Hungry Colorado Fourteener Hikers Find Great Places to Eat
Above photo: Quincys Steak & Spirits has several locations in the Upper Arkansas River Valley in the heart of Colorado.
Story by Connie Gelb Otteman; photos by Brad Clement
Connie is a freelance writer, photographer and English teacher based in Washington, D.C. Brad is an adventure videographer based in Colorado.
Whether searching for casual dining or something more upscale, satisfying meals are easy to find.
High-altitude hiking can make fourteener climbers ravenous at the end of the day. The following Colorado eateries are located within easy driving distance of some of Colorado’s 58 14,000-foot peaks. From decent greasy spoons to Zagat-rated fine-dining, these establishments were culled as favorites from my family’s 11-year fourteener quest.
After climbing Blanca Peak: Silver Sage Steakhouse
U.S. Highway 160, Fort Garland, Colo.
Specialties: burgers, grilled steak and ribs
After climbing El Diente: Cimarron Coffee & Books
380 West Sherman St., Ridgway, Colo.
Specialties: coffee, tea and pastries
After climbing Mount of the Holy Cross: Quincy’s Steak & Spirits
416 Harrison Ave., Leadville, Colo.
Specialties: grilled steak
After climbing Mount Lindsey: Calvillo’s Mexican Restaurant
400 Main St., Alamosa, Colo.
Specialties: tacos, enchiladas, carne asada and all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet
After climbing Missouri Mountain: Belly Up Aspen
450 S Galena St., Aspen, Colo.
Specialties: brick-oven pizza, burgers and bar food
After climbing North Maroon Peak: Richard Sandoval’s Venga Venga Cantina & Tequila Bar
105 Daly Lane, Snowmass Village, Colo.
Specialties: tacos, burritos and enchiladas
After climbing Pike’s Peak: Pike’s Peak Summit House
Cascade, Colo.
Specialties: cheeseburgers, hot dogs and “world-famous” high-altitude doughnuts
After climbing Pyramid Peak: Il Poggio
57 Elbert Lane, Snowmass Village, Colo.
Specialties: pasta, pizza and grilled meat
After climbing Mount Sneffels: New Sheridan Chop House
233 West Colorado Ave., Telluride, Colo.
Specialties: steak burgers, dry aged beef, grilled bison and Rocky Mountain elk
After climbing Wetterhorn: Restless Spirits Saloon
300B Third St., Lake City, Colo
Specialties: pizza, wings and burgers
After climbing Mount Wilson in the San Juan range: there…
627 West Pacific Ave., Telluride, Colo.
Specialties: Asian-inspired tapas and handcrafted cocktails
After climbing Wilson Peak: Cornerhouse Bar & Grill
131 North Fir St., Telluride, Colo.
Specialties: burgers, sandwiches, fried pickles and Monday Trivia Night
After climbing Mount Yale: Eddyline Restaurant & Brewery
926 South Main St., Buena Vista, Colo.
Specialties: wood-fired pizzas, wild game sausages and grilled meats
Fourteener Fever
For the past 25 years, Connie Gelb Otteman’s family has crisscrossed Colorado's high country on a mad mission to climb all 58 14,000-foot peaks.
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