A telescoping ladder is provided, that includes a plurality of columns disposed in a nested arrangement for relative axial movement in a telescopic fashion between a fully-extended position and a collapsed position. The columns are connected to rungs by way of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly has a locking pin moveable between an extended position or a retracted position for extending into or retracting out of openings of adjacent columns to selectively lock or release the columns respectively. The telescoping ladder includes a plurality of actuators that permit collapsing the ladder in a sequential manner, the sequence involving collapsing the columns on a lower portion of the ladder prior to collapsing columns immediately thereabove.