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    Mount Bierstadt

    4.7 (34 reviews)

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    Mount Bierstadt Trail
    Matt C.

    They say you never forget your first, right? Well, like many Coloradans, Mount Bierstadt goes down as my first 14er. I've been gearing up this summer with longer hikes. 11, 12, 13+ miles, in hopes of building up my endurance. Without this "training" I would've been ill-prepared for Bierstadt. Bierstadt is known as a beginner 14er, and one of the more popular ones with its close proximity to Denver. My buddy and I got to the trailhead at 6:30 am on a Monday morning and the parking lot was nearly full. You've been warned. As far as the hike goes, I'm not going to lie, it was more difficult than I anticipated. Eight miles round trip, just under 3,000 ft. elevation gain, five hours in total. I've never seen the destination from the parking lot before, which gives a unique perspective to the hike. Once you get into the thick of the trail, you feel it. The combination of the thin air paired with the strain on my quads and hamstrings was more intense than I expected. Am I doing a poor job of selling the hike? Probably. But you know what? Pain is weakness leaving the body. No pain yields no gain. And when you complete the final rocky climb (not as technical as it's made out to be), 360 degree views of Colorado glory await you. It's magical. I haven't cracked open a beer at 9:30 am since college. This one was well-earned if you ask me. Bring some snacks, take photos, and soak in the views that so many people will never see. A hike I will never forget. Not for the faint of heart, but doable with determination. Bierstadt, you magnificent bastard. Until we meet again!

    Ariella W.

    I have done this peak around 10 times now in the last 3 years. Went up again today. This is later in the season than I would normally like to go for a 14er but the weather looked promising with 41 degrees as a high at the top. I have taken many folks up on this peak for their first 14er from teenage girl scouts to friends. It is always a pleasure and a new experience each and every time. Currently have also done Mount Sherman and Quandary Peak and this one is my favorite to take folks up on their first 14er. This one is absolutely beautiful in the summer with all of the wild flowers. Every time i have been up have seen several mountain goats. Have also seen marmots, pica, white tail ptarmigan and hawks. If you are bringing your dog be sure to have them on a leash or they have very good voice recall! Dogs chasing the mountain goats is not cool and can cause harm to the goats. Generally on the weekdays in the summer it is good to arrive by 630. if you are going on a weekend i have heard even earlier though I have not done this peak on a weekend. The parking lot is small and can hold around 30 cars, there is another small lot across the road for cars and cars do tend to park on the roadside. There are pit toilet bathrooms at the trailhead. There is no hand sanitizer so you will want to bring your own. There is also NO TRASH CANS! so plan on packing out what you pack in! People frequently are leaving their garbage on the trail and it makes it not pleasant for everyone else coming up there to enjoy. If you can feel free to bring a trash bag with you to pick up garbage on your way down. There are no other trash cans along the trail, nor bathrooms. (please do bring a plastic bag with toilet paper in it for if you need to go to bathroom along the trail and put the tp in your plastic bag and haul it down with you!) The first 3/4 mile or so is down hill and flat. There are lovely bridges to walk across and there is a stream to cross over that you will need to walk on the rocks. It then starts to climb. There are many stunning views along the way, be sure to pace yourself and enjoy the hike. The views at the top are stunning and the feeling of summiting a 14er is pretty dang amazing. There is not a lot that can compare to that. It may be one of the easier 14ers in the state but it is by no means easy. Please be sure to properly prepare and also bring electrolytes with you. Also be sure to check the weather forecasts at mountain-forecasts.com. Thunderstorms in the afternoon are common in the summer. You dont want to be on the peak during a thunderstorm so be sure to summit by 11 am especially through the summer.

    Alisa J.

    Great 14er! The hike was pretty challenging and the parking lot does fill up like any other 14er parking area, but still worth doing. The scramble at the end is also challenging but worth doing to get the views at the end. As you go down it does get extremely hot and there isn't any shade. Make sure to bring lots of extra water and sunscreen.

    Gayle L.

    Well, I had to get at least one 14'er under my belt. I checked with a veteran 14'er climber and he said Bierstadt was a good one to start with. It took us most of the day but we were so glad we did it! It was by no means easy but we took our time with many, many stops. Once we got over 13,000 feet it seemed to get a lot more fun. I loved the scramble up the rocks at the top! All of us that climbed it are over 60 years old so it really felt like an accomplishment!

