Hiking Mount Bierstadt – One of Colorado’s Most Popular 14ers

Mount Bierstadt is one of Colorado’s easier and more trafficked 14ers. The ease of access, extremely beautiful views and close proximity to Denver make it so popular. The hike features stunning views from the trailhead, and is one of the better 14ers for those looking to start trying the bigger mountains in Colorado.

Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance – 7.4 miles round trip (11.9 km)
Height – 14,060 feet (4,285.5 m)
Elevation gain – 2,710 feet (826 m)
Duration – 5 to 7 hours (book time)
Hike Class: Class 2
Seasons – Year-round (caution and experience needed in winter – see below)
Trailhead Location – Guanella Pass – 11,669 feet (directions below)

Trail Map

Trails

Bierstadt Trail | 7.4 Miles Round Trip | 2,710 Feet Elevation Gain | Class 2

This is the most common route to the summit of Bierstadt. It is heavily trafficked and easy to follow. The trail begins with around .9 miles of slight downhill and features stunning views of Bierstadt and The Sawtooth from the beginning. 1.1 miles into the hike, the ascent begins. There are various switchbacks to gain elevation quickly. 3.4 miles into the hike, the trail gets a bit more difficult with larger boulders, and more of a scramble to the summit. This trail is very well traveled, and the parking area and road leading fills up quickly. Because of this, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.

Hiking in Winter

Bierstadt is a great winter hike. This hike gains 4 miles round trip to become an 11 mile roundtrip hike with 3,600 feet of elevation gain due to Guanella Pass being closed. The trailhead is at lower Guanella Pass. The red mark along the road on the map above indicates the gate that closes when this road is closed. As with any 14er, the right equipment is essential in winter. Experience is highly recommended, even though this is one of the easier 14ers.

Directions & Parking

Guanella Pass is a beautiful road. To enter the Mount Evans Wilderness, hikers can grab free permits available at the trailheads.

To Guanella Pass Trailhead:

Current Weather Conditions

Here is a detailed forecast for the next 4 days. Check Mountain Forecast beforehand.

Silver Plume, CO

Today
A chance of snow showers before 9am, then snow showers likely and a chance of thunderstorms between 9am and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 2pm and 3pm, then snow showers likely and thunderstorms likely between 3pm and 4pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 38 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Tonight
Thunderstorms likely and rain and snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. West wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Saturday
Snow showers likely before 9am, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms between 9am and 10am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 39 in the afternoon. North northeast wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Saturday Night
Thunderstorms likely and rain and snow showers likely before 9pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers likely between 9pm and midnight, then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. North wind 1 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Sunday
A chance of rain and snow showers before 9am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Northeast wind 1 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Sunday Night
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 9pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 9pm and 11pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and rain and snow showers likely between 11pm and midnight, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday
A chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Additional Pictures