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Peak(s):  Mt. Bierstadt  -  14,066 feet
Date Posted:  07/12/2014
Date Climbed:   07/12/2014
Author:  cdragge
 Early Morning Start a MUST   

Got to the Trailhead at about 3:45 am. Could see headlamps on the trail and above 13k feet already. I was counting on the full moon to light the way but cloud cover scratched that. I was lucky enough to run into a John from New England and I followed his lead till the cloud cover broke and was comfortable with the trail with moonlight and headlamp. I couldn't keep up with him anyway! At 12,400ft I had to slow my pace considerably and my legs left like lead. At 13,200ft I was stopping every 50 yds or so. I was recovering fast and able to extend distances as I progressed. I hit the summit at 6:40-ish. Hung out for about 30 minutes (windy/cold) and then headed down. By 7am there were hundreds of people on the trail headed up.... no joke. Heading down the way I came took nearly as long as going up. I wasn't in a rush so no big deal but it was crazy to see that many people on one trail. Highly recommend starting no later then 4am. Great day for my first 14er!


Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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Comments or Questions
Alpineair
Good start.
7/13/2014 12:35am
Kudos for playing it smart with a early start.


cfb
1st 14er
7/14/2014 3:17am
Congratulations on your first 14er. Like the rest of us, you're probably now hooked for life


Tjens1
Mine as well
7/14/2014 2:57pm
Congrats on your first 14er, this was mine as well. I passed you on your way down as I started up at 6:30. Needs less traffic



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