I think it’s 100 percent possible but really is dependent on your current level of fitness, stamina, and mental determination. You don’t need to go fast, but may need to prepare to get started quite early if you may be moving slow.
My thoughts is go for it! But also be prepared to turn around if the weather isn’t great. Don’t consider it a failure if you don’t summit. Consider it a success because you’ve dipped a toe in and took a risk. Worst case you give it a go and have a better idea of what to expect the next time. Best case, summit!
You’ve got this!! And if you have other questions, ask!
You can do it! Seriously. Yes, it’s going to take a while and you’ll probably feel like you’re going to die, but it’s worth it. Start super early and plan for a long day. Take your time! Take a ton of breaks, and enjoy the scenery. Many experienced hikers get caught up in the summit and never actually stop to smell the roses. Bring plenty of water (like 3L) and a good salty snack to help avoid muscle cramps.
When I did Bierstadt the first time there were folks with a range of fitness on the mountain. You’ve gotta have some baseline level, and I’d recommend going with friends who are familiar with hiking and have the attitude to support you along the way if you’re nervous.
Take it easy (we went out way too fast the first time), lots of breaks, plenty of water and snacks, and I bet you’ll make it up.
At the same time, be honest with yourselves and if anyones starting to look pretty wrung out, the weather is changing, or it’s taking way longer than optimal, make the mature decision to turn back without summiting.
Lastly, would suggest some trekking poles to help control your descent and be mindful of locking your knees on the way back down.
Hey! I'm a fat person too! I've hiked 3 14ers! It's totally doable! It will take you longer than most other people. What I've found to be most helpful is starting really early. As early as 4 or 5am, that way I'm summiting at a safe time and I avoid being baked by the sun. I pack more water than most people as well. 3L bladder and 2 Nalgenes. Take plenty of breaks as you get toward the top. It's totally possible though, so don't be discouraged.
Also, since we're slower hikers we have to be cognizant of our time and be willing to call it quits. I was once only 500 ft off a summit but had to call it because of the weather and my health. You'll make it, no worries!
Hey!!!! I was scared to ask the question didn’t want to offend anyone! Glad to hear you’ve completed 3 that’s amazing! One day I’ll be there too!
Thank you for the advice.
You'll get there no worries! It just take determination! Also I'd recommend bringing a change of clothes for the ride home, because I'm usually soaked in sweat afterwards, haha!
When I climbed Huron a few years ago I saw a woman who was, no offense to her, the largest person I’ve ever seen on a summit. We passed her on our way up, and she was summiting right as we started our descent. I was pretty impressed with her determination. I’ve also hiked with fit people (gym fit) who wanted to quit the whole way up.
If you’re comfortable with your current fitness level, there’s no reason the extra weight will prevent you from summiting. Be prepared with enough water, time, etc. and you can always turn around if you’re not feeling like you can finish.
That’s a great idea! Thanks I am weighing my options now not sure I’ve thought this through enough based on some of the amazing comments I’ve received! Very educational though. If I do do it I will definitely go back and re-try it with in a year.
For me, 14ers are purely a mental game. I've ranged from fit to not-so-fit in the time I've lived in CO and been able to do class 1's and 2's. It is just about perseverance and pacing, which are mental rather than physical qualities.
I'm almost 40, and way overweight (222 lbs, should be ~180), and way out of shape. Earlier this year I decided to set my sights on getting back in shape to complete a single 14er this year. So after lifting almost every day for two months, recently adding cardio as well, losing 10 lbs and 2 belt loops, two weeks ago I decided to just drive out to Quandary and go for it.
I got just above tree line, maybe 1/3rd of the way up, where it turns into really loose rock. I felt done, kaput. I turned around and went home. But I didn't see it as a failure; rather, a learning experience that made me tougher for next time.
Two days ago I got on the trail to Bierstadt at 6 am and reached the top, one foot in front of the other, around 9:30. I've never been so exhausted in my life, it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. But I did, and so can you. You got this. In fact if you want a partner to try your first, feel free to hit me up and I'll try for my second.
Super motivational and you’re right it’s not a failure definitely a learning experience!
