Climbing Grades
The climbing grades used on this site are assigned per the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS). An explanation of the YDS grading can be found here.
Online resources
14ers.com is the best resource we have found for data on routes and conditions for all Colorado (and many out of state) mountains. The site covers all 14,000′ and 13,000′ peaks in the state, and we have found the trip reports by other climbers helpful, entertaining, and a great inspiration to get out and hike.
Climb13ers.com is another excellent resource. If it cannot be found on 14ers.com it’ll be here.
SummitPost.org is yet another excellent resource for routes, access, and restrictions.
merelyafleshwound.com is an excellent site put together by Alex Henes, who has hiked all 58 Colorado 14ers, AND all 719 ranked/unranked 13ers (and many more!) This site is full of excellent pictures from his hikes and is a great way to get your adventure bone a’tinglin.
Alpinesavvy.com has a range of tips and tricks that are very useful. Great resource for rope skills, anchors, and such.
Gaiagps.com Excellent GPS mapping, and fair subscription price. I use this to plan all our routes and to navigate in the back-country. Simple to import GPS data from other sources and also to map out a new route.
Offline Resources (books)
Colorado Scrambles – Dave Cooper
Best Summit Hikes in Colordao – James Dziezynski
Colorado Thirteeners – Gerry Roach and Jennifer Roach
Gear……
Matt’s Favorites
As an absolute gear nerd I have a ton of gear I love. The items listed below have been in my rotation for many years and are used on most outings.
Hoka Speedgoats – Comfy, grippy, and they dry fast. Would live in them if my penchant for gaudy colors didn’t clash with my normal attire. They are pricey, and the quality has dropped some, if I’m honest. Still love them though.
Rab – Microlight Alpine Down Jacket – Another item I wear for all occasions. Light, warm, and packs down to nothing.
Ultimate Direction Fastpack, – 30 liter – I love this thing. Light enough to run with, but has the capacity to hold my gear for a full day (and some minimalist overnight trips.)
Garmin In Reach mini GPS satellite communicator – Another essential which allows me to message home if running late (works when cell service is non-existent) and has the capability to communicate with the emergency services if needed.
Erin’s Favorites (coming soon..)
High Climbs and Misdemeanors 