Pike National Forest
Mt. Bierstadt

Mt. Bierstadt is one of Colorado's 54 peaks over 14,000'. As such, it sees traffic throughout the year. Some folks even use Bierstadt as a test peak for winter mountaineering lessons. The route I give below is up Bierstadt's western slopes and is probably the easiest and most popular route, although many people climb to Bierstadt's summit by coming from Mt. Evans or Abyss Lake, to the east.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 11,669'
• High Point: 14,060'
• Trail ending: 14,060'

Access: On the I-70, take exit 228 at Georgetown and follow the signs to the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. On the Byway, go south for 10 miles to the pass summit.

Notes: From the Guanella Pass Trailhead, go southeast about 1 mile to the flats near Scott Gomer Creek. Find the trail near the north end of the famous sea of willows and head east. The well-defined trail winds up the western slope of Bierstadt for about 1.5 miles to 13,780' on a shoulder south of the summit. Turn northeast and climb that last 1/4 mile along the ridge to the top. On your way back out, remember that the last mile from the willows to your car is all uphill...

USGS Maps: Mount Evans