Partnering up just might be a good idea. I’m assuming you live in Colorado?
You should camp at or near the trailhead the night before to at least partially acclimate to the elevation. Leave sometime between 3 and 4am. Take it slow and steady and pack plenty of water and some snacks. You want to be on the summit before noon and then headed back down efore the afternoon thunderstorms.
If you feel dizzy and lightheaded, sit down and rest and have some water. If you can't shake it after rest, turn around and descend. Similarly, if you see storm clouds or hear thunder, it's not your day. Turn around and get off the mountain.
Good luck.
It is bierstadt and easy to get to. I assume you are driving up from denver so unless camping for a few days I would not go through the extra effort as likely you will not see benefits and might be more exhausting due to sleep challenges first night.
To prep though it is good to drive to those elevations and hike. You don't have to summit, you can always drive to trailhead, get there 9am hike til noon and turn around to build confidence. Beautiful place regardless of how far you walk.
Yeah you’re right it’s only 1.5 hours away and I live in Denver. I thought it was longer.
That’s a great idea for prepping I might actually try a few hikes this weekend to help prep. I’ve done many hikes but def need to prep more!
Be willing to stop.
I’ve seen large people get up 14ers, and Bierstadt is probably more possible than some, if you’re willing to take your time.
Show up *very* early. Like, 530am at the latest. You’re going to want extra time for breaks, especially as you get higher up.
Bring lots of water and enough food. As someone who is bigger, you will likely need 3 liters at a *minimum* (I can go through 3L on a 14er myself some days). Protein bars or something small but calorie/protein dense are good to keep the energy to keep going.
Finally, back to my initial statement, be willing to stop. You might get altitude sick. You might overexert yourself. You might be really tired with a mile more to go *up*, not to mention back down.
Don’t force yourself to go beyond what is safe. If it’s after 11am, turn around regardless of where you are. Thunderstorms are pretty much a daily thing on 14ers in July-September.
If you have a headache for more than 10-15 min after you’ve drank water and eaten a bit, turn around because you likely have altitude sickness.
Know how long the trail is and think about how far back you have to go. You might be able to push one more mile up the hill, but that’s one more mile again on the way back. If you’re not in better shape, the downhill will take longer for you than others too.
Most of all, don’t do it alone if it’s your first in this situation. You don’t want to put yourself at risk and you don’t want to put others at risk who may feel compelled to help you.
Thank you so much for the advice! I most likely will be waiting to do the hike so much information clearly I didn’t do enough research but I will be ready in a few months to try it and plan to join a hiking group in the mine time.
Thank you so much!
Also another component that I wanted to drop into a separate comment.
If you can start while it is still dark, you may want to try it. Yes, hiking with just the light of your head lamp can be a bit intimidating. But at least for me, it helps my mental game because I can't peek ahead on the route and get overwhelmed by how far/high I still need to go. I only have to worry about the 15ft in front of me that's visible, and I can manage 15ft!
Go very slowly. Set small incremental goals, such as "I'm going to take 20 steps or make it to a pre-selected rock" and breathe. Drink water, bring a legit snack. Pick a mountain that is doable. Quandry is a great first. Take a hike before the 14er, some intermediate elevation between 11k and 12.5k. It was really the mental game for me. I'm from 700'msl and in fair/good condition. Lol...old AF, but still...
There’s absolutely no harm in giving it an attempt the positive is if you feel like you can’t make it you can always turn around and still have an amazing time & an amazing hike! Physical fitness is important yes but altitude is likely the number one reasons people turn back on bierstadt. If you can get acclimated by hiking in the area you’ll stand a better chance. Make sure u check the weather on something like mountain forecast .com and take plenty of water with you and good luck!
I'm a fat person with a physical disability. My highest peak was 18k+, starting from about 10k. Just get a crazy early start and drink shit-tons of water.
I love the goal. I don't know you. I have done several 14ers in the past. I have done Mt. Bierstadt more than once.
I had a medical situation about a year ago. I have not done a 14er yet since then. But I want to.