    Andrew O.

    Second 14er for me - first since living in Colorado. The trail was extremely moderate in regards to 14ers, but still a challenge. Started around 7:30ish, plenty of parking. Trail was broken out, but on the way down, the sun really warmed up the snow and mad for slushy, loose snow. I highly recommend spikes, I think you can get away not wearing snowshoes. Barely any wind at the top, beautiful views all around as you start above tree line.

    Janet D.

    The high trailhead and relatively short hiking distance make this one of the easier fourteeners to hike. This is the prettiest 14er in my eyes. One of my first 6 ( six) 14'ers I climbed after moving to Colorado. I hiked and climbed everything that I can the entire 2015 starting in May. "Easy" is a word I know means relative to who's saying it. If you hike a lot this is easy. If you don't it won't be, period. I would say you need a moderate skill level to hike this beauty. You will start at a high altitude of 11,669. You end up at 14,060. A gain of 2,861 ft. Total miles is 8.2. Out and back. If you've hiked Ansel Adams in Ca. the gain when you hike that trail is about 861 ft shy of this climb. Originally called the "Chicago Mountains" by early miners, today's Mount Evans massif contains a kind of "romantic triangle" of peaks. German painter Albert Bierstadt, who was more interested in mining romantic scenery than in mining gold, arrived in the 1860s and soon began producing the stunning canvases of western scenes that made him famous. One of these was of the "Chicago Mountains;" and Bierstadt, in a telling gesture, bestowed his wife's name, Rosalie, on the highest peak. The Colorado Territorial Legislature, decided to move the wife's name to a rounded, unimpressive summit to the southeast and honor colorless Governor Evans on the highest summit instead. Later on, Bierstadt himself received his due on a peak to the southwest, perhaps out of some topographer's guilty feelings. Bierstadt, the hopeless romantic, would surely be disappointed for he and his beloved are now separated by the great gulf called "The Abyss." I've done this twice. I'm itching to go back. Let's go! #2000threview.

    From the Summit
    Christopher B.

    This was also my first 14er and I couldn't have been happier with the hike. There were amazing views throughout but it was the summit that blew me away. Not literally, either, as there was very little wind at the top and the temperature was comfortable. I just never imagine the spectacular views I would have once I finished! What an award! As for the hike, you should expect about 5 hours round trip. I would say you probably want to start hiking by 8AM. Make sure you bring warm clothes as it gets cold as you ascend. I have a little problem with altitude so I bring lots of GU (or Gel Bloks) and water. Any time I feel any lightness in my head or weirdness in my stomach I just pop one of these and drink tons of water. Also, remember to bring snacks and a lunch for the summit! Some people brought beer but I couldn't imagine once I was up there! And as someone else mentioned, you should be on your way down well before noon! This was one of the best hikes I have ever done! I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

    Elisa C.

    All I can say is "wow"... certainly a challenge. 14,000 feet is no joke but the reward is so great! Stay hydrated and wear the right shoes and know you can make it!!! The path is very pleasant going up. Seems very popular, but not so many people that the hike gets overwhelmed. Saw some moose in the lake on the way coming down which was rad. Georgetown nearby is a cute little town! Nice hike, scenery, and overall an enjoyable experience (even the sore thighs the following day!)

    Mountain goats are awesome and common but do not try to approach or feed them
    Kaitlin M.

    This is the best 14er to do for your first one, especially if your entire group is inexperienced. Show up at 5:30 or else the parking lot will be full, but street parking is popular and ticketing is uncommon. I suggest you don't use the disgusting compost toilets at the trailhead. There are plenty of boulders/bushes for semi-private restroom stops PLEASE REMEMBER TO PACK OUT TOILET PAPER. There is a scramble at the top that requires balance and using your hands. We took our time, and it took 3.5 hours up and about 2 hours down. Don't bring your dog if it is not an experienced hiker. Do bring your hard-core hiking kid.

    Sunrise
    Steven S H C.

