Bierstadt Trailhead

My first 14er at age 41. It was hard but also not. Bring a jacket, it gets cold at the top. Stay hydrated… beautiful scenery, glad I brought my hiking pole. Recommend packing light!!

The views are amazing. There are lots of moose around the lakes leaving huge piles of poop in the willow bushes just like some of the incontinent hikers but at least the moose don’t pollute the landscape with soiled toilet paper. The trail is very crowded on the weekend and you may run into people peeing or even pooping right off the trail. There was a woman pooping right off the trail with her two guy friends just watching. How about venturing out further into the bushes and packing out your toilet paper? Nobody wants to see that nasty stuff on the ground. Leave very early in the morning so that you can enjoy the hike without worrying about the constantly changing clouds and getting struck by lightning. A lot of people get struck by lightning on this trail… look it up.

So beautiful. We were able to explore all over. People were so respectful of the trails and taking pictures for each other. Highly recommend to start off at 285and travel to Georgetown.

VERY fun hike. Trail is clearly marked until the last half a mile or so when the summit is visible. The whole route is beautiful. Took a couple pretty athletic guys about 2.5 hours to summit including a few breaks. The trip down took more like 1.5 hours. Very windy and chilly at the top, but sooooo fun.

The Mt. Bierstadt trail is a relatively easy out and back (among other 14ers) with moderate elevation gain and a short, but doable (for most) scramble to the summit. The entire trail boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range, with some wildflowers and a smaller alpine lake at the base. It’s highly trafficked, especially on a weekend, so don’t expect a remote experience. Definitely a great option for your looking to try their first 14er. Especially good for first-time kiddos and doggos too.

Absolutely wonderful hike on a clear mid October day. Be aware that you will cross a small creek, this can cause the surrounding rocks to be icy early in the morning!! It took us, quite active individuals from the Midwest, 5 hours out and back with breathing stops and snack at the top. The scramble up large boulders at the end was not marked, choose the easiest route for you and use the pile of rocks as a guide the whole way up! Be careful and enjoy the view!

We were taking Guanella Pass home and stopped here more as a scenic overlook. As we were leaving, my wife spotted a big and rambunctious moose coming toward the road. So, we ducked back in the lot to watch! We were surprised that the adult crossed the road but the younger one headed back...and the adult just kept on going down to the water. Interesting to watch nature from a safe distance! I bet the folks in the white SUV had a different experience...I thought the moose might ram them or ask them for a ride...

You will be exposed to the sun the entire hike. Extremely popular, weekends get large turnouts, but you can park on the road. Some nice bouldering at the top for the last 300 ft, nothing crazy. Well marked trail.

Great hike; challenging but not impossible for beginners. Show up early (around sunrise) as the trailhead fills up fast.

Hike to the top takes around 2 1/2-3 hours at a decent clip so you can beat the afternoon thunderstorms pretty easily. Great views of the front range the whole way up.

Well marked trail. Boardwalk through the lower level before the incline begins. 7.25 miles round trip is what I marked with my garmin. I found it to be a scramble to get to summit toward the top. One steam to cross by jumping across walks. I’m a marathoner and it was a hard work out for this flat lander. My 3 teens completed it too! Saw lots of wildlife. Go on a weekday for less people. I would not recommend on weekends at all. Arrive before 6 to get a good parking spot.

Had a great hike. This is lots of people’s first 14er and although it is a moderate trail, this is one of the easiest 14’ers.

Hiked the Bierstadt Trail to the top. 14060'. I'm 69 and far from being in good shape but I made it to the top. I left the trailhead at 5:30 and made it back at 12:20. The air is thin. 🙂 Being from a state that sits at about 2200' above sea level, the 12-14k' was a challenge. Beautiful views. Being so close to Denver it is very crowded on the weekend but during the week it's not too bad. Met lots of great people on the trail.

Hiked up Mount Bierstadt last August on a weekday so it wasn’t as crowded as it would be on the weekends. It was my first 14er and what an amazing experience it was. Difficult, steep, but so rewarding and the views are spectacular.
The Class 2 scramble right before you reach the summit was my favorite part.
Notes: before you try a 14er:
1) there is no easy 14er, just ones that are easier than others. Get in shape before you attempt a hike like this.
2) Get acclimated to altitude, especially if out of state and coming from lower elevations.
Altitude sickness can be deadly. Make sure you read up on it and turn around if you feel symptoms.
3) Start early. You don’t want to be caught above tree line in a thunderstorm. If stormy weather is moving in, turn around. The mountain will be there another day.
4) Know your limitations. If you get too tired, don’t push it. Again, the mountain isn’t going anywhere. It will be there once you get in better shape.
5) Hike at a pace that is good for YOU, with the exception below. Don’t feel the need to “keep up” with others around you and if you are faster at getting up the mountain than someone you are with then hike at their pace. Don’t leave them behind. Share this wonderful experience with others.
If you hike alone and prefer solitude, this will not be the hike for you. If you hike alone but enjoy interacting with others on a hike, this is a trail you will enjoy.
6) ALWAYS bring the ten essentials and leave no trace!!

Phew what a hike! It was cold and snowy so definitely bring spikes (optional: poles) if you hike around October. I was a total beginner and able to hike without issues BUT do not be greedy with taking breaks, you will be out of breath faster the higher up you go. Take your time. Dress in layers and drink LOTS of water. You don't need an entire survival kit but be sure to have the basics with you - depending on the weather and season.

There is a little flat area to take a small break. A great experience either way!! Congratulations to everyone who did it!

This is a great hike, not too long, but of course the elevation is demanding. There is still some snow near the top, but plenty of room to rock scramble around it. Pretty crowded.

Amazing trail and the views are even better. As someone who only lived in Colorado's altitude for 6 months I was challenged with the heights. But it was a great experience and by using 3 hours to get up and 2 hours to get down we had a great hike. Remember layered clothing as it might be colder/more windy on the top .. and be aware of the afternoon thunderstorms! We hiked Mt Bierstadt in the middle of July and the thunder started roaming just as we decided to descend.

This was my 1st 14er. Yes, it was challenging but you take breathing breaks and push on. Honestly I did a 13er the week prior, Mt. Uneva Peak and that hike seemed more challenging than Bierstadt. I will defiantly go back, maybe a litter eariler. I started at 10:15 am with my group and ended 6 hours later. Lots of people on the trail.

Incredible 14er within 1hr of Denver Metro. Not an easy one, by any means, but a great day-hike for these with some experience in the high country.
Enjoy!

Come prepared with the proper gear because the terrain shifts from gravel to rocks to large boulders at the summit. Also, the temperature may be much colder and windier at the summit than at the trailhead. If you've never done a 14er you must take it slowly. Give yourself a lot of time to ascend and descend. Also take breaks, it will allow your body time absorb more oxygen. Bierstadt is not easy by any stretch of the imagination for beginners but you can complete it!!

One of the easier 14ers, no 14er is easy though, I've finished 24 of them so far. There are a lot of people at this one so it is very likely you won't be alone up there. This is comforting to some. I saw a Moose at the bottom. If you see a moose keep your distance, they are very territorial!