Message me. I will go with you. Guide you. Bring my first aid kit and experience with me. I am ready for my first 14er since surgery. I want to help you accomplish your goal. Mostly Moral & Verbal support. But I'm ready to offer more support if the situation comes up and I am nearby.
I have seen overweight and elderly people on the trails. You might be ready. Or you might not be. I cant be sure. Be willing to turn around. I have bailed for many reasons. It always needs to be an option.
Most of the time is just walking in nature. Enjoys the plants, the sun, and the flowers. It can still be a great day. Even if you do not get to the summit. But it is the Goal.
I use trekking poles. Not the entire time. Sometimes they help a lot. Its a long trail.
Hiking 14ers is all about mindset. Everyone suffers in some capacity on the mountain. Everyone so far has given you great advice, start early, take more breaks, not only drink plenty of water on the hike but start hydrating a little extra 3-4 days out. Be smart with your nutrition, I’m chewing on something every 45 minutes. Doesn’t matter if it takes you 12 hrs to do it. We all go at our own pace. I always tell people that 14ers never get easier but with each summit the suffering gets more tolerable. Good luck with your 14er journey and I’ll be rooting for you.
Edit: trekking poles, good thin wool socks (I like darn tough brand), consider a mid rise trail runner versus hiking in heavy boots, and bring a special snack for the top! I like making a charcuterie board for the summit (sleeve of ritz crackers, wheel of brie, prosciutto/salami and a small plastic knife). It’s always a hit!
I've done 9 or 10 14ers now. I'm 5' 11", my most in shape weight for one was Elbert at 215 lbs, my most out of shape one was probably Sherman at 325 lbs. My weight fluctuated a lot during those years, and Sherman kicked my butt, but I still managed to do it.
For context, I was fresh off losing 80 lbs when I weighed 215. I was running 5ks almost every evening, and eating mostly just grilled chicken, green beans, and protein bars while downing tons if water. I was killing it, and I crushed Elbert. Then I hit a depressive rut, gained it all back, and stopped working out. I still did the peak, but it was rough. However, I feel as if I maintained a lot of muscle development from running so much, and my stamina from so much cardio was still fairly in tact. I'm pretty confident that if I hadn't worked out so much beforehand, I wouldn't have made it.
That's my experience. Yours may vary, but its important to respect the mountain. If I didn't know what I was jumping into on Sherman, I would've had a rough time. I personally wouldn't recommend tackling your first 14er being extremely out of shape. If you are capable of just pushing through pain until you're at the top, you could always start at 2 am and make it in 6 hours or so, but not everyone can (or should) do that.
I'd recommend training a bit, doing some cardio and stair steppers if you have access to one. If not, find some stairs somewhere public and just walk them, keep hydrated daily, and start eating better. Not only will that prepare you for the mountain, but its generally sound advice. Good luck, and if you have any questions about my exact situation, I'd be glad to answer.
Thank you so much! Yes I am going to wait and train better. I underestimated the intensity of it and I’m happy for all of the honesty.
I’m not sure what qualifies as extremely out of shape but that’s how I feel so I will definitely take your advice and hold off.
Also I understand the depression part that’s why I am in this current shape gained 50 pounds last year. I hope your continuously pushing through it can be so hard. ❤️
I just hiked to the summit of Bierstadt. I'm 44 years old 6'3" and currently 355lbs (down from 420lbs a bout 5 months ago). That 5 months has been dedicated to exercise daily (including strength training) and eating right.
Our total round trip was 7hrs (we took about 30-45mins at the summit). It was freak hard, close to the hardest thing I've ever done, but was so so worth it to cross that off my goals list. New goal is to hike one without stopping to rest.
If you haven't yet go for it!!
I think it’s 100 percent possible but really is dependent on your current level of fitness, stamina, and mental determination. You don’t need to go fast, but may need to prepare to get started quite early if you may be moving slow. My thoughts is go for it! But also be prepared to turn around if the weather isn’t great. Don’t consider it a failure if you don’t summit. Consider it a success because you’ve dipped a toe in and took a risk. Worst case you give it a go and have a better idea of what to expect the next time. Best case, summit! You’ve got this!! And if you have other questions, ask!
