Is it culturally acceptable to hike 14ers by yourself?

[ZNixon]

Odd that the user account was created last night and this is the first post. Plenty of people hike alone, not a big deal and nobody cares.

Hehe, nice catch!

And I've only hiked solo, I've never actually had the pleasure of hiking with somebody in Colorado! What a silly troll!

[dp1992]

Yea I mean, I should say that I've gone on plenty of hikes solo, but always felt awkward like I stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm not sure what to make of the troll comments, I guess in a way it is trolling because the subject and the thoughts I'm expressing are not so common among most of you, but they're legitimate. I think this is a form of elitism, to call this a troll post is to dismiss a very real concern by a real member of the 14er community.

Certainly, a confidence building thread, for me at least, and I'm grateful for the well-rounded responses. I will feel much better on my next solo walk.

[daway8]

...there is a lot of underlying judgment about doing "social" activities alone, and especially hiking...

Wait, hiking is a social activity?!? I must have missed the memo!

[dp1992]

A third cultural question, do you guys say 'hello' to every person or group you pass on trail? I've read that this is a code of the Old West, or is it acceptable to pass people in silence?

[justiner]

I say, "howdy-do" myself.

[peter303]

Yes, but not your first ones.
You should learn the technique from someone who has done them before.

[markf]

A third cultural question, do you guys say 'hello' to every person or group you pass on trail? I've read that this is a code of the Old West, or is it acceptable to pass people in silence?

I say hello, not everyone responds. Sometimes we exchange a few words, sometimes we say hello to one another and leave it at that. If people don't respond or ignore me, I don't worry about it.

Yes, but not your first ones.
You should learn the technique from someone who has done them before.

The OP seems to have managed his first couple 14ers without too much trouble. Walking up mountains is not rocket science, plenty of people work out their own style of backcountry travel on their own.

[cedica]

I've read that this is a code of the Old West, or is it acceptable to pass people in silence?

Dude, really? Like, you can pass people in Bosnian mountains in silence? Plus you are pretty sure everyone is carrying, which is another incentive that puts you on your best behavior.

[pvnisher]

The preferred passing method is to give them a steely eyed stare.
If they don't look away fast enough, or worse yet, return the stare, then it's dealers choice of pistols or fisticuffs.

[cedica]

I say, "howdy-do" myself.

And I say "wow, famous red beard, so glad to finally meet you in person"!

[ZNixon]

The preferred passing method is to give them a steely eyed stare.
If they don't look away fast enough, or worse yet, return the stare, then it's dealers choice of pistols or fisticuffs.

[Ptglhs]

A third cultural question, do you guys say 'hello' to every person or group you pass on trail? I've read that this is a code of the Old West, or is it acceptable to pass people in silence?

I say, "smile boy, you got a purdy mouth!" Probably why I hike alone...