The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently introduced updated, more accurate measurements that lower the official heights of all our favorite fourteeners by about two feet. The report was released on April 15, 2024; see below for an updated list of Colorado 14ers by elevation.
Fans of Lake City can rest assured that Sunshine Peak still towers above the 14,000-foot mark, registering at 14,004.5 feet, per NOAA’s latest data.
What’s more, it’s even climbed up the rankings, now just edging out Huron Peak, which stands at 14,004.1 feet. Despite being the shortest of the Collegiate Peaks, Huron Peak holds on to its revered status among the mountain community.
NOAA’s recent update to sea level measurements impacts all of Colorado. Notable spots like Pikes Peak, now standing at 14,107 feet—just two feet shorter than before, remain essentially the same.
However, some local elevation markers and the iconic mile-high step at the Capitol will need to be updated to reflect these new measurements using the new list of Colorado 14ers by elevation.
Derek van Westrum, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration physicist with NOAA, led the extensive National Spatial Reference System update. He humorously mentioned notifying the governor about the elevation adjustments, and now an event to recognize these changes is planned for the final year of Governor Polis’s term in 2026.
The updated measurements are now highly precise, down to a few inches. They’re so accurate that the new measurements are about 20 times more precise than the former approximations.
This accuracy is due to advanced GPS technology and a more refined understanding of gravity and Earth’s curvature, rather than geological changes or erosion.
While some peaks have small decreases in height, all remain above the iconic 14,000-foot mark. This is important because in the world of 14ers, the exact heights of these iconic peaks aren’t just numbers—they’re a big part of climbing culture and lore.
Hiking and climbing enthusiasts keep an eye on updates with a mix of excitement and a bit of nerves, especially when there’s a chance their favorite mountain might gain or lose a few feet in stature. Due to recent recalibrations, Sunshine Peak nearly lost its classification, but ultimately, the changes were minor and too small to really upset anyone.
On a related note: while this update wasn’t caused by geological shifts, is it theoretically possible that rising sea levels could eventually shorten the distance from sea level to Colorado’s towering peaks?
Possibly, but not for a very long time.
It’s estimated that it might take about 10,000 years before these iconic fourteeners see any real impact from sea level changes due to climate change or other causes. So, for the foreseeable future, we can use this revised list of Colorado 14ers by elevation because these stats are in no danger.
Updated Rankings of Colorado’s 14er Elevations
Sorted by elevation, data courtesy of the NOAA.
- Huron Peak – 14,004.1 feet
- Sunshine Peak – 14,004.5 feet
- Mt. of the Holy Cross – 14,005.2 feet
- Wetterhorn Peak – 14,018.9 feet
- North Maroon Peak – 14,019.9 feet
- San Luis Peak – 14,020.2 feet
- Wilson Peak – 14,020.4 feet
- Pyramid Peak – 14,027.1 feet
- Conundrum Peak – 14,034.7 feet
- Redcloud Peak – 14,036.0 feet
- Little Bear Peak – 14,039.5 feet
- North Eolus – 14,039.8 feet
- Mt. Sherman – 14,040.4 feet
- Mt. Lindsey – 14,053.2 feet
- Culebra Peak – 14,053.2 feet
- Ellingwood Point – 14,054.9 feet
- Handies Peak – 14,055.9 feet
- Sunlight Peak – 14,059.0 feet
- Mt. Bierstadt – 14,064.5 feet
- Humboldt Peak – 14,066.6 feet
- Missouri Mountain – 14,069.2 feet
- Mt. Columbia – 14,072.6 feet
- Challenger Point – 14,084.6 feet
- Mt. Eolus – 14,085.0 feet
- Windom Peak – 14,087.0 feet
- Snowmass Mountain – 14,101.7 feet
- Pikes Peak – 14,107.0 feet
- Capitol Peak – 14,136.3 feet
- Mt. Democrat – 14,152.3 feet
- Mt. Sneffels – 14,153.3 feet
- Mt. Oxford – 14,156.3 feet
- Tabeguache Peak – 14,157.0 feet
- Maroon Peak – 14,161.5 feet
- Kit Carson Peak – 14,165.2 feet
- El Diente Peak – 14,173.2 feet
- Mt. Bross – 14,177.9 feet
- Crestone Needle – 14,194.8 feet
- Mt. Yale – 14,197.0 feet
- Mt. Belford – 14,199.6 feet
- Mt. Princeton – 14,200.1 feet
- Mt. Shavano – 14,228.3 feet
- Mt. Cameron – 14,245.9 feet
- Mt. Wilson – 14,254.1 feet
- Longs Peak – 14,255.9 feet
- Mt. Blue Sky – 14,266.1 feet
- Mt. Antero – 14,269.0 feet
- Quandary Peak – 14,269.9 feet
- Torreys Peak – 14,270.1 feet
- Castle Peak – 14,272.3 feet
- Grays Peak – 14,275.5 feet
- Mt. Lincoln – 14,290.6 feet
- Crestone Peak – 14,296.8 feet
- Uncompahgre Peak – 14,315.8 feet
- La Plata Peak – 14,343.0 feet
- Blanca Peak – 14,348.5 feet
- Mt. Harvard – 14,421.7 feet
- Mt. Massive – 14,423.9 feet
- Mt. Elbert – 14,437.6 feet
FAQ
The tallest 14er in Colorado is Mt. Elbert, which stands at an elevation of 14,437.6 feet (4,401 meters).
The elevations of Colorado’s 14ers are measured using GPS technology combined with a deeper understanding of Earth’s gravity and curvature. This method ensures highly accurate elevation data.
Mt. Bierstadt is often considered the easiest Colorado 14er to climb due to its relatively gentle trail, shorter distance, and lower overall difficulty compared to other peaks.
Colorado has 58 mountain peaks that are recognized as “14ers,” which means their summits are at or above 14,000 feet in elevation.
As of now, no new mountains have been officially recognized as 14ers in Colorado. The list remains at 58 peaks that reach or exceed 14,000 feet in elevation.
Elevation changes, due to more accurate measurements or natural factors, can affect the list of Colorado 14ers. If a peak’s revised height falls below 14,000 feet, it may be removed from the list, altering the total count of recognized 14ers.
At high elevations, safety tips include acclimatizing to reduce altitude sickness, staying hydrated, checking weather conditions, wearing proper gear, starting early to avoid afternoon storms, and knowing your physical limits.
Colorado’s 14ers, with elevations around 14,000 feet, are lower than many famous global peaks like Mount Everest at 29,032 feet but comparable to Europe’s Mont Blanc at 15,774 feet. They exceed the tallest peaks in the Appalachians and are similar to other U.S. high points.
To fully appreciate the majestic heights of Colorado’s natural landscape, the list of Colorado 14ers by elevation offers an invaluable resource for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether planning your next adventure or just exploring from afar, the detailed list of Colorado 14ers by elevation provides a comprehensive guide to these awe-inspiring peaks.