    Its five star and some more all they way.. all the way from the parking lot to the summit. very well maintained despite the tsunami of people and pets swarming all over. my very 1st trip and soon to be more than that started with wonderful view of the ridge covered with cloud (fog) at 7 am and few minutes later, all cleared up except the band of cloud stretching from northwest all the way to the southwest. how can one not fall in love in such precious mother nature has to offer to the hiker who left his house 5 am in the morning and only drove 1.5a hours to meet such grandeurs of what mother nature offered to such insignificant being. Some of you reading this and thinking of coming up here, please do and experience what Colorado outdoor is all about. I have seen infant on parents back, toddlers touting worn out camelback to well aged people all encouraging others with common goal of reaching the peak and celebrating the magnificent Bierstadt. Pros: Its class one trail almost all the way to the top. It does not mean easy.. it means trails are well maintained and you don't have to be on your fours to climb unless you are four legged. The swampy Willows are all super well maintained with wooden boardwalk that will take you to the small creak. Jump over or step on small stones laid by other thoughtful hikers and you are on the way up winding through the trails. On my visit, I was rewarded with countless wild flowers of all sorts and alpine landscapes all the way up. When you get to about 13000 feet, you have a place to rest and view the mount Evans and also the lake Abyss. Its short distance from here that you might need to use the hands to make it easier to reach the summit. Instead of going back to the TH, we went across the Sawtooth Ridge to reach the summit of Mt Evans. This was very doable for most of us. I would definitely discourage for people with fear of heights including I. However, when you are up at this high altitude, we are all loaded with adrenaline and in a super good mood to help others and that's what we got crossing over for the very first time. Cons: not much. I love dogs but I don't like people who doesn't follow the posted rules. Its already bad enough that humans track all over the place damaging fragile alpine eco system but here they are off leash running around pooping everywhere and chasing wild life. Do I blame the dogs or dog owners? Friends.. get off your couch and drive the short distance to enjoy this wonderful place before the cold weather hits.

    View from the summit
    Steven P.

    If you read reviews on this that say its easier and not to have a concern, you're mistaken. This may be a "novice" 14'er, it still packs a punch. This was my first 14'er (14,000 elevation hike). I went in December on a beautiful day. There was barely anybody on the trail. I had to park at the bottom and walk the mile and half or so up before I was even able to start the initial hike. The first mile or so is deceptive because its pretty easy going. After that, it gets real. I am an average guy in okay shape. I had to stop multiple times during the hike up. I contemplated quitting a couple times because I was just flat exhausted. However, I didn't quit and it was completely worth it. The summit is very incredible and is worth your time and effort. It took me about 3:20 minutes to hike up from the parking lot to the summit (I was also dealing with snow and trouble finding the trail). It took another 2:20 from the summit down to the lower parking lot. In the snow, it was almost impossible to stick to a trail when you are near the summit. Its much easier once you get off the rockier part. I'm glad I did this one instead of the other novice 14'er Mt. Gray that would take 8 HOURS! This being my first 14'er, I had a great time all things considered. The views are incredible and worth it. Extra bonus, I had 4 F-16's fly over me as I was coming down.

    Iris S.

    Great hike, easy parking and super accessible. Be sure to get there early, parking lot was full as was road parking in June on a Saturday morning by 6am. If you can do this during the week it will most definitely be less crowded and a lot more enjoyable!

    Saw this guy and a friend near the summit ... Perhaps 150ft away and super calm.
    Lindsay B.

    Bierstadt is always a great time if you keep in mind there will be at least 30 other people you see even during the week. That being said its a quick drive up from Denver. Over the past few years much work has gone into maintaining and improving Guanella Pass, making it even easier to visit. There is a great trail that brings you to the last rock pile before the top. We saw about 15 workers this last Tuesday improving the trail and adding great staircases to offset the damage accrued by such a popular route. If you see them, be sure to thank them! We saw two mountain goats hanging out on the saddle before the last climb. I've hiked this route at least 5 times and have never saw one here but rather in the distance over on Mt Evans, so it was quite the treat. All in all its a reasonably quick hike, a good place to start if you want to reach 14k feet, and pretty straightforward. Recommended.

    Half way to summit but went back down because I'm a weakling. But I'll be back to complete

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    Ask the Community - Mount Bierstadt

    Review Highlights - Mount Bierstadt

    Instead of going back to the TH, we went across the Sawtooth Ridge to reach the summit of Mt Evans.

