My first CO 14'er peak and it was an awesome hike. I learned a lot about altitude and breathing and pacing. The summit was stunning and I like taking summit pictures. We also saw a male and female moose in the distance along with mountain goat. Easy parking at the trailhead and there is a restroom. Please come and create your own adventure. read more

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As pros put it, no 14er is easy. If one was though, Mount Bierstadt would meet the definition. About 7 miles roundtrip, it's a fun summit. Saw a moose cow and calf in the brush, gave wide berth of 300 feet and continued upward. The summit is nice, though Tennis Shoe Timmy and his wife No Ankle Support Cindy were there exuding a bit of flatland jerkiness from on high. You know the type, expert hikers from the muddy banks of some coastal estuary. But now here, he's morphed in to Lewis or Clark and his wife suddenly has the centuries-old wisdom of Sacagawea. This is a wonderful and perfectly accessible trail. Frankly though that's part of the problem. Because it's so close to Denver, it's distinctly more of the masses. Besides that, it's fine. read more

Bierstadt is one of the 14ers you should do...it is very accessible and minimal exposure to drop-offs.....unlike Longs or Capital (where death is a slight possibility). Done this hike many times and have actually had to administer First aid to either drunk or unprepared tourists ( like the amount of people with flip flops and shoes not for hiking is pretty amazing). So what I'm saying is it gets hella busy on the weekends. I suggest Mondays or Wednesdays and parking in the upper lot. Gorgeous views. Take at least a liter of water, sunscreen, and a snack. read more

Mount Bierstadt - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

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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! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Mount Bierstadt - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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! read more

Mount Bierstadt - From the Summit - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

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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!) read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Wholey moley! This was my first 14er and it was certainly a great one. My friend and I got here at 8AMish and there were people walking down already! The hike is not a piece of cake, there were multiple times I literally thought I was going to die/ throw up/ give up but the end is completely worth it! read more

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. read more

Mount Bierstadt - View from the summit - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

Hello, first time 14er one Bierstadt Monday June 14th, lost my iPhone 6 after several slips and falls coming down. If found please email skk_co@msn.com. Thanks, rookie mistake, lesson learned. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Mount Bierstadt - Saw this guy and a friend near the summit ... Perhaps 150ft away and super calm. - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

Wonderful experience. I am from Texas (flat land, nothing but highways and skyscrapers) so walking through this scenery & trail was unreal. I felt like I was going in Narnia. Or in the 1800s fighting in a war, haven't seen my family in 10 years and little bit of oxygen and energy left, waiting for my last seconds of breath. That's actually what I was thinking the entire time. But it was only because I ate 3 weed brownies last night and I woke up high as fuudddge. Why did I do that on my first night in Colorado?! The altitude wasn't helping either. But like I said... WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. I saw 6 year olds and dogs hiking and hitting summit, jeez I felt so weak. I was halfway there but had to turn back. Next time I hike this mountain I'm not going to get high prior and mission to complete the hike!!! read more

Mount Bierstadt - Half way to summit but went back down because I'm a weakling. But I'll be back to complete - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

This was our first 14er and I think we were pretty well prepared, which made it mostly painless. We went in August and I had three layers on top, a balaclava, a hat and mittens. I never felt hot enough to take any of it off and by the time we reached the summit, I was wishing I had better gloves. It is a CROWDED hike. It felt like we were being herded to the top and then herded back down. There was a steady stream of people. The views were beautiful and it was mostly easy. The final part to reach the summit was a little more challenging as you had to use your hands to climb around and over all the boulders - but it was a nice break with the lack of oxygen up there. There were some muddy parts on the trail, especially toward the beginning. There was also a stream or creek that you had to cross pretty early on (I was a little nervous at this part since I have really short legs!) Overall, it did seem like a pretty easy 14er, especially if you hike a lot. read more

Alrighty, Bierstadt is one of the easiest 14ers to get to from Denver and has the crowds to prove it. The trail itself is well marked and well maintained all the way up. The hike itself doesn't present any unusual challenges, just leave early (6am is good, earlier is better in the summer), watch the weather, bring layers and supplies, and you should be good. The views are, as you would expect, good from the top. Up isn't that hard (relatively speaking), and down isn't either. The downside of Bierstadt is its accessibility and the (summer) crowds it brings. There are a ton of people that want to just 'bag their first 14er', and there's nothing wrong with that as long as you know some common trail etiquette, which few people do. Uphill has the right of way. Come prepared. Stay on the trail. Don't litter. And don't blast music on the trail. None of this, especially the last one, should be beyond common sense, but I saw numerous violations of all the above. Everyone also had unleashed dogs. So, while there are 54 14ers in the state, I won't be headed to this one again just because of the crowds. And to the people that choose this or any other hike, please abide by some trail etiquette and let everyone on the trail enjoy it. read more