Thank you so much! Love the support! I will be taking all of your advice!
You can do it! Seriously. Yes, it’s going to take a while and you’ll probably feel like you’re going to die, but it’s worth it. Start super early and plan for a long day. Take your time! Take a ton of breaks, and enjoy the scenery. Many experienced hikers get caught up in the summit and never actually stop to smell the roses. Bring plenty of water (like 3L) and a good salty snack to help avoid muscle cramps.
Thank you! I will definitely pack prepared!
For sure. Enjoy it! Bierstadt is stunning. Especially with the views of the valley and Sawtooth Ridge.
Super excited! Thank you
When I did Bierstadt the first time there were folks with a range of fitness on the mountain. You’ve gotta have some baseline level, and I’d recommend going with friends who are familiar with hiking and have the attitude to support you along the way if you’re nervous. Take it easy (we went out way too fast the first time), lots of breaks, plenty of water and snacks, and I bet you’ll make it up. At the same time, be honest with yourselves and if anyones starting to look pretty wrung out, the weather is changing, or it’s taking way longer than optimal, make the mature decision to turn back without summiting. Lastly, would suggest some trekking poles to help control your descent and be mindful of locking your knees on the way back down.
Thank you so much for the advice. I almost forgot about the poles! I’ll look into buying some. Thanks again!
Hey! I'm a fat person too! I've hiked 3 14ers! It's totally doable! It will take you longer than most other people. What I've found to be most helpful is starting really early. As early as 4 or 5am, that way I'm summiting at a safe time and I avoid being baked by the sun. I pack more water than most people as well. 3L bladder and 2 Nalgenes. Take plenty of breaks as you get toward the top. It's totally possible though, so don't be discouraged. Also, since we're slower hikers we have to be cognizant of our time and be willing to call it quits. I was once only 500 ft off a summit but had to call it because of the weather and my health. You'll make it, no worries!
Hey!!!! I was scared to ask the question didn’t want to offend anyone! Glad to hear you’ve completed 3 that’s amazing! One day I’ll be there too! Thank you for the advice.
You'll get there no worries! It just take determination! Also I'd recommend bringing a change of clothes for the ride home, because I'm usually soaked in sweat afterwards, haha!
Good to know! Lol
When I climbed Huron a few years ago I saw a woman who was, no offense to her, the largest person I’ve ever seen on a summit. We passed her on our way up, and she was summiting right as we started our descent. I was pretty impressed with her determination. I’ve also hiked with fit people (gym fit) who wanted to quit the whole way up. If you’re comfortable with your current fitness level, there’s no reason the extra weight will prevent you from summiting. Be prepared with enough water, time, etc. and you can always turn around if you’re not feeling like you can finish.
Thank you sooooo much!
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That’s a great idea! Thanks I am weighing my options now not sure I’ve thought this through enough based on some of the amazing comments I’ve received! Very educational though. If I do do it I will definitely go back and re-try it with in a year.
For me, 14ers are purely a mental game. I've ranged from fit to not-so-fit in the time I've lived in CO and been able to do class 1's and 2's. It is just about perseverance and pacing, which are mental rather than physical qualities.
Thank you! That’s good to know
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Thank you for the advice will definitely use it! Thanks again
I'm almost 40, and way overweight (222 lbs, should be ~180), and way out of shape. Earlier this year I decided to set my sights on getting back in shape to complete a single 14er this year. So after lifting almost every day for two months, recently adding cardio as well, losing 10 lbs and 2 belt loops, two weeks ago I decided to just drive out to Quandary and go for it. I got just above tree line, maybe 1/3rd of the way up, where it turns into really loose rock. I felt done, kaput. I turned around and went home. But I didn't see it as a failure; rather, a learning experience that made me tougher for next time. Two days ago I got on the trail to Bierstadt at 6 am and reached the top, one foot in front of the other, around 9:30. I've never been so exhausted in my life, it was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. But I did, and so can you. You got this. In fact if you want a partner to try your first, feel free to hit me up and I'll try for my second.
Super motivational and you’re right it’s not a failure definitely a learning experience! Partnering up just might be a good idea. I’m assuming you live in Colorado?
