Hi All,
I've been thinking of hiking up Pike's Peak "soon" but unable to commit to the plan because of some doubts (mostly regarding the wisdom of it for me). I hope to get some answers here in order to proceed, go elsewhere or something.
I am a hiker and not interested in, or knowledgeable about, technical climbing. I've been wanting to do a 14er for many years and have a fair idea of which ones are suitable. My reason for choosing PP, which has a much longer hike and net elevation gain than, say Elbert, is that I am also not interested in hiking down. I don't mind a long way up. If I do PP, I'll do it with an overnight halt at Barr Camp and take the cog rlwy down. So, no rush to reach the summit before the last train leaves and plenty of time to smell the pines en route.
From time-of-the-year perspective, is early Oct too late? It's my favorite time to do things. But I don't fancy hiking in snowy conditions (falling or on the ground). Would I need any traction device on my feet for this hike? Trekking poles are the only "gear" I own. I believe the afternoon thunderstorms would mostly be done by August end. Does that mostly leave Sep to do a 14er hike?
From views/enjoying the hike perspective, are some hikeable 14ers "better" than others? ("better" is subjective, yes).
From safety perspective, anything to worry about from humans, animals, terrain, ... on some 14ers more than others, or on all? If something were to go wrong, would someone find/come across me? I'm generally not the kind to leave trails for "shortcuts" or crawl on to the edge of a precipice for any special view/experience.
Me: Middle-aged female, planning to hike solo (blessed with only wimpy friends), well-informed about altitude sickness (hiked above 15K' elsewhere without AMS issues), can hike long distances and elevation gains.
I'd like to hear your opinions, wisdom, advice, experience, suggestions...
Thank you.
OCD