Bierstadt advice

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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dbryant
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Bierstadt advice

Post by dbryant »

Hey!

We are hoping to attempt Bierstadt as our 1st 14er this weekend and was wondering if there is any specific advice I can get from more experienced people. I noticed that the most recent report said there is snow on the shoulder to peak. Does that require Crampons or would Micro Spikes suffice?

Ill take any advice that anyone wants to give. Thanks! :-D
Ptglhs
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by Ptglhs »

Trekkers or another form of non crampon traction should be sufficient. Maybe trekking poles as well. Crampons are more for seriously hard packed snow, ice, and glacial travel (Additionally you need a crampon compatible boot for them to be of use). It's ambitious to try for your 1st 14er in the snow of November. Advice: bring warm clothes: some kind of wool so you'll stay warm if you get wet, extra layer for your legs, ear muffs, water/wind outer layer, and thick gloves because you'll probably have to use your hands up there in the snow.

I think the road up Guanella pass is closed before the trailhead so allow extra time to hike there and back. Try to get there 30min before sunrise; you'll be battling daylight to finish.
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mtree
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by mtree »

I was just up there Sunday after the snow. Nothing special needed other than cold weather gear. Poles could be helpful for descent. Microspikes are overkill, but some folks were wearing them. I did not. No issues. Have fun!

The road was open in both directions all the way to the summit.
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amperkes
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by amperkes »

I'm looking to summit Bierstadt on Saturday as well...I'm a Summit County local and just want to get another hike in before the snow flies. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!!
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mtree
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by mtree »

As of last Sunday you could drive from Grant to Georgetown via Guanella Pass. Bring sunscreen. Although temps at the parking area were around freezing when I started, it was mighty sunny most of the time. Saw a couple fools trekking up in T-shirts with wind chills in the teens and twenties. Their arms were bright red. Not sure if it was from the sun or cold or both.
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denvermikey
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by denvermikey »

mtree wrote:Saw a couple fools trekking up in T-shirts with wind chills in the teens and twenties. Their arms were bright red. Not sure if it was from the sun or cold or both.

It was from complete and total stupidity...
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mtree
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by mtree »

denvermikey wrote:
mtree wrote:Saw a couple fools trekking up in T-shirts with wind chills in the teens and twenties. Their arms were bright red. Not sure if it was from the sun or cold or both.

It was from complete and total stupidity...
Too funny!
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amperkes
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by amperkes »

Is Guanella Pass open? I can't imagine there is much snow...
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Tornadoman
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by Tornadoman »

Yes Guanella Pass is still open.
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chrislwillers
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by chrislwillers »

Just drove it yesterday. A little bit of snow on some of the corners of the road on the Georgetown side, but nothing that would impact driving at all. Snow, at least from the trailhead, doesn't look a ton different than when I climbed it in September.
kimbur96
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by kimbur96 »

Wondering how it went of those that went this weekend?
I am looking to go Wednesday, Nov 16. This will bey first 14er. From what i have seen the roads are all still open, weather looks good for Wednesday.
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Jay521
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Re: Bierstadt advice

Post by Jay521 »

Went up yesterday (13Nov). Road is clear to the top, trail has a very little ice on it. Baring any storms early this week, you should have no problem at all.
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