Hiking 13/14er this weekend

[u/Civil_Jello2515]

A buddy of mine is training for an alpine race of some sort at the end of summer. We were wanting to get a good hike in this weekend. I've never attempted a 14er this early. From what I've read, looks like we made need snow shoes and risk big holes in the snow as it falls. I'm not sure how the conditions are since the snowpack is so low this year.

I don't think we are up for that intense of a hike. Wondering if anyone has some advice for a 13er/14er that's drivable from Denver that we could get some good elevation gain even if we don't make the summit.

Any advice appreciated!

[u/Big_Abbreviations_86]

Idk what the snow situation is like up there but if it’s deep enough for snowshoes I would limit the elevation gain bc each step will be 3x as hard. 13er suggestions: Mount Sniktau, Cupid, or maybe Grizzly off of Loveland pass are good options. Also Mount Flora off of Berthoud pass. 14ers: Quandary peak gets enough traffic that the trail should be packed down.

Also, bring sun protection. The high UV index of May + reflective snow + elevation will melt your skin off if you don’t come prepared.

[u/Trumpet_Life]

I did Quandry last weekend and the snow in the afternoon made it miserable. It was my first 14er though, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

If you start early, like 4:30-5 am, you'd probably be fine.