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- Mount Bierstadt
14,065 ft · Front Range, Colorado
Mount Bierstadt
Mount Bierstadt is a 14,065 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Slopes: 7 mi, 2,736 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Bierstadt at a glance
- Elevation14,065 ft4,287 m
- RouteWest SlopesClass 2
- Distance7 mi2,736 ft gain
- Time4 – 7 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeFront RangeColorado
Climbing the West Slopes
From Georgetown, Colorado, take I-70 to exit 228 and follow Guanella Pass Road south to the trailhead at the pass. This is one of Colorado's most popular first 14ers due to easy access and well-maintained trail. The lower section passes through willow thickets which can be wet and boggy, so stay on the established trail. Often combined with Mount Evans via the Class 3 Sawtooth Ridge for more experienced climbers. Expect large crowds on summer weekends. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Free parking at the trailhead.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Boggy terrain
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Steep exposure
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
Mount Bierstadt on Yak
Climbers have shared 135 climbs of Mount Bierstadt on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Bierstadt
Colorado 14ers
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Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Bierstadt
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Bierstadt?
Mount Bierstadt is 14,065 feet (4,287 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Bierstadt rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,065 feet, Mount Bierstadt is the 39th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Bierstadt?
The West Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 2,736 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Bierstadt?
Most people take 4 – 7 hours round trip on the West Slopes, covering 7 miles with 2,736 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Bierstadt?
The West Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 7 miles with 2,736 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Bierstadt?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Bierstadt reaches 14,065 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Bierstadt?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Bierstadt?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Bierstadt?
The West Slopes starts at about 11,620 feet, roughly 2,445 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Bierstadt?
The standard route is the West Slopes. Other routes include the Combo: Bierstadt, Sawtooth, Blue Sky.
Climb Mount Bierstadt with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list