A few days after my trip up Mount Evans , I had one last day with idle time while in Colorado. I debated what peak to do at length. I finally settled on Mount Bierstadt, a 14er near Georgetown.

Bierstadt is reached by a trail from Guanella Pass at 11,600 feet. I was really anxious to see if 3 days of staying at nearly 6000 feet and being at elevation a few days before would finally get me passed the elevation issues that have bothered me on my last two 14ers.

I arrived at the trailhead at 6:15am after exactly a one-hour drive from my hotel room... gotta love Colorado, everything is so close! It was very cool at the trailhead, about 35 degrees and frost on the grass. The weather seemed perfect, no clouds or wind.

I headed out across the initial trail through the swamp/willows. I was amazed that people used to make it through this route without the trail. It still took a while with the trail and boardwalk.

I eventually got through the low area and started gaining elevation. I then stopped for my first break as the trail leaves a steep section coming up from the willows and before traversing the bench below Bierstadt. The views from here of Guanella Pass were incredible. At my break spot,

I spoke with a couple of CSU students that were doing there first 14er. They went on ahead of me, setting a fast pace.
After my break I increased my pace. I was feeling great and wanted to top out in 2.5 hours. The trail was fun, the views outstanding, and just before joining the main summit block, a mountain goat posed for photos next to the trail.

I followed the ridge directly to the summit for the last 200 feet. I passed the CSU students and had the summit all to myself. The views were outstanding. Still no wind or clouds. And I finally felt great physically while standing at 14000 feet. It had taken me exactly 2.5 hours.

I headed down feeling great about things and soaking in the great views. I passed dozens of parties coming up. Most were impressed with my precise elevation and time estimates to the top that I gave them. I passed a lady from Rupert, Idaho on the way down and even a guy wearing a TCU hat that looked like he needed some teasing. I arrived at the trailhead 4 hours after I left feeling great about life! What a start to the day!

Bierstadt was my 15th Colorado 14er.

Take the Georgetown exit off of Interstate 70. Drive through Georgetown and follow the signs for the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. Guanella Pass is a 12 mile drive from Georgetown. It is sometimes dirt and sometimes paved. It is passable to all automobiles.

From Guanella Pass, descend east toward Scott Gomer Creek on a trail. The trail crosses willows and muddy terrain. After the creek, the trail switchbacks up to a bench above Scott Gomer Creek. The trail then meanders southeasterly up to a point where it meets the west ridge of Mount Bierstadt. The trail continues up the west ridge to the summit.