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    Squaw Mountain

    Squaw Mountain

    4.8(4 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    Beautiful hike today. Never been here but I have a webcam link to see the summit. So when I saw a…read morecloud inversion, I came as fast as I could! The "trail" is really just a dirt service road, in good shape though. You can drive up a bit more to the gun range, my highlander was ok but really low cars might have issues. The trailhead is a bit loud with the gun range. The .22s are one thing and only moderately freak my dog out. Some folks bring large caliber weapons and those can take away from the scenic value a bit. You can hear them from the fire tower too. The hike is uphill but never very steep. However it's a bit unrelenting, and you can skid on the loose dirt. It's only a long straight way then two switchbacks, and you're there. Not too many views except at the summit cone. The last few hundred yards are well constructed rock steps. Then you're at the fire tower! Views abound in every direction. The tower was occupied but you can still wander the base. There's a lot of communication things, which was funny to me since you have no service the whole hike. It took me around half an hour to climb to the top. There's some fun rock scrambles around as well if you're up for that. Overall, a pretty basic hike with a great payoff! I think it would be awesome for a sunset or sunrise.

    "We have ways of getting you to the summit," said my high school pal with a smile and wink, who…read moreinsisted it was an easy, 2-hr hike up Chief Mountain. Bad News: Chief Mountain was closed on Memorial Day because of too much snow. Good News: We didn't know it until after we thought we'd hiked to the top. "Damn, the trail head must be here somewhere,"....."hmmm, ah...the hell with it. Let's just bushwack this and go straight up." And, we did. My high school pal and two other intrepid Boulder locals revealed to me that it had been 5 years since they'd done this "hike," and they couldn't exactly remember where trail head was located. The consensus of the group: start climbing. OY! It was steep, even traversing. My Chicago wind and stamina didn't fail me, but oh, boy, did I ever feel it. I wasn't gasping but I was ... well.....sucking wind big time. It was beautiful, too. There wasn't a cloud in the sky. There were birds everywhere. I saw a Blackbird, a Cormorant, an Oriole, a handful of crows, doves, ducks, geese, hawks, a grouse, a Great Blue Heron, a hummingbird, a mountain pelican and a woodpecker. We saw jackrabbits, squirrels, deer, scampering pikas, two wily foxes, and we were pretty sure we saw elk in the distance. The skunk: meant to be smelled and not seen. There were running streams and snow drifts. There was a hearty breeze that dried my sweat, which became profuse toward the top as we covered a jagged boulder field on all fours. The Summit: 11,800. Views of the front range, Mt. Evans, Pikes Peak, and the plains. Perfection and supreme exhaustion. We ate p&j sandwiches, and oranges. We took pictures and relaxed. We marveled at how simple, cleansing, and energizing a thrill knocking yourself out can be. We were exhausted. We chose to walk down the fire road we found off the back of the summit. We walked down a bit and saw the sign: "Squaw Mountain, Summit: 11,800." Ha! We weren't even on Chief Mountain and my local pals didn't even know it. If you want to walk up the back fire roads rather than macho out like we did, here's where to find the SQUAW MOUNTAIN trail head location: From the intersection of CO-74 (Evergreen Parkway) and CO-103 (Squaw Pass Road), go west for approximately 12 miles. Just after you pass the turnoff to Echo Mountain Ski Area, there is a dirt road on the left side of the main road. Park here or, if the parking area is filled, continue up the hill and park at the intersection with the old Squaw Pass road. You will have to hike back down the old Squaw Pass road to meet the other road. Got that?

    Photos
    Squaw Mountain - Looking South from Squaw summit. Pike Peak in bachground

    Looking South from Squaw summit. Pike Peak in bachground

    Squaw Mountain - Squaw Mtn May 31, 2010 - Almost to the top and sucking wind.

    Squaw Mtn May 31, 2010 - Almost to the top and sucking wind.

    Squaw Mountain - Looking West from Squaw Mtn Summit

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    Looking West from Squaw Mtn Summit

    Mt. Evans Wilderness

    Mt. Evans Wilderness

    4.8(34 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    A friend of mine had told me about this place and said we should give it a visit when in Colorado…read more We tried to do that the last time we were there, but it had already closed for the season. This trip, we were a week or so earlier, so we decided to try again. Fortunately, most of the area was still open. Only the very top was closed. Timed entry passes are required here, just like in many of the National Parks. I'm glad one of our group thought to get it. After a very nice drive up from Idaho Springs, we showed our permit and headed up. Part of the fun of this trip is that it's the highest paved road in North America (14,264 ft). We made it all the way up to one of the alpine lakes, and it was cold. I'm glad we were prepared for the cold and wind. We didn't see any wildlife at the lake, but we did see some on the way up. The area is full of deer, big horn sheep, and mountain goats, and we got to see 2 of the 3. Will I return? Definitely. However, if you want to see it all, you better go in the summer.

