Skip to Content

Mount Bierstadt Trail, Mount Evans Wilderness near Silver Plume, Colorado

High Point

High Point:
 14,066 feet

Total Ascent

Total Ascent:
2,782 feet

Difficulty

Difficulty:
Hard

Distance

Distance:
7.5 miles

Waypoints

Waypoints:
N39 35.770, W105 42.609

Route Type

Route Type:
Out and Back

Skyblue Overland may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

Overview

Mount Bierstadt Trail, located in the Mount Evans Wilderness near Silver Plume, Colorado, offers hikers an accessible yet rewarding journey to one of Colorado’s iconic 14,000-foot peaks. Here’s an overview:

Location and Accessibility:

Starting Point: The trailhead is at Guanella Pass, approximately 18 miles from Georgetown off I-70, making it easily accessible for those traveling through central Colorado.

Elevation: The trail starts at about 11,669 feet and summits at 14,065 feet, providing a notable elevation gain of over 2,300 feet.

Awesome view from the summit of Mount Bierstadt in Colorado.

Awesome view from the summit of Mount Bierstadt in Colorado.

Trail Description:

Difficulty: Class 2; suitable for moderately experienced hikers. The trail involves some scrambling near the summit but is generally well-marked and maintained.

Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles round trip, making it a feasible day hike.

Terrain: The trail begins in a willow-filled flat, quickly ascending into more alpine terrain. Hikers will encounter a mix of gravel paths, rocky outcrops, and some boulder hopping.

Key Features:

Scenery: The trail offers breathtaking views of the Sawtooth ridge and surrounding peaks. The summit provides panoramic views of the Continental Divide, including neighboring peaks like Torreys and Grays.

Wildlife: Common sightings include mountain goats, especially as you approach the summit. Smaller wildlife like pikas and marmots can also be spotted.

Flora: Early in the season, wildflowers abound, adding splashes of color to the landscape.

Safety and Considerations:

Weather: Weather can change rapidly at high altitudes. Hikers should be prepared for sudden storms, high winds, and cold temperatures, even in summer.

Gear: Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, layers for warmth, waterproof clothing, plenty of water, and high-energy snacks.

Permits: No permit is required for day hiking, but visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Additional Notes: The trail can get crowded, especially on weekends, due to its popularity. For those interested in a longer adventure, a loop can be made with the Sawtooth connecting to Mount Evans, though this significantly increases the difficulty and length.

Mount Bierstadt stands out for its combination of accessibility, scenic beauty, and the thrill of summiting a 14er, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Colorado’s high peaks.

Directions to Trailhead

Navigating to the Mount Bierstadt trailhead involves a scenic drive through some of Colorado’s most picturesque mountain landscapes. Here’s how to get there:

From Denver:
  • Start: Take US-285 southwest from Denver.
  • Drive: Continue on US-285 for approximately 36 miles until you reach Bailey.
  • Turn: At Bailey, turn right onto CO-67 towards Grant. Follow CO-67 for about 23 miles until it meets US-285 again.
  • Continue: Merge onto US-285 north and drive for about 3 miles to Guanella Pass Road.
  • Guanella Pass: Turn left onto Guanella Pass Road (which becomes County Road 381).
  • Proceed: Follow this road for about 13 miles up over the pass. The road is winding with switchbacks but well-maintained and paved. Enjoy the views of Mount Bierstadt on your right as you ascend.
From Georgetown:
  • Start: If coming from I-70, take the Georgetown exit (exit 228) and head south on 6th Street which turns into Guanella Pass Road.
  • Drive: Continue south on Guanella Pass Road for approximately 12 miles. The road will take you up and over the pass.

Trailhead: The Mount Bierstadt Trailhead is located on the left side of Guanella Pass Road, shortly after you cross the summit of the pass. Look for parking areas; the trailhead is well-marked with signs indicating the beginning of the Mount Bierstadt trail.

Additional Tips:
  • Road Closure: Check the status of Guanella Pass Road as it can close due to snow or maintenance, typically from late fall to early summer.
  • Parking: Arrive early during peak seasons as parking can fill up quickly. There are restrooms at the Guanella Pass Campground near the trailhead for convenience.

Remember to have a good map or GPS device, as cell service can be spotty in these mountainous regions. Enjoy your hike!

Field Notes

Mount Bierstadt Trail is without a doubt one of the busiest trails that allow you to ascend to a 14k + summit. Considered by man to be a relative “easy” trail to reach a summit but offers its own host of challenges for even the most seasoned hiker.

Be sure to bring layers. The elevation gain gives way to a lot of high winds and rapid changes in the weather. While I was there the wind was constant and steady sometimes reaching over 40 miles per hour. Going in the early fall I did not experience a lot of snow and ice, however that is not to say that this won’t change. The Rocky mountains can produce some of the most unpredictable weather patterns on earth and I would suggest being prepared for anything. Gloves, extra socks, windproof jackets as well as rain gear. Remember there is no such thing as bad weather, but there is such a thing as poor planning. The trail is a steady incline the entire way. I would highly suggest that you go at your own pace and I promise you will be happy with the end result.

There is a local organization in Colorado known as the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) that have put in a lot of work and extra effort to ensure the trail is well maintained. This was done to support the increase in traffic of the years on this very popular trail. It was clear to me the effort put forth by them and I was happy to see what they had done for the hiking community at large.

I think this is a great trail for those looking to cut their teeth and become part of the 14ers club, climbing up to over 14,000 is a challenging and rewarding experience. This is only shared by those willing to undertake the elevation. I had my moments of leg and lung burning exertion but overall I found the trail to be a manageable experience.

Awesome view from the summit of Mount Bierstadt in Colorado.

Awesome view from the summit of Mount Bierstadt in Colorado.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway at sunrise.

Guanella Pass Scenic Byway at sunrise.

Alpine Lake on the Mount Bierstadt Trail in the Arapahoe National Forest

Alpine Lake on the Mount Bierstadt Trail in the Arapahoe National Forest

Starting from the parking lot I was able to see why this was such a well trafficked trail, the views along the way are absolutely stunning. The trail has a steady incline the entire way and having the elevation gain dispersed along nearly four miles helps a little. There are quite a lot of switchbacks and rocky/unstable terrain to traverse. While dogs are allowed on the trail I would advise against this as the rocks and scrambling present will be difficult for most canines. It is important to note that the trail is located mostly within the Mount Evans wilderness areas and they have strict rules on party size, fires, and dogs.

My first stop along the trail was a series of bridges that pass through a lot of willow growth that lasted for about a mile or so, this will lead me to a beautiful creek that is just at around 11,500 feet. As I crossed the creek and continued moving through the willows I started to approach the Western Slope of Mt. Bierstadt. Seeing the mountain in its full glory helps put the entire experience into perspective. I am climbing a mountain.

As I exited the willows, this is where the switchbacks start and continued until it starts to level off at around 12,300 along the north shoulder of the mountain. Those switchbacks were a real lung burner and I sure felt each step in my legs. The elevation starts to take its toll and honestly going over 10,000