Is the 14er hike guided by COR?

No, the 14er hike is not guided by COR; it is simply a gathering of friends hiking together. COR does not assume liability or permitting for this activity and each person choosing to hike should be able to take personal responsibility for his or her own needs throughout the day. Families should make decisions about their and their children’s ability level on their own. Each person should bring all necessary equipment, including food, water, and emergency supplies, that they might require. More information on which fourteener we will hike and where the group should meet will be provided to participants; the fourteener will be class 3 (non technical) and in the Buena Vista valley. Depending on the number of people attending and their experience levels we might do 2 different peaks, an easier Class III route and a more technical Class IV route. 

What should we bring to the Mass and meal at the COR property?

Please bring anything necessary to be comfortable based on conditions (layers, sunscreen, etc.) We strongly suggest bringing camping chairs, water bottles, and headlamps; sports supplies and musical instruments are welcome! The property is high desert so closed toe shoes are recommended. If you have serious dietary restrictions or allergies, we also suggest bringing supplies for your own meal (including your own stove if the meal needs to be cooked) due to the possibility of cross contamination. 

Is there any charge for this event?

No, there is no charge for this event! However, we do ask that you RSVP by July 19th so that we can make adequate arrangements for food and supplies. Donations are gratefully accepted and can be made in person or on our website HERE.

Who can participate? 

All are welcome, from high schoolers, young adults, to families and older adults. Anyone under 18 must have a parent or guardian with them. Younger children can certainly camp and join the property portions of the trip.  Anyone who doesn’t want to hike the 14er can still camp with us and do your own thing on Sunday morning and meet up in the afternoon after the hike.

Are there camping options?

Yes! Tent camping is an option at our property on Saturday, August 2. The property has outhouses but is otherwise set up as a primitive campground. Tents will be set up a short walk from the cars, not directly next to the vehicles. Anyone spending the night on the property must sign our waiver as part of the registration process. Campers must provide their own water and food for the weekend, besides the lunch on Sunday, August 3rd , which will be provided by COR. Smoking is not allowed on the property and if fires are allowed, COR will provide the wood and fire and will only use the one of both of the two established firepits. No other fires are allowed. Any inappropriate or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated. If you would like to spend the night in your vehicle, know that the parking lot is a short walk from the campground and closer to the highway.

Contact COR with any questions!

This event will take place in the Buena Vista valley about 2 hours west of Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The COR property is less than 10 minutes north of Buena Vista and can be accessed by any 2 wheel drive vehicle on a maintained dirt road. The 14er hike will be on one of the 14ers in that valley between Leadville and Buena Vista. Since this is not guided by COR you can also choose to do any other 14er or hike or go to hot springs or any other activity in the area and join up with the group in the afternoon for the BBQ and Mass. If we have a large group we will not hike as a big group and split into smaller groups or possibly hike two different peaks, an easier Class II peak and a more difficult peak.

For those wishing to camp on Saturday, please show up anytime after 6pm on Saturday evening; food will not be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own dinner. The property does have a number of picnic tables but no stoves or cooking supplies will be available to use. Camp with the group and enjoy a fire (if permitted), stargazing, prayer, and great fellowship. Anyone participating in the fourteener hike should be prepared for an alpine start, leaving the property parking lot as early as 4:30am or meeting at the trailhead by 5am. Since COR is not guiding the hike, be sure to bring any needed food, water, layers, backpacks, etc. needed for the day. Following the hike, we will reconvene at the COR property location between 12-1PM for a BBQ provided by COR. We will finish eating by 2:30PM to fast for Mass and enjoy a short Frassati themed talk by the priest followed by small group discussions. Sunday Mass will take place at 3:30PM on the property and the event will conclude after mass by 5pm. More details including directions to the property will be sent to those who RSVP to the event. You are welcome to participate in the whole day’s activities, or to simply join us for lunch and Mass!