A quarter century and 58 peaks
Linsay and Ryan Shirley, residents of The Village at Castle Pines, celebrated atop Pikes Peak on Labor Day after completing their 58th and final Colorado 14er. The Shirleys were surrounded by family and friends who joined them on the summit to cheer them on. Their celebration included a champagne toast, Pikes Peak donuts and chocolate milk for Linsay. (Chocolate milk is Linsay’s favorite drink and she has it every night before bedtime).
The couple’s 25-year journey to climb all 14ers, previously covered by The Connection in October 2023, began with Mt. Sherman in June 1999 alongside Linsay’s dad, Scott, who also summited their final peak with them in September.
The Shirleys named Maroon Bells (with the traverse) as their favorite climb; Capitol Peak as the hardest; Little Bear Peak as the most dangerous; and Culebra Peak as the most beautiful. They both agree that the San Juan Mountains are, without a doubt, the best range in Colorado. Congratulations to the Shirleys.
By Mindy Stone; photos courtesy of Linsay Shirley
