9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Hiking My First Fourteener

It's no easy feat hiking up more than 14,000 feet in elevation, but if you're considering taking on the challenge, here are some things I really wish I'd known before hitting the trail.

1. There is no such thing as an easy fourteener

Kelsey Schneider

You'll read online, Grays and Torreys Peaks, Quandary Peak and Mount Bierstadt are a couple of the 'fourteeners for beginners'. Do not let that fool you. Bierstadt was my first, and it was absolutely no cake walk. In fact, it was a lot more challenging physically and mentally than I was prepared for. Some may be tougher than others, but one way or another, it's going to be grueling. Make sure this isn't your first hike.

2. Bring toilet paper

Kelsey Schneider

The higher elevation makes you have to pee. Whether you've been drinking a lot or a little, don't be surprised if you need to pull off and pop a squat in the bushes.

3. Take off your rings

Kelsey Schneider

Your fingers swell at such a high altitude. Even if you're not wearing jewelry, it will get pretty uncomfortable to bend your fingers as you get closer to the top.

4. Bring winter gear even in the summer

Kelsey Schneider

It can be 90 degrees in Denver, but remember you're going from 5,280 feet to more than 14,000. It's a lot cooler and extremely windy. Put gloves, a jacket and something to cover your ears in your backpack. You'll be putting on and taking off layers for a lot of your hike.

5. Beware of false summits

Kelsey Schneider

You're not 'almost to the top' until you're at the top. There are times when you think you see the summit, but you still have quite a ways to go. It's pretty discouraging, so try to avoid thinking you're 'almost there'.

6. Take snacks

Kelsey Schneider

Strenuous hiking at such a high elevation will make you weak and tired. You will need to refuel at some point. Bring high protein snacks or a lunch you can eat while taking in the beautiful scenery.

7. It's incredibly hard to breathe

Kelsey Schneider

At some point, you will have to take a break every few feet. The air is incredibly thin, and you are going straight uphill. Your lungs will struggle to fill with oxygen. It's not a race - don't be ashamed to take it slow and steady.

8. The hike down is just as painful

Kelsey Schneider

It's a longer way down than you think, and it's steeper than you realize. Your knees and ankles will hate you. Wearing hiking shoes helps a bit.

9. It's totally worth it

Kelsey Schneider

Everything hurts. Your feet, your lungs, and even your face from the wind whipping like crazy. But for a few moments, you forget all that. You look around, and the scenery is stunning. What makes it more spectacular: you didn't drive or take a lift to the top. You labored for several hours, pushed past the pain, and achieved something impressive. For a few minutes you forget that you're about to hike down or that you can barely bend your fingers to even take a selfie. You did it. You're standing more than 14,000 feet into the sky. Somehow you feel small and powerful at the same time. And even if you decide never to do it again, at least you can say you did it once and cross it off your bucket list.