The mission of the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative is to protect and preserve the natural integrity of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains are an immensely valuable natural resource. They serve as a principal watershed for the Western United States and provide critical habitats for myriad flora and fauna. Further, they represent a significant percentage of the alpine ecosystems in the continental United States.
Colorado’s Fourteeners are emblematic of Colorado’s mountains. They are extremely valuable to Coloradoans and visitors alike for many reasons. They provide adventure, escape from the pressures of daily life, spiritual renewal, opportunities to connect with the natural world, and healthful exercise. They are also very popular, as more than 500,000 hikers attempt to climb these peaks each year. The easiest routes on popular peaks regularly see over 400 hikers daily on summer weekends. The popularity of the Fourteeners brings substantial economic benefits to nearby communities, and the lives of Coloradoans are enriched by the recreational opportunities that they provide.
Regrettably, this popularity has led to the degradation of the fragile ecosystems on the Fourteeners. Virtually no trails were constructed on Colorado’s high peaks. They were simply hiked on by climbers. Back in the day when climbing Fourteeners was the province of a dedicated few, alpine tundra could withstand these few footfalls without deteriorating. However, with the development of excellent clothing and equipment, the spread of quality “how to” information via guidebooks, clubs, and schools, and increased interest in all forms of outdoor recreation, the popularity of mountain hiking has exploded.
Without intervention, and continued stewardship, impacted areas will continue to deteriorate rapidly as the frequency of people climbing the peaks increases. At the same time, the federal agencies responsible for protecting the peaks have experienced recurring budget shortfalls and cutbacks. Land management agencies must look to innovative programs like the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative to accomplish their missions in Colorado’s high country.
