If you have never summited a fourteener before, hike the Mount Bierstadt Trail and get an amazing experience. This trail is located near Silver Plume, Colorado and is one of the most accessible fourteeners in the state. It’s a 6.8 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2,719 feet.
The trail is rated as difficult and it would take you around 4 to 5 hours to finish the hike. The trail is well maintained and well-marked; you can follow the signs and reach your destination. But, this does not mean, it’s an easy hike, it will test you, as you climb thousands of feet. If you don’t have experience of summiting a 14’er, don’t worry as you have chosen the right hike.
The trail begins from Guanella Pass, that’s a very popular trail and would be crowded, especially on weekends in summer. So, it’s better to plan your hike on weekdays or reach their early in the morning. The trailhead is just an hour’s drive away from Denver. The parking lots are free and you can park your vehicles off-street as well. There are also toilets, but you have to wait 15 to 30 minutes to use them. The whole trail is almost completely exposed, so, keep an eye on the wildlife.
The beginning of the trail is fairly easy and you will pass Deadman’s Lake and then descend to Scott Gomer Creek. You can’t cross the creek without getting wet as you would have to hike upstream, so consider taking your hiking shoes off.
When you have crossed the creek, the trail would become steeper as you keep moving. After two miles you might be able to see a mountain goat. As you keep climbing, you would see trees and, if it’s flower season, you may see wildflowers as well. You would also see surrounding peaks as you go higher, including the Torreys Peak. The last part of the summit requires you to follow rock cairns and the path is not well defined, so don’t give up, as when you reach the top, you would be rewarded with the spectacular views.