Beyond Colorado’s wildest days
Colorado’s remote valleys, harsh weather, and 56 summits above 14,000 feet marked Kilian’s toughest miles yet, closing an unforgettable chapter of the States of Elevation project and opening the way for what comes next.
25 September 2025
Total activity
14ers achieved / +4 000 m Peaks
56
Total running (miles/km)
468,92 / 754,47
Total cycling (miles/km)
738,61/ 1188,56
Elevation gain (ft/m)
255888,87 / 78004
Total activity hours
261:29:29
Stage 12 of the States of Elevation project served up a true San Juan epic: 18 hours, four summits, and great company in some of Colorado’s wildest mountains. The day kicked off with a gravel bike approach alongside Scottt Simmons, meeting NNormal teammate Dakota Jones at the Mount Sneffels trailhead. Together, they topped out on Sneffels under perfect bluebird skies.
After a fast descent, Kilian and Dakota pedaled west, chasing the afternoon light into the Lizard Head Wilderness. What followed was a massive 25 miles traverse connecting Wilson Peak, El Diente Peak, and Mt. Wilson, with touches of Class IV climbing adding extra spice to the long day. After more than 18 hours on the move, and well into the night, Kilian added four more summits, making it 52 peaks over 14,000 feet in the two weeks since the project began.
Kilian wrapped up his Colorado Fourteener journey in style, deep in the remote Chicago Basin, with Dakota once again by his side. The Stage 13 began with a chilly gravel ride to the Purgatory Flats trailhead, followed by nearly four hours of running just to reach the start of the real climbing. The mission: tackle Colorado’s four most remote fourteeners: Mt. Eolus, North Eolus, Sunlight Peak, and Windom Peak.
In 16 days, Kilian linked 56 fourteeners across Colorado, covering 1,943 km (1,207 miles) with 78,004 m (≈255,900 ft). Most of the distance came on the bike (1,188.56 km; ~61%), but most of the time was spent on foot (198:37:17; ~76%), averaging ~121 km and ~4,875 m of vertical per day—about a marathon on foot plus ~80 km by bike, every single day. He did this on ~4.5 hours of sleep per night, in tough conditions: rain or snow on 8 of the 16 days, with temperatures from –9 °C on the peaks to 26 °C in the valleys.
How big is that? Every day, he was on the move for about 16½ hours—roughly 70% of the day—covering a marathon on foot, another 74–80 km by bike, and ~4,875 m of vertical, 16 days straight. All told, that’s 78,004 m of climbing (almost nine Everests) and a route about as long as Denver to San Francisco—over mountain terrain.
A perfect companion for unpredictable conditions.
During his Colorado Fourteener climbs, bad weather seems to be Kilian's constant partner, making him rely on the Wind Jacket more than expected.
On the Pikes Peak Ascent, wind was persistent, and the jacket played a crucial role in keeping Kilian protected while he navigated one of the most demanding climbs of the Colorado series.
At just 120 grams, it’s so light you barely notice it in your pack, yet it provides full protection when needed. With a two-way zip for ventilation and the ability to pack into its own hood pocket, it adapts quickly to shifting mountain weather, always ready when the elements turn.
“It feels great to have finished Colorado: the mountains are stunning, and the wilderness is truly special. During the first two weeks the weather was really tough. Colorado it’s the biggest section of the project, with the most summits and some of the hardest navigation, so it was very exciting“
Connecting Communites, Elevating Solutions
At the heart of the States of Elevation project is not “just” Kilian’s physical challenge, but a broader mission: building an environmental movement that connects local action with global impact.
This is where the Kilian Jornet Foundation steps in, acting not alone but by listening, learning, and collaborating toward solutions, because climate change is both a global and local challenge, and real progress begins with connection and collective action.
Along Kilian’s U.S. route, the Foundation has partnered with local organizations to restore trails, protect ecosystems, and engage communities. Through their collaboration, we organized Running Minds events in Denver, Golden, Durango, and Reno, bringing together over 500 people to learn, share, and take action. Our journey also included trail work days in Colorado Springs and Truckee, where we partnered with local organizations to maintain trails and improve access to nature.
The Foundation’s work follows three themes: Restoration, Resilience, and Reconnection. Together, they create a progression: repair the damage, build the strength to face what’s ahead, and renew our relationship with the places we depend on. Over time, these steps link ecosystems, communities, and people, forming a continuous story of environmental action.
Through an interactive map, the Kilian Jornet Foundation highlights initiatives along Kilian’s route, showing how local efforts, from trail restoration to community engagement, connect to a larger environmental movement. By supporting the Foundation through our 1% for the Planet contribution, NNormal ensures every mile of Kilian’s journey directly supports these actions, turning endurance into tangible impact for mountains, ecosystems, and communities.
Discover a selection of gear chosen by Kilian Jornet to support the States of Elevation adventure.
Discover the collection