14ers.com

Here is a Bierstadt-specific tip: the creek is a bit high right now so some of the stepping stones at the standard crossing are underwater, and the first stepping stone moves when you weight it! If you want to avoid a balancefest, head to climber's left for 100 yards to an earthen dam to cross on. It still requires a four foot jump but it is much easier than the standard crossing right now.

I'm thinking the same thing as you, Dave! I quit my job and I'm moving out to CO in two and a half weeks, so exciting!

Hope all went well!

Mike

Aug_Dog wrote:

Gareth wrote:Slow, steady pace. I bet that you can make it!

Couldn't agree more!

I always tell first-timers to almost try and go as slow as you can, but DON'T STOP! Stopping and starting a lot is harder on your body and prevents you from finding a rhythm. Trust me, slow, choppy steps and just keep trucking. Also, try not to stare up at the summit too much!

Good luck!

Wow Aug_Dog, I've never heard that before. My wife does that-frequent starts and stops. Good to know. Thank you. Wish you well Dave!

FAIL.

davemckenzie wrote:FAIL.

Was it a fail or FAIL?

Sorry to hear. What happened? Altitude, weather, too tired?

davemckenzie wrote:FAIL.

We have all failed to summit many times! There is always next time.

Its better to make an attempt and fail than to back out and not go at all.

If you got out of the car and started hiking, it was hardly a fail.

Good luck on your hike and weight loss. Once you get to the top you will want to do it again. After my first 14er I don't think I could walk straight for maybe 2 days but I never stopped wanting to go back. Don't be discouraged if you don't make it to the top. Always be willing to turn around if you run out of time.

BillMiddlebrook wrote:

davemckenzie wrote:FAIL.

Was it a fail or FAIL?

Mental failure. Turned back up in the snow. Back again next weekend. Tonight i hiked up to square top which was fun.

Just keep trying buddy! Last year was my first season in CO, I managed to summit 8 14ers, and I managed to not summit a few as well. The times that you hike and don't summit are preperation for summit day