt of the Holy Cross, Huron Peak, La Plata Peak, Mount Massive, Missouri Mountain, Mount Oxford, Mount Princeton, Mount Shavano, Tabeguache Peak, Mount Yale
* Unofficial 14er – Summit above 14,000 feet, but considered unofficial because the peak does not rise 300 feet above the saddle that connects to a higher peak
About Trails Illustrated:
More than just a map, National Geographic Trails Illustrated topographic maps are designed to take you into the wilderness and back. Printed on tear-resistant, waterproof material, this map can go anywhere you do. Each map is based on exact reproductions of USGS topographic map information, updated, customized, and enhanced to meet the unique features of each area. The maps include valuable wilderness tips and Leave No Trace guidelines, along with updated trails, trailheads, points of interest, campgrounds, and much more. With a new color palette and stunning shaded relief, backcountry navigation has never been easier.
