I've done 6 cycles of our 14'ers. I have seen the good and the bad and the reckless. Also have had my fair share in getting their bodies out off the mountains. Preparedness and knowledge and proper training with an emphasis on good decision making are the key. Be it plain old mountaineering and/or technical climbing, you need to know what you're doing.

The practice of bagging 14'ers is a dumb one. Rushing into it is another dumb idea and I have seen a lot of that in the last few years. 95% or more of people have no clue as to what they are doing in the wilderness. That is a frightening prospect for both them and any rescuers who may have to come looking for them.

For fun and games, I like to ask newbies the difference between extrusive and intrusive rock, before I take them on a 14'er. If they cannot answer that, they have NO BUSINESS on the mountain.

The words of advice I have for people wanting to bag a 14'er is to go with someone who is experienced and knowledgeable