Chasing a summer of 14ers, I took on the steep Northwest Ridge of La Plata Peak. From unexpected waterfalls to wildflower slopes that feel like Europe, this 14,343-foot summit is a humbling reminder of the sheer scale of the Colorado Rockies.

Named after a territorial governor and nicknamed "The Gentle Giant," Mount Elbert stands as the crown of the Rockies at 14,440 feet. Running straight from camp, I traded Massive for Elbert’s textbook peak, broad views, and a relentless grade that leaves the quads burning.

​A sparse winter opened the Rockies early, and the summer of 14 'ers is officially underway. I kicked off a high-mileage season in Halfmoon Creek to tackle the Mount Massive loop—navigating packed trailheads, tinderbox conditions, and a brutal 1,500-foot-per-mile descent.