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 Reporter |
Summary: This route is very straight forward and can be seen in its entirety from the trailhead. From the trailhead follow the managed trail through the Willows. Failing to stick with the main path can cost hours of fighting willows. After the willows you will cross a stream and start your way up a series of switchbacks through some heavy bushes. After ascending a steep face you will then work your way up to the ridge on Beirstadts broad west face. After reaching the ridge there is a short steep climb to the summit. Trailhead: Take the Georgetown Exit (228) off of I-70. Turn east onto 15th Street. Turn south (right) onto Taos Street. Taos Street will become Guanella Pass Road at the South end of town. Follow this road all the way to Guanella Pass (approx 10 miles). There will be a large parking area on the left (east) side of the road. Park here. (Lat:39.59507 Lon:-105.71091) Trail Guides for Mount Bierstadt: Colorados Fourteeners by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum Publishing) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Clear Creek Ranger Station 303-567-3000 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Friesema, who has posted 97 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by bigdaddyo on 8/23/2008 Climbed 8/21/08. Clear beautiful day - not a cloud in sight. 38 degrees at noon on the summit. Snow near 13,500' made the going up a little slower, but coming down it was melting and made the trail very slippery and wet - the trail is the streambed. Be advised that road construction between Georgetown and Guanella Pass causes delays and the road is completely closed from 9-11 and 1-3 every day.
Reviewed by cb on 7/30/2008 Made it to the summit on 7-28-08 around 12:15 and the thunderstorms were all around. I realize that starting at 9 am was a little too late for a Texas native to beat the weather. Storms were brewing by noon all six days I spent in Colorado. If you are not from Colorado, I recommend staying in Georgetown at least one night before to get acclimated. (The Rose Street Bed and Breakfast was incredible and is located at the corner where you turn from town onto Guanella Pass Road.) Views were incredible!!
Reviewed by tim&anne on 9/13/2007 9-12-07 our 1st 14er- a perfect introduction for us- spectacular open views on hike up and breathtaking summit- 5.5 hours round trip- scrambling over boulders last 150 yards was unexpected- but doable- will definately repeat this hike! 
Reviewed by TVW on 6/18/2006 The directions are slightly wrong and only gets you to tour the backstreets of Georgetown. If you want to get there faster and not spend the extra fifteen minutes we did in Georgetown, know that as soon as you exit #228 off of I-70, the street is 15th Street and you don't have to turn anywhere (you can't turn right and going straight will take you back onto the highway). Furthermore, you don't turn south onto Taos Street. It is Rose Street and you take that all the way to the end of town and it turns into the Guanella Pass Road. But the mileage (10 miles to the parking lot) is about right. It was a bit crowded at 10:00 in the morning but that was our fault. If we had gotten there by 8:00, we probably would have had an easier time parking
Reviewed by DHD on 9/12/2005 Hiked on 9/10/2005. Most amazing weather!! I admire folks who can do this in hike in 4.5 hours. It took us 4 to get up, and I'm in pretty good shape!! My GPS had this being 4 miles each way. The views are beyond description. All in all a fabulous hike!!
Reviewed by CL on 6/17/2005 Lower half of the hike is rather bland and not very scenic. Things start to get a little more interesting after that. Reviewer forgets to mention that getting to the peak requires about 150 yards of moderately difficult rock scrambling. It's easy to twist an ankle, so be careful. Good for a first 14ner. Popular and crowded trail. Very difficult if you haven't acclimated to the altitude. Bring your out of state friends on another hike. Colorado natives won't have a problem.
Reviewed by Alan on 5/10/2005 Road Closed sign still there, a 4wd SUV will make it with no problems. Snow is wet and heavy. Snowshoes for the afternoon descent highly recommended as you will posthole your way through the willows if you don't wear them. Made it to the summit on the 9th of May wearing boots and using a mountaineering axe. Great day, nice weather, and we saw only one other person the whole day! 
Reviewed by Collin on 2/1/2005 I am 12 years old and I climbed with my dad. It was a good view so I wouls defently hike their agin. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Clear Creek County Hiking, Clear Creek County Trails, Clear Creek County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