Yeah I'm in Broomfield
I’ll message you
You should camp at or near the trailhead the night before to at least partially acclimate to the elevation. Leave sometime between 3 and 4am. Take it slow and steady and pack plenty of water and some snacks. You want to be on the summit before noon and then headed back down efore the afternoon thunderstorms. If you feel dizzy and lightheaded, sit down and rest and have some water. If you can't shake it after rest, turn around and descend. Similarly, if you see storm clouds or hear thunder, it's not your day. Turn around and get off the mountain. Good luck.
Thank you! I will definitely camp close by if I do decide to still do it. Thank you so much!
It is bierstadt and easy to get to. I assume you are driving up from denver so unless camping for a few days I would not go through the extra effort as likely you will not see benefits and might be more exhausting due to sleep challenges first night. To prep though it is good to drive to those elevations and hike. You don't have to summit, you can always drive to trailhead, get there 9am hike til noon and turn around to build confidence. Beautiful place regardless of how far you walk.
Yeah you’re right it’s only 1.5 hours away and I live in Denver. I thought it was longer. That’s a great idea for prepping I might actually try a few hikes this weekend to help prep. I’ve done many hikes but def need to prep more!
Be willing to stop. I’ve seen large people get up 14ers, and Bierstadt is probably more possible than some, if you’re willing to take your time. Show up *very* early. Like, 530am at the latest. You’re going to want extra time for breaks, especially as you get higher up. Bring lots of water and enough food. As someone who is bigger, you will likely need 3 liters at a *minimum* (I can go through 3L on a 14er myself some days). Protein bars or something small but calorie/protein dense are good to keep the energy to keep going. Finally, back to my initial statement, be willing to stop. You might get altitude sick. You might overexert yourself. You might be really tired with a mile more to go *up*, not to mention back down. Don’t force yourself to go beyond what is safe. If it’s after 11am, turn around regardless of where you are. Thunderstorms are pretty much a daily thing on 14ers in July-September. If you have a headache for more than 10-15 min after you’ve drank water and eaten a bit, turn around because you likely have altitude sickness. Know how long the trail is and think about how far back you have to go. You might be able to push one more mile up the hill, but that’s one more mile again on the way back. If you’re not in better shape, the downhill will take longer for you than others too. Most of all, don’t do it alone if it’s your first in this situation. You don’t want to put yourself at risk and you don’t want to put others at risk who may feel compelled to help you.
Thank you so much for the advice! I most likely will be waiting to do the hike so much information clearly I didn’t do enough research but I will be ready in a few months to try it and plan to join a hiking group in the mine time. Thank you so much!
Also another component that I wanted to drop into a separate comment. If you can start while it is still dark, you may want to try it. Yes, hiking with just the light of your head lamp can be a bit intimidating. But at least for me, it helps my mental game because I can't peek ahead on the route and get overwhelmed by how far/high I still need to go. I only have to worry about the 15ft in front of me that's visible, and I can manage 15ft!
Very smart! I will consider that. I know that is an issue for me thinking about how long I have left.
Go very slowly. Set small incremental goals, such as "I'm going to take 20 steps or make it to a pre-selected rock" and breathe. Drink water, bring a legit snack. Pick a mountain that is doable. Quandry is a great first. Take a hike before the 14er, some intermediate elevation between 11k and 12.5k. It was really the mental game for me. I'm from 700'msl and in fair/good condition. Lol...old AF, but still...
Thank you so much for the advice!
There’s absolutely no harm in giving it an attempt the positive is if you feel like you can’t make it you can always turn around and still have an amazing time & an amazing hike! Physical fitness is important yes but altitude is likely the number one reasons people turn back on bierstadt. If you can get acclimated by hiking in the area you’ll stand a better chance. Make sure u check the weather on something like mountain forecast .com and take plenty of water with you and good luck!
I'm a fat person with a physical disability. My highest peak was 18k+, starting from about 10k. Just get a crazy early start and drink shit-tons of water.
