Jagged Mountain lies in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness of Southwestern Colorado. At nearly 500,000 acres, the Weminuche Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado, and is home to some of Colorado’s highest and most remote peaks.

Our hike began in Silverton, where we boarded a wood-fired steam engine on the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which would take us deep into the Weminuche Wilderness. The only options to enter this remote wilderness are by foot or by train — not a single road enters the Weminuche.

After a two hour ride, the train stops at the Needleton Trailhead, where those who wish to brave the wilderness can get off (or back on). From the Needleton Trailhead, our journey took us a couple miles upriver to the Noname Creek drainage, where the trail began. The hike up the drainage to the base of Jagged Mountain covers roughly 5,200 feet of elevation and 9 miles.

Horsetooth rock lies immediately west of Fort Collins, Colorado, just above Horsetooth Reservoir at roughly 7,200 feet in elevation. It is a popular hike among the residents of Fort Collins, and with a steady pace can be completed in less than 3 hours.

A simple hike and a short drive from Georgetown make Mt. Bierstadt a popular summer summit. While the crowds here rival a small bazaar, it’s a worthwhile hike if you have a short day, or want to bag an easy peak in between a couple of harder ones. Mt. Bierstadt also makes a great introductory peak for beginners.

Mt. Bierstadt sits adjacent to Mt. Evans, and both are connected by the Sawtooth Ridge. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, summit both by crossing the Sawtooth — just make sure the weather supports your endeavor. The Sawtooth is no place to be when lightning strikes.

Although we hiked Quandary on the last day of May, it was cold and snowy, and my first “winter-like” ascent. While every hike is unique and fun in its own way, this hike has remained one of my favorites. Maybe it was because we took the old mining road up to 11,000 feet and blazed our own trail up the side of the mountain. Maybe it was because we glissaded off the peak, turning a 5 hour ascent into a 45 minute descent. Maybe it was because we shared the mountain with no one on a beautiful Colorado day.

Crestone Needle sits on the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, about three hours southwest of Denver, and rises to 14,197 feet in elevation. The five mile road approaching the trailhead is rugged and slow and will push a stock vehicle to its limits. A high centerline, a short wheelbase, and a spotter will do you well, in addition to the obligatory 4-wheel drive. You’ll have to ford three creeks along this road, each one deeper than the last. Expect to spend a couple hours driving, or twice that if you choose to hike it.

Once on the trail, the hike through the San Isabel National Forest to the South Colony lakes is relaxing and enjoyable. The real hike begins as you ascend Broken Hand Pass. Once you’ve crossed the pass, the hike eases up again as you traverse your way to Crestone Needle. Many trail guides rate the ascent of the Needle at Class 4, and contain dire warnings about falling rocks, but I never found myself in need of a rope or a helmet. The “Crestone Conglomerate” is surprisingly stable.

The hike to the summit of Long’s Peak, in the Rocky Mountain National Park, is grueling and not for the faint of heart. Long’s Peak lies about an hour and a half northwest of Denver, and rises to 14,255 feet in elevation. The class 3 hike to the summit will see you gain nearly a mile in elevation while clocking a total of 15 miles round trip. Prepare to spend at least 12 hours hiking, and leave before 3 am to ensure you reach the summit before noon.