The latest episode we discuss one of the great unresolved 14er questions of our time, ranking just above “Why do I own so many backpacks?”: Can you responsibly climb Castle and Conundrum from the Hot Springs side, or does the loose rock turn the whole endeavor into a sufferfest that can't even be assuaged by a hot springs soak?  To investigate, we’ve brought in two certified 14er finishers who have actually done Castle and Conundrum from the hot springs and survived with most of their joints. Kevin’s trip report from the Conundrum Hot Springs Elijah’s trip report from Cathedral to Conundrum.

A ceremonial moment for the Non-Standard 14er Podcast — our 58th episode, and we’re using it to ruin your summit résumé. We talk with Eric Gilbertson — engineering professor, global mountaineer, Centennial finisher, and, apparently, the man who just told every Colorado 14er climber: “Actually, that's not the true summit.” Eric’s new measurements reveal that the true summit of Crestone Peak isn’t the one you’ve been posting selfies from — it’s East Crestone, a slightly higher point that’s been quietly judging us for decades. We talk about how 1800s surveyors got it wrong, how modern lasers got it right, and what happens to the sacred 14er list when science shows up with a tape measure.

In this episode we tackle Wetterhorn Peak the non-standard way — from the Ridgway side over Coxcomb Pass — instead of the usual Lake City stroll up Matterhorn Creek. (Well, “stroll” if you consider 3,000 feet of climbing and a Class 3 finale a stroll.) We break down the logistics of each route: the Lake City standard, versus the Owl Creek/Ridgway approach, where you get solitude, wildflowers, and John Wayne whispering “Fill your hand, you son of a…” into the alpine breeze.

How does someone self-power themselves from the lowest point in Colorado to the highest point? Ricardo Pena joins the podcast to teaches us how. (Hint: It requires 350 miles and 23,000 elevation gain.) Ricardo is a mountain guide who has climbed the 14ers, Centennials, the 50 high points, and most of the seven summits. We hear how he came up with the unique climb of Mt. Elbert, stories from Everest Camp 4, and advice on dreaming up mountain adventures with style points.  link to the trip report: Mt. Elbert Trip Report 10/29/2024 | 14ers.com

The 14ers Fall Gathering has been held at Mill Creek Campground outside of Lake City for the past 10 years.  Short-Rope chatted with the organizers of the event: TaylorHolt and Ryguy on the latest episode in which they discussed topics from fitting into the group as a newbie to the unique shuttle routes you can design to bag some awesome 14ers and 13ers in the Lake City area. We also hear about the bear visit that occurred at the 2024 gathering.

Joining the podcast is a guy who has climbed the 14ers and every single 13,000-foot peak in Colorado: Alex Henes. We talk about his recent trip to Denali, what it is like to ski classic 14er ski lines like the Cross Couloir and the Bell Cord, and backpacking trips that involved multiple nights in a tent and multiple passes. Alex has a full description of all the 13ers on his website as well as many other awesome outdoor adventures: www.merelyafleshwound.com.

What's it like crossing the snow-covered Narrows section on Longs Peak in crampons? David (daway8 on 14ers.com) joins the podcast to talk about climbing Longs Peak in both the winter and the summer. We chat about the Loft route vs. the Keyhole. We also hear some advice for those who may be intimidated by Longs. You can find David's detailed trip report here: Longs Peak Trip Report 01/04/2024 | 14ers.com

Joining the Non-Standard 14er Podcast in this episode is Darin Radatz, Field Operations Manager of the Colorado Trail Foundation to chat about trail adopters, trail crews, re-routing hiking trails, and the challenges of maintaining trail in designated wilderness areas. We even got to learn about using dynamite to clear avalanche debris fields. If you're looking to get involved as a volunteer to do some trail building, listen in!

Why will the 14ers Democrat, Lincoln, Cameron, Bross, and Lindsey be restricted this summer because of a liability issue? Why was there a bill in the state legislature to modify the Colorado Recreational Use Statute? How did Covid and parking restrictions on popular 14ers changed the hiker use numbers?  Brian Sargeant re-joined the podcast to talk all about it.

The most remote 14ers in Colorado are up for discussion in this crowded episode of the Non-Standard 14er Podcast: Eolus, N. Eolus, Sunlight and Windom.  We talk about non-standard routes into the Chicago Basin, animals at your camp sites, and tips for riding the train.  We also talk about a rite of passage of the 14er journey: the leap of faith on Sunlight.