Is it culturally acceptable to hike 14ers by yourself?

[dp1992]

Is it culturally acceptable in Colorado to hike 14ers solo?

I've done several hikes alone, but always am afraid that this is not culturally acceptable. Everyone seems to be in groups.

[cottonmountaineering]

Yes for sure, nothing wrong with going by yourself.

[dp1992]

Cool man.

Second question, I always feel like I don't belong, because I am from Bosnia and grew up poor. I feel like a peasant while everyone else in Colorado seems to be super elite.

Is this an accurate perception? Do I belong here at all?

[cottonmountaineering]

I think being around the summer 14er crowd is more of a social gathering so that is understandable. Keep going out, talking to people, and you'll make some friends for sure.

[dp1992]

That answer doesn't bode well. I'm afraid it is true that I do not belong living in Colorado, or at least not hiking the routes and peaks, because that seems to be reserved for the elite people. But it's difficult because I really enjoy the mountains, and hiking. Bosnia is itself full of mountains, and I love the outdoors, it's in my genes.

[Ptglhs]

Cool man.

Second question, I always feel like I don't belong, because I am from Bosnia and grew up poor. I feel like a peasant while everyone else in Colorado seems to be super elite.

Is this an accurate perception? Do I belong here at all?

My troll radar is going off.

Anyone who respects the mountains is welcome on them. Anyone who respects the mountains and is a nice person is welcome here in my opinion, though several people on this forum satisfy neither.

I'm poor and usually hike alone. Though on a summer weekend you won't be by yourself on a 14er.

[painless4u2]

My troll radar is going off.

I've got that same feeling: When one door closes, another opens. On the same day. Hmm.

I’ll just do everyone a favor and refrain from the forum section! While I hike this winter I won’t bother posting anymore conditions reports.

[dp1992]

Absolutely not a troll. I appreciate the responses. I often ask questions, not just here, that most people might think don't need to be or should not be asked, but what can I say? It's what I want to ask, it's what I want to know because these are things that I struggle with. Absolutely not a troll.

[dp1992]

Anyone who respects the mountains is welcome on them. Anyone who respects the mountains and is a nice person is welcome here in my opinion, though several people on this forum satisfy neither.

I like this answer, it's something I will try to keep in mind if I do stay here to see another summer.

[Iguru]

I have hiked the vast majority of my checklist of 14ers alone. I couldn't care less about how "culturally acceptable" it is. If you enjoy hiking alone, you should not doubt your own intentions, by asking if others approve. Just go for it.

[markf]

Cool man.

Is it culturally acceptable in Colorado to hike 14ers solo?

I've done several hikes alone, but always am afraid that this is not culturally acceptable. Everyone seems to be in groups.

I've done 48 14ers so far, all of them alone. It's never occurred to me to look for a partner. My job has always allowed me to work weekends and have days off during the week, which makes it easy to find solitude in the mountains. Sometimes I enjoy talking briefly to the people I meet, and sometimes I get into longer conversations. Mostly, though, I just enjoy being out in the backcountry by myself.

Cool man.

Second question, I always feel like I don't belong, because I am from Bosnia and grew up poor. I feel like a peasant while everyone else in Colorado seems to be super elite.

Is this an accurate perception? Do I belong here at all?

Hiking and climbing 14ers does attract a fairly well off crowd. Try to focus on your own enjoyment, and try not to worry about the people around you. People who have more money than you aren't necessarily any smarter than you, they just got born into a more fortunate or privileged set of circumstances. If you enjoy being in the mountains then yes, you belong in the mountains.

[cedica]

No fear.

Vežući se za jedno mjesto čovjek prihvata sve uslove, čak i nepovoljne, i sam sebe plaši neizvjesnošću koja ga čeka. (...) Odlazeći, čuva slobodu, spreman je da promijeni mjesto i nametne uslove. (Meša Selimović - quote is from the novel https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_and_the_Dervish)