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Peak(s):  Mt. Bierstadt  -  14,066 feet
Date Posted:  10/01/2016
Date Climbed:   09/16/2016
Author:  droidly
 Cold Bierstadt Summit (West Slopes)   

For our 2016 hike up Mt. Bierstadt, we decided to break with tradition and make the trip to Colorado in September rather than our normal month of July. I was turning 60 years old on Sept 18th and made plans to summit on the 16th and attend a Bronco game on my birthday.

This season my wife's 80yo mother decided she wanted to attempt a summit. She has not hiked at high altitude, but she is quite fit and we thought, even if she doesn't top out, she will enjoy the beauty of Colorado. Unfortunately, two days before our flight to Denver, her husband had a medical issue and had to be hospitalized, so she was forced to cancel her trip. He is recovering now. I hope we can keep her motivated over the winter so she can try again next season!

My wife, Nicki, her twin sister, Leslie and I arrived in Georgetown on the 14th and settled into the St James on Rose Street. We stayed at this lovely Victorian home last year when we summited Greys/Torreys, it's beautiful and comfy. I recommend it. We rode the narrow-gauge, roamed the streets and went up Guanella Pass to check out conditions at the peak. The summit looked pretty clear and after talking to several descenders, we were confident we could start on schedule.

We were up at 4am on the 16th and arrived at the trailhead at 5:30am. It was cold, about 28^ by the truck thermometer. Off we went..

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This is the first refueling stop. Potty breaks all around. Still cold but we're feeling good.

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At around 12,000' a cloud rolled over the ridge and the temperatures suddenly dropped. The exposed tube on my bladder froze solid in about 5 minutes! I had to take my gloves off and rub it with a handwarmer to free some water. I had never experienced that before.

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I separated from the rest of the group as they were taking more breaks and I was more comfortable (warm) moving fast. Finally on the ridge. The temps normalized and I could see the final push.

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I know Bierstadt is said to possibly be the easiest 14er, but due to the effort required on the last 100 yards, I have to say I think Sherman, Grays and Quandary were easier... for me anyway... The conditions were cold, the trail was clear. I can see this last pitch could be quite dangerous if ice is present. However we had a great hike. No spikes required..

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On top at about 9am. Nicki and Leslie were about an hour behind me. It was not too crowded. The views to the South were obscured by clouds. It was a nice summit anyway. The extra hiking we had done to prepare Nicki's mother ended up benefitting me. I felt more fit than any on summit I've done to date! Thanks Judy!

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I dedicate this summit to my good friend Cheryl Julian who passed away in February from ALS. I had hoped that she would survive until I got a summit for her, but unfortunately the disease took her too soon. I carried this poster up with me during the hike. Several people asked about her and her life. One gentleman said "Every step you take gets you closer to Cheryl in Heaven." That broke my heart. I encourage all to visit www.alsa.org and make a donation.

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The trip was great! I enjoyed it more because I was fit enough to enjoy it! Mostly the descent was easier and I didn't feel much pain until the last mile. It pays to train! We had great seats for the Bronco game (they won) and it was a perfect trip for my 60th!

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Evans and Huron next year...



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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Comments or Questions
d_baker
Nice tribute
10/2/2016 7:12am
to your friend, and some cool photos with the clouds below! When you don't live in CO, any trip there will feel special. Congrats.



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