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Kilian Jornet, the acclaimed ultrarunner and mountaineer, has achieved a remarkable feat by ascending all 56 accessible peaks in Colorado that rise above 14,000 feet. This demanding journey, part of his 'States of Elevation' initiative, was completed in just 16 days. His expedition involved an astounding 1,942 kilometers of travel and an elevation gain of 78,004 meters, nearly nine times the height of Mount Everest. Jornet's commitment to avoiding mechanized transport meant he cycled between peaks on his gravel bike, adding another layer of challenge to an already arduous undertaking. Having conquered Colorado, he now prepares to face the 12 formidable 14,000-foot peaks in California, followed by two in Washington, aiming to conclude his ambitious project by early October.

Jornet commenced his Colorado venture on September 3, facing initial difficulties due to jet lag, high altitude, and consistently adverse weather conditions. Despite these hurdles, he swiftly adapted, establishing a rhythm that allowed him to summit multiple peaks daily. His self-reliance was evident as he relied solely on his gravel bike for inter-peak travel. The sheer scale of his effort is underscored by the accumulated distance and vertical gain, showcasing an unparalleled level of endurance and determination.

The 'States of Elevation' project aims for Jornet to climb all 70 available 14,000-foot peaks across the contiguous United States within approximately one month. With Colorado's 56 peaks behind him, he has 14 remaining, split between California and Washington. The total journey is projected to involve around 965 kilometers of hiking and climbing, complemented by an impressive 3,862 kilometers of cycling.

His route through Colorado included some of the most challenging terrains. He undertook the Elks Traverse, an 80-kilometer stretch over seven rugged peaks, completed in three days. Another significant challenge was Nolan's 14, a 161-kilometer traverse across 14 peaks in the Sawatch Range, where he navigated through wildfires and storms. Even his 'easier' days were intense, such as a 160-kilometer bike ride to Pikes Peak followed by a rapid ascent. Local running figures like Sage Canaday and Simi Hamilton occasionally joined him, noting Jornet's consistent calm demeanor despite the immense daily physical output.

As he documented on Instagram, Jornet maintained an average daily schedule of 16.5 hours of activity. This involved running a marathon distance, cycling 75-80 kilometers, and ascending 4,875 meters in elevation, consistently for 16 consecutive days. His horizontal travel distance across mountainous terrain was comparable to a journey from Denver to San Francisco, highlighting the immense scope of his expedition.

Reflecting on his time in Colorado, Jornet expressed profound satisfaction, remarking on the stunning mountain landscapes and the unique wilderness experience. He acknowledged the initial two weeks were particularly tough due to the weather, which added an unforeseen layer of complexity to his challenge. His onward journey will take him to California, where he plans to tackle its 12 highest peaks, beginning with Mount Whitney, which stands as the tallest in the Lower 48 states at 4,421 meters. Following California, he will proceed to Washington to ascend Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, with a target completion date in early October. Jornet continues to share updates of his journey, often with a slight delay for safety, as he cycles through diverse landscapes toward his next set of mountainous objectives.