My fellow EO blogger, James of Colorado Mountain Air, also climbed the same 14er as me over the weekend. We were on the same wavelength. His purpose was a little more noble than mine. My purpose was to get my head up to 14,000′+. How is it possible that I have lived in Colorado for 5 years, yet have never enjoyed the oxygen depriving, stunning experience of 14,000′+?!

I have been on many, many hikes in my life and rides above treeline, so I wasn’t all that intimidated by the hike. In fact, I ended up being slightly disappointed with the effort. Mt. Elbert is also rated easy. I couldn’t feel a huge difference in the change in oxygen between 12,000 – 14,433′… but that was just walking. Had I tried to ride a bike at that altitude, I bet things will be different. I still need to get my butt up Mt. Evans on my bike.

I could, however, appreciate the BIG views. I could appreciate that I was standing atop the highest peak in Colorado, and I could respect everyone else who was doing the same hike as me. Sometimes I take my fitness level for granted!

Signing the logbook

The flowers still find a way.

I love the jaggedness of the mountain!

This is one of my favorite things about being above treeline.

Despite my thoughts of it being “too easy of an effort,” I definitely ate my words!  I was really sore the next day and the soreness hung around for like 3 days!

I’m looking forward to the next time!