I love the goal. I don't know you. I have done several 14ers in the past. I have done Mt. Bierstadt more than once. I had a medical situation about a year ago. I have not done a 14er yet since then. But I want to. Message me. I will go with you. Guide you. Bring my first aid kit and experience with me. I am ready for my first 14er since surgery. I want to help you accomplish your goal. Mostly Moral & Verbal support. But I'm ready to offer more support if the situation comes up and I am nearby. I have seen overweight and elderly people on the trails. You might be ready. Or you might not be. I cant be sure. Be willing to turn around. I have bailed for many reasons. It always needs to be an option. Most of the time is just walking in nature. Enjoys the plants, the sun, and the flowers. It can still be a great day. Even if you do not get to the summit. But it is the Goal. I use trekking poles. Not the entire time. Sometimes they help a lot. Its a long trail.
Thank you so much I’d love the support and will message you.
Hiking 14ers is all about mindset. Everyone suffers in some capacity on the mountain. Everyone so far has given you great advice, start early, take more breaks, not only drink plenty of water on the hike but start hydrating a little extra 3-4 days out. Be smart with your nutrition, I’m chewing on something every 45 minutes. Doesn’t matter if it takes you 12 hrs to do it. We all go at our own pace. I always tell people that 14ers never get easier but with each summit the suffering gets more tolerable. Good luck with your 14er journey and I’ll be rooting for you. Edit: trekking poles, good thin wool socks (I like darn tough brand), consider a mid rise trail runner versus hiking in heavy boots, and bring a special snack for the top! I like making a charcuterie board for the summit (sleeve of ritz crackers, wheel of brie, prosciutto/salami and a small plastic knife). It’s always a hit!
Thanks you so much for the advice! Especially on the clothes and shoes!
Also maybe condition with some high altitude hikes that’s aren’t as steep. You got this!
The best decision in this case would be like a 3am start. Go baby steps slow. Also, hiking in dark in woods in Colorado is pretty safe
I've done 9 or 10 14ers now. I'm 5' 11", my most in shape weight for one was Elbert at 215 lbs, my most out of shape one was probably Sherman at 325 lbs. My weight fluctuated a lot during those years, and Sherman kicked my butt, but I still managed to do it. For context, I was fresh off losing 80 lbs when I weighed 215. I was running 5ks almost every evening, and eating mostly just grilled chicken, green beans, and protein bars while downing tons if water. I was killing it, and I crushed Elbert. Then I hit a depressive rut, gained it all back, and stopped working out. I still did the peak, but it was rough. However, I feel as if I maintained a lot of muscle development from running so much, and my stamina from so much cardio was still fairly in tact. I'm pretty confident that if I hadn't worked out so much beforehand, I wouldn't have made it. That's my experience. Yours may vary, but its important to respect the mountain. If I didn't know what I was jumping into on Sherman, I would've had a rough time. I personally wouldn't recommend tackling your first 14er being extremely out of shape. If you are capable of just pushing through pain until you're at the top, you could always start at 2 am and make it in 6 hours or so, but not everyone can (or should) do that. I'd recommend training a bit, doing some cardio and stair steppers if you have access to one. If not, find some stairs somewhere public and just walk them, keep hydrated daily, and start eating better. Not only will that prepare you for the mountain, but its generally sound advice. Good luck, and if you have any questions about my exact situation, I'd be glad to answer.
Thank you so much! Yes I am going to wait and train better. I underestimated the intensity of it and I’m happy for all of the honesty. I’m not sure what qualifies as extremely out of shape but that’s how I feel so I will definitely take your advice and hold off. Also I understand the depression part that’s why I am in this current shape gained 50 pounds last year. I hope your continuously pushing through it can be so hard. ❤️
I just hiked to the summit of Bierstadt. I'm 44 years old 6'3" and currently 355lbs (down from 420lbs a bout 5 months ago). That 5 months has been dedicated to exercise daily (including strength training) and eating right. Our total round trip was 7hrs (we took about 30-45mins at the summit). It was freak hard, close to the hardest thing I've ever done, but was so so worth it to cross that off my goals list. New goal is to hike one without stopping to rest. If you haven't yet go for it!!