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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

3 days ago

It sure didn't feel like late May on Mt. Elbert this week, but our summer crews bundled up and braved the frigid temps and lingering snow to get trained up for the coming trail-building season. If you're climbing a fourteener this summer, you might see them doing what they do best: protect our highest peaks.You can get in on the conservation action, too! Sign up for one of our volunteer projects before all the spaces have been filled. https://14ers.volunteerhub.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

4 days ago

We just had to share this little spirit-lifter we received this morning. The future of the fourteeners is looking extra bright today. Thank you, Bode. We promise to put your allowance to good use. ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

2 weeks ago

Along with Alyssa Karpa, board president of El Paso County Search and Rescue, and Ashley Krammer, volunteer program manager for the Colorado Mountain Club, CFI executive director Lloyd Athearn will talk about how to safely summit Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks without putting yourself in danger. This is a free in-person event, but registration is required. https://coloradosun.com/events/#summitsafely2025 ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

1 month ago

Join us this summer for a volunteer trail stewardship project! We're looking for mountain lovers like you to help preserve and protect Colorado's fourteeners. With direction from our staffers, you'll get your hands—and almost everything else!—dirty in an effort to revitalize the trails that lead to the summits of our 14,000-foot peaks.Whether you're a veteran peakbagger or a trail newbie, join us for backcountry fun that leaves a lasting impact. Visit 14ers.volunteerhub.com. ... See MoreSee Less

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Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

3 months ago

CFI is pleased to announce that after several years of work with the Trinchera Blanca Ranch, legally permitted access has been restored to Mount Lindsey under an electronic waiver system managed by the Ranch: www.mountlindseywaiver.com. Yea! It's been almost four long years since the mountain closed. Thanks to those of you who deferred climbing Lindsey until it could be done legally.A few things to keep in mind:1. The waiver and allowed access apply only to the gully route (standard) and ridge route as they are accessed from the primary trailhead. CFI worked with the Ranch to ensure that the both the gully and ridge routes were clearly shown on maps as open to climbing. No other routes on the mountain are authorized, nor can you access the peak legally from any other place. Entering the Ranch from any other point or trying to climb any other route will mean you are trespassing and will be doing great harm to this important relationship.2. It is best to obtain your waiver before you leave town. However, some people may not be in the know about the new requirement. Therefore, CFI impressed upon the Ranch the need to install a sign with the QR code as you enter onto Ranch property on the mountain's shoulder. They will install this signage once conditions allow in the early season when the road clears of snow. There is great great cell service at this point. Thus, there should be no reason that you are attempting to climb the peak without an electronic waiver. Doing so puts yourself and continued legal access in jeopardy. Don't do it!3. Know that getting to this point involved CFI working as part of the Fix CRUS Coalition to get Colorado's Recreational Use Statute changed last year. That effort provided greater landowner protection from liability when they allow free recreational access and post required signage. Do not under any circumstances remove or deface any legal signage you see on the route. This protects the Ranch and protects your ability to climb Mount Lindsey legally.Please remember that the restored climbing access to Mount Lindsey is a privilege that can be withdrawn if people do not follow the rules. Being responsible climbers will help maintain access. Violating the rules certainly will send a poor signal and may result in the peak being closed again. ... See MoreSee Less

Mount Lindsey Waiver

www.mountlindseywaiver.com

Mount Lindsey Waiver An executed waiver is required for any individual accessing the Trinchera Blanca Ranch (Property) to hike Mount Lindsey, including minors.The Waiver Form for Minors needs to be fi...

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colorado14ersinitiative

CFI works to preserve and protect the natural integrity of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks through active stewardship and public education.

It sure didn't feel like late May on Mt. Elbert th

It sure didn't feel like late May on Mt. Elbert this week, but our summer crews bundled up and braved the frigid temps and lingering snow to get trained up for the coming trail-building season. If you're climbing a fourteener this summer, you might see them doing what they do best: protect our highest peaks.

You can get in on the conservation action, too! Sign up for one of our volunteer projects before all the spaces have been filled. LINK IN BIO

We just had to share this little spirit-lifter we

We just had to share this little spirit-lifter we received this morning. The future of the fourteeners is looking extra bright today. Thank you, Bode. We promise to put your allowance to good use. #faithinhumanityrestored #14ersofcolorado #14ers #hikingcolorado #coloradohiking

Along with Alyssa Karpa, board president of El Pas

Along with Alyssa Karpa, board president of El Paso County Search and Rescue, and Ashley Krammer, volunteer program manager for the Colorado Mountain Club, CFI executive director Lloyd Athearn will talk about how to safely summit Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks without putting yourself in danger. This is a free in-person event, but registration is required. LINK IN BIO

Join us this summer for a volunteer trail stewards

Join us this summer for a volunteer trail stewardship project! We're looking for mountain lovers like you to help preserve and protect Colorado's fourteeners. With direction from our staffers, you'll get your hands—and almost everything else!—dirty in an effort to revitalize the trails that lead to the summits of our 14,000-foot peaks.

Whether you're a veteran peakbagger or a trail newbie, join us for backcountry fun that leaves a lasting impact. LINK IN BIO

🌲Agency Partner of the Year: Patrick Mercer!🌲

CFI is proud to honor Patrick Mercer, District Ranger for the Leadville Ranger District, as our 2024 Agency Partner of the Year! @u.s.forestservice

Patrick has been a trusted and reliable partner to CFI for many years, playing a pivotal role in securing a 30-year lease for our Twin Lakes base of field operations—a centrally located and critical hub that supports our work across Colorado’s 14ers.