If you are going to climb a 14er this is probably the best one to start with. It's maybe a little steeper in places but shorter than Gray's/Torrey's so it's a much shorter day and therefore you can be disorganized and leave late but still make it to the summit. 11 people went, and a bunch of people had never gone before, and suprisingly everyone made it to the summit, no one got sick, hurt or otherwise had problems. The weather was perfect. I was amazed at how comfortably you can fit 6 people in a minivan. I witnessed one of the most impressive man-whore feats ever when one of the single guys we were with decided to hit on a girl ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. Not kidding, at the summit. I never would have considered that an option. I think he got her number, too. read more

Astronomical! My first 14er! I loved every minute and fell in love with colorado even more! I am a beginner and not in the best shape and got to the the top with several breaks in 2 hours. Took about an hour to get back to the car. Spectacular view and surrounded by nature. The drive up/down there is amazing as well. Stopped in multiple place to take some great photos! There was even kids on this hike who we saw at the top. Anyone can do this and you definitely should add it to your bucket list! Can't wait to conquer my next 14er!!! read more

Mount Bierstadt - To the top!! - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

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Came here on Mother's Day. Top closed off due to snow. Drove as far as we could then tried hiking the rest of the road to the trail. 2 hours up and not a trail in sight. There were tons of areas of soft snow where we sank into 4 ft of snow. Not fun. Also got very sunburnt- wear your sun screen! Will have to come back in summer. read more

Mt. Bierstadt is one of my favorite 14ers in the state to climb. It is one of the easier ones and is also one of the shorter ones compared to Grays and Torreys, which are also in the area. As a tip, try and leave fairly early for this hike as with all 14ers in Colorado, thunderstorms often roll in in the afternoons and you want to try and be off of the mountain or on your way down by then. read more

One of the more popular hiking trails around the Denver area, my friend and I decided to choose this trail as my first 14er hike. For someone who've lived all his life at sea- or below sea level areas, this hike was quite an adventure for me. Although an avid hiker in the San Diego area, I was never prepared for the altitude sickness I had to endure hiking Mt. Bierstadt. Despite the headache, I enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. As you get higher up in the mountain, you can see how the flora and geography of the region changes. The melting snow and the silica in the rocks shimmer when the sunlight hits them. The cute little marmots curled up like little balls were very amusing to watch too. All in all, this was a very good hike. Just make sure to bring snacks, sunblock, wind breakers (wind speed on top was about 60mph), bottled water(s), a camera (gotta post those pictures on instagram and facebook, right?), and great company. Have fun hiking! read more

I've hiked Bierstadt several times and the views have always been drop dead gorgeous! I hiked last weekend,June 21st and started at 6am and the parking lot was completely full. I don't think I've ever seen that many people on a mountain before. There is still snow as you reach the last leg of the summit and I was glad to have my spikes, however, I saw several people do just fine without. read more

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My friends and I hiked up this mountain last weekend. It was super awesome! I loved all of the varied forms of terrain and beautiful views. Keep in mind to save up some stamina for the scramble to the summit. You can really appreciate 360 degrees of amazing mountain views once you're up there. It probably only took us about 4-5 hours in all. read more

Beautiful. The first part of hike is more like a stroll. It's great for a romantic walk, older people, or physically impaired. read more

Mount Bierstadt - Hiking Near Me - Idaho Springs, Colorado

Climbed in early March with no snowshoes, poles, or specialized gear other than spikes added to hiking boots, , which I wouldn't recommend unless you are seasoned. The mountain was breathtaking, and the location was convenient. We reached the summit, although the wind was so powerful it was hard to stand without turning into a human sail. The snow had some extremely dangerous spots close to the summit, but we completed the climb with only a few close calls and bruises. read more

We had previously done Quandary Peak and Mt Evans. This was our favorite. Easy to follow trails and cairns. Lots of people on a Friday. Can't even imagine it on the weekend. We had a friend from Florida go with us and he had no major problems with the altitude. Very cool hike. read more

Absolutely agree with the other reviewers that have positive things to say. A great first-time experience. Effort was worth the view. In my opinion, if I can make this climb and back, many people (who may not think they can) CAN. read more

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Guanella Pass is a fun drive with lots of scenery - especially in the fall with all the colors! Pretty easy climb. Beware of quick weather changes and lightning! read more

Makes for a great first 14er. It's only about 6 or 7 miles round trip. It's always a good idea to get on it early in the day to avoid the thunderstorms and weekends can get crowded. Here's a video of my trip on 8/3/13 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alieuHlSaSU&feature=youtu.be read more