From college nostalgia to Class 3 exposure. Linking Mount Bierstadt and Mount Blue Sky via the infamous Sawtooth Traverse meant trading the Guanella Pass crowds for intense granite catwalks, false summits, and a classic, muddy trudge through the willow swamps.

Swapping the crowds of Stevens Gulch for the rugged solitude of Peru Creek. Running the backside of Grays and Torreys Peak meant navigating faded mining roads, sharing the summit with mountain goats, and tackling a double-climb of Grays to get the job done.

Closing out the Mosquito Range with the classic DeCaLiBron loop. From Civil War mining history to navigating private property on Mount Bross, running this high alpine ridgeline was the perfect finale before heading to the Front Range.

Mount Sherman might be considered a shorter, gentler 14er, but its rich silver mining history and sprawling ridge lines make it a favorite. I paired it with an out-and-back to Gemini Peak for a fast, scenic day in the Mosquito Range.

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.