    Beautiful. Loved this hike…read more Come early. parking lot may fill up. We arrive at 6 am on monday 6/27/2021. summit lake lot was around half full. There are bathrooms available at the lot for use. Bring $5 cash to pay to park when you arrive. there is an envelope to fill out over near the bathroom for parking. Take the trail that doesn't go down close to the lake and then you will hang a left. There is some signage before you really start to incline. the elevation gain from the parking lot to mount spaulding was fairly intense. There are a lot of rocks. Would make sure you have good boots for this hike. Once you get up to mount spaulding you will start to DESCEND. the trail up to mount spaulding is relatively well laid out. however after you get down from mount spaulding. Well there is a rock area that is not marked at all. Take a peek at 14ers.com so you can see some pics of where you should go. once you get over the hump and down. Stay around 25 feet down below the ridge and look for the CAIRNS. Rock piles. These will help guide you to where you should be going. Thankfully all trails did pull up for me when we were in the spot that is absolutely not marked. just be prepared for that stretch. From spaulding on up to the summit was a lot of climbing around on rocks. It was fun but be prepared for that. There were not many folks on the actual trail. but once you hit the summit parking lot at the top there will be a fair amount of people up at the summit as a lot of people drive up there. They do have bathrooms at the top, that is actually kind of a nice treat. I really enjoyed this 14er. I would definitely be up for doing this one again.

    Photos
    Mt. Evans Wilderness
    Mt. Evans Wilderness
    Mt. Evans Wilderness

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    Crater Lakes

    Crater Lakes

    4.6(8 reviews)
    24.8 mi

    This is a great trail in summer & winter. Minimum is 7 miles with 1800 ft elevation, slightly…read morelonger to explore around any of the lakes more than the shortest trail provides. It's easy to reach in all seasons: due to the train tunnel, the dirt road to the trailhead is kept well maintained and plowed. Definitely way way more crowded on summer weekends than in winter. Several little waterfalls and tons on wildflowers even in late August made it a rewarding trail along the way, not only payoffs at the lakes. The trail from the lower two lakes to the upper lake is much steeper, but worth the added effort. Just note that when you first reach what you think is the upper lake, it's actually the drainage (albeit also lovely, see my attached photo); you need to go just a bit further over the boulders & through some bushes to reach the final upper cirque.

    James Peak Wilderness area is one of my favs close to Denver. That and Indian peaks wilderness…read more Crater lakes is a moderate hike to 5 fantastic lakes that you can hike, camp, backpack, fish at. Last time I was there I saw two amazing Moose...just gorgeous. Area gets insane on the weekends with tons of peoples and dogs. Last three times I have been there I have been in thunder and hails storms after 1 pm. So if you are planning to hike getting off the mountain before might be a good idea. You can also take the more strenuous Heart Lake trail which is also fantastic and if you really want to kick your ass go up to Rogers pass for beautiful vistas. Great parking.

    Photos
    Crater Lakes
    Crater Lakes
    Crater Lakes

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    Hell's Hole Trail - Saw this beautiful baby near the picnic tables on the way out.

