Should private citizens be allowed to own or charge for Colorado’s 14ers?

For many Coloradans, summiting the state’s tallest peaks is a rite of passage. From the unparalleled beauty of the Rocky Mountains, to a deep sense of adventure after a long day at altitude, enjoying Colorado’s rugged wild spaces is part of who we are. 

But what many outdoor recreators — and even longtime residents — may not know, is that a surprising portion of Colorado’s perceived wild lands are actually owned by private citizens.

The notion that a private citizen could own a mountain — especially one of clear public interest such as a 14er — came as a great shock to me. After years of adventuring in the backcountry, I first learned of the controversial issue last summer when I found myself prohibited from completing a…