Mt. Bierstadt Trip Report 11/10/2015

Peak(s):	Mt. Bierstadt - 14,066 feet
Date Posted:	11/10/2015
Date Climbed:	11/08/2015
Author:	jgar15

Snowy Bierstadt and attempted Sawtooth Traverse
This is just the trip report with the details to help others attempting to climb Bierstadt. For the full report/story visit my website freeoutside.com The road up to Guanella pass was clear for the most part and I did not ever have to switch my car to 4 wheel drive. Once at the pass it is easy to tell right away that the entire hike will be in the snow. Not to worry, I did the entire climb in only tennis shoes, although I did carry microspikes. The climb is walking on hard packed snow with the route clearly visible the entire way. As most people know it is much slower to walk on the snow than dirt so plan ahead on that front. Off of the trail the snow is 6-12 inches deep depending where on the mountain you go off trail. This especially caused me some issues when I attempted the traverse across to Mt. Evans. Overall the summit of Bierstadt isn't too bad albeit a bit slippery in spots. If you are not comfortable on snow then I would recommend wearing microspikes or some form of traction starting from the parking lot. Once at the top I took a look at the traverse and decided to give it a go. It was my initial plan and I decided that worst case I would just turn around if I ever did not feel comfortable. It did not take long for me to realize that it was not the best idea. But being stubborn I still decided to keep on trekking. The most difficult part was trying to make it down to the connecting ridge. There did not seem to be many footprints if any and I attempted to create my own route down as best I could. Once I finally made it down to the ridge I realized how long it had taken me and decided that I should probably throw in the towel on the attempt and traverse back across the base of Bierstadt to reconnect with the trail and head back to my car waiting for me at Guanella Pass. In hindsight this was the right decision. It is not that the traverse is not doable, but I started too late and my heart was just not in to trudging through untouched shin deep snow for four more hours. I hope this description and the pictures prove helpful. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Snowy Bierstadt and attempted Sawtooth Traverse

This is just the trip report with the details to help others attempting to climb Bierstadt. For the full report/story visit my website freeoutside.com

The road up to Guanella pass was clear for the most part and I did not ever have to switch my car to 4 wheel drive. Once at the pass it is easy to tell right away that the entire hike will be in the snow. Not to worry, I did the entire climb in only tennis shoes, although I did carry microspikes. The climb is walking on hard packed snow with the route clearly visible the entire way. As most people know it is much slower to walk on the snow than dirt so plan ahead on that front. Off of the trail the snow is 6-12 inches deep depending where on the mountain you go off trail. This especially caused me some issues when I attempted the traverse across to Mt. Evans. Overall the summit of Bierstadt isn't too bad albeit a bit slippery in spots. If you are not comfortable on snow then I would recommend wearing microspikes or some form of traction starting from the parking lot.

Once at the top I took a look at the traverse and decided to give it a go. It was my initial plan and I decided that worst case I would just turn around if I ever did not feel comfortable. It did not take long for me to realize that it was not the best idea. But being stubborn I still decided to keep on trekking. The most difficult part was trying to make it down to the connecting ridge. There did not seem to be many footprints if any and I attempted to create my own route down as best I could. Once I finally made it down to the ridge I realized how long it had taken me and decided that I should probably throw in the towel on the attempt and traverse back across the base of Bierstadt to reconnect with the trail and head back to my car waiting for me at Guanella Pass. In hindsight this was the right decision. It is not that the traverse is not doable, but I started too late and my heart was just not in to trudging through untouched shin deep snow for four more hours.

I hope this description and the pictures prove helpful.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions
Not registered?

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App