    Hell's Hole Trail

    4.5(2 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    This is a great hike not too far outside Denver. I found out about this trail thanks to my "60…read morehikes within 60 miles" book. An aside-- I found that book in Barnes and Noble and impulsively decided to buy it. It's been a fabulous purchase! Some of you CO natives are probably rolling your eyes at me, but I've found a ton of lesser known hikes (as well as some very common ones) thanks to this book-- the most recent of which being Hell's Hole. Hell's Hole trail leads into Mt. Evans Wilderness about 30 min into the hike. About 20 minutes prior to this, there's a little stand where you must self register for a wilderness permit. There is no fee for this, it's basically just a way for the park service to keep track of info. The trailhead is off CO-103 on a pretty obscure road, West Chicago Creek. It gets pretty sketchy towards the end (very narrow road winding up a steep mountain with no guardrails...as long as I live here I'll never understand CO's aversion to guardrails in places like this) but it's well worth it. There's a campground near the trail head as well. The hike itself is a great workout with shade in the beginning and gorgeous views towards the end. Horses and dogs are welcome on the trail; mountain bikes are not permitted. The book I have estimated the total hike time to be 4.5 hours but I was pleasantly surprised to discover it only took me 3 hours, including a 30 min break at the turn around point and a couple photo/water opps. Obviously the hike time will vary for everyone; I guess the important thing to know is that it's 9 miles round trip. Though the hike is relatively long, it's not incredibly difficult. There are definitely some fairly steep portions, but a lot of it is at a relatively gentle incline. It seems like a fairly lightly used trail-- in the whole 3 hours I ran into about 3 other couples. It was really nice to enjoy the solitude, but also somewhat reassuring to know there were people somewhat nearby-- if you're hiking alone, like I was, it's always good to be aware! The trail ends in an open field with a creek nearby. It's around the treeline and you can see a couple fourteeners towering over you in this beautiful post-glacier valley. Definitely an ideal picnic spot! This trail is out-and-back, so once you've had enough of the scenery, it's time to pack it in and do it all over again!

    Absolutely beautiful. Fairly populated trail so I wouldn't feel anxious going here alone. Road up…read morethe the trail head may be a bit difficult to find, just google it, the road is a little sketchy but I made it up in my little Toyota Camry just fine.

    Photos
    Hell's Hole Trail - At the peak of the trail-- and the base of the mountains !

    At the peak of the trail-- and the base of the mountains !

    Hell's Hole Trail - This trail is the "REAL deal-E-O" insert Coolie lyrics here.  Trail took us 5 hrs and 40 mins.

    This trail is the "REAL deal-E-O" insert Coolie lyrics here. Trail took us 5 hrs and 40 mins.

    Hell's Hole Trail - Near the end of the trail you will run across beautiful bristle cone pines.

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    Near the end of the trail you will run across beautiful bristle cone pines.

    Diamond Lake Trail

    Diamond Lake Trail

    5.0(9 reviews)
    25.9 mi

    One of the most beautiful hikes we have ever gone on…read more Wildflowers, streams, waterfalls and an amazing lake to top it off. High elevation and quite tough going up but so worth it!! Took us about 4 hours total. Stop in Nederland on the way down for early dinner or lunch. Fantastic day

    So effing beautiful. Let's just start there. Like the whole way up. Views of trees and mountainous…read moreviews. My legs hurt and I was dehydrated as shit because my moron friends didn't want to stop for food / water beforehand (big mistake). This wasn't the end of the world though due to the natural streams throughout the trek. Just dip your head in for some of the coolest most refreshing water you have ever tasted. Seriously, it beats the hell out of a bottle of Poland Spring or Fiji or whatever your posh ass is used to. I may retract that statement in a week when I have a tadpole making a nest (or whatever tadpoles do) inside of my stomach but for now ... yeah ... refreshing :) Get there early and have a car that you can beat up a little / SUV since there is about 4 miles of hilly dirt roads to get to the trail-head. I recommend hiking boots but I was fine in sneakers. Definitely take snacks / water and if your friends convince you otherwise just poke them hard in the gut with your hiking poles / stick (yes you probably want these too) until they cave in and stop the car for you. The trail is easy to follow. There is a split after about 1 - 1.5 miles up that has you chose between Apache Trail and Diamond Lake. We went for the lake. You will know you are there. If you miss it, congrats, you will probably be some giant grizzly bear's dinner that night. It was one of the more beautiful hiking sites I have bore witness to. For an added bonus and guys if you don't mind your balls retreating up into your stomach for warmth, take off those shoes and climb onto that rock in the center of the lake for some incredible panorama photos. The area surrounding the lake is great for a nap, a picnic, a read, etc. On our way down we stumbled across a man who sprained his ankle about 2 miles in. As a 9 person bachelor party we helped carry him 2 miles to the bottom. Humanitarian mission of Colorado has been complete, sites have been seen, and headache from altitude sickness is quickly on-setting due to lack of nutrients and H20. Despite hunger and a pounding headache, I definitely want to get back to the area and try a few other trails. Such an amazing escape from my normal city life.

    Photos
    Diamond Lake Trail - Sunflowers!

    Sunflowers!

    Diamond Lake Trail
    Diamond Lake Trail - Hiking away

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    Hiking away

    Mount Bierstadt - hiking - Updated May 2026

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