In 2024, Patrick stepped up to help with the transition of the USFS 14er Program following the retirement of Loretta McEllhiney after 30+ years of service. Though such a significant change presented its challenges, Patrick’s guidance and collaborative approach have been instrumental in keeping the program moving forward and strengthening CFI’s ability to steward these cherished peaks.

Patrick’s commitment to preserving our public lands and supporting CFI’s mission has made a lasting impact. We are grateful for his partnership and leadership. Thank you, Patrick! 🌄

🏔️ Peak Steward of the Year - Steve O’Clair

🏔️ Peak Steward of the Year - Steve O’Clair! 🏔️

We’re excited to recognize Steve O’Clair as CFI’s 2024 Peak Steward of the Year!

Steve has been a dedicated Peak Steward since 2022, and his contributions in 2024 went above and beyond. Steve recorded time in the field educating hikers about LNT ethics and represented CFI at six outreach events, including REI clinics and 14er Fest. But he didn’t stop there—Steve also joined two multi-day trail stewardship projects and strengthened our State Trails grant proposal with a thoughtful and impactful letter of support.

No matter the challenge, Steve always steps up—whether it’s with short notice or when we need a hand during crunch time. His versatility and reliability make him a volunteer who can truly do it all.

Thank you, Steve, for your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to CFI’s mission! 💚

🏅 Rookie of the Year - Dean Royse🏅 Please j

🏅 Rookie of the Year - Dean Royse🏅

Please join us in celebrating Dean Royse, CFI’s 2024 Rookie of the Year!

In his first year volunteering with CFI, Dean went all in—and we couldn’t be more impressed. He dedicated his time and energy to three multi-day projects on Capitol, Uncompahgre, and Harvard Peaks, along with a single-day project on Quandary. In total, Dean spent an incredible 13 days volunteering in the field, making an outstanding contribution to protecting Colorado’s beloved 14ers.

Dean’s dedication and adventurous spirit have already made a lasting impact, and we’re beyond excited to see what he’ll accomplish next! Thank you, Dean, for your passion, hard work, and commitment to stewardship! 🙌

✨ Special Recognition Award: Anneliese Steel! ✨

We are beyond honored to present @annelieseonadventures with CFI’s 2024 Special Recognition Award for her unparalleled leadership and dedication to public lands advocacy.

With a background in government affairs and lobbying, Anneliese stepped up in 2023 when the first bill to amend the Colorado Recreational Use Statute was introduced. She united CFI, Access Fund, agricultural groups, and countless others to support the bill. When the first measure didn’t pass the Senate Judiciary Committee, Anneliese refused to back down.

Her vision and determination gave rise to the FixCRUS Coalition—a unified and strategic effort that ensured the bill’s success the second time around. Thanks to her tenacity, SB58 passed both the House and Senate committees with a remarkable 87-0 vote—an extraordinary and rare unanimous victory.

Anneliese’s efforts have set a new precedent for collaboration and advocacy across the state. Her visionary leadership has left a lasting impact, and we’re incredibly grateful for her passion and hard work. Thank you, Anneliese!

🎉 Partner Spotlight – Osprey Packs! 🎉 CFI

🎉 Volunteer Spotlight – Melinda Callender! 🎉

We’re thrilled to recognize Melinda Callender as CFI’s 2024 Adopt-a-Peak Volunteer of the Year! Last year, Melinda volunteered on 12 CFI stewardship projects (plus two projects with partner orgs) totaling more than 31 days in the field.

Melinda not only put in the hard work on the trails, but she also captured amazing photos from the field that have become an invaluable resource for CFI’s communications and grant reporting. And when it came time to strengthen one of our largest annual grant submissions, Melinda went above and beyond by writing a heartfelt letter of support.

When our team discussed this year’s volunteer awards, there was no doubt—Melinda was the clear choice for this honor.

Please join us in celebrating Melinda’s incredible contributions to trail stewardship! 🙌💚

Our field crews crushed it this season! 🏔️ Ch

Our field crews crushed it this season! 🏔️ Check out the incredible stats in our “Year in Trails” recap, inspired by @strava Year in Sport. From miles hiked to jaw-dropping elevation gains, our team went above and beyond to protect and improve Colorado’s 14ers. 🌄

🎉 THANK YOU, 14er Community! 🎉 Yesterday, f

🎉 THANK YOU, 14er Community! 🎉

Yesterday, for Colorado Gives Day, you showed up in an incredible way to support Colorado’s iconic peaks. Thanks to your generosity, CFI raised $121,011 through coloradogives.org and an additional $8,508 directly through our website, bringing our grand total to an amazing $129,519!

While we fell short of our ambitious $135,000 goal, this milestone is a powerful reminder of the collective strength and passion of the 14er hiking community.
Your support helps protect and preserve Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks for generations of hikers to come. Thank you for believing in this mission and for helping us continue our work on the trails you love. 💚

Stay tuned for updates on how your contributions will make a difference—together, we’re building a legacy of stewardship!

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1526 Cole Blvd, Suite 130 Lakewood, Colorado 80401 P: 303.278.7650 E: cfi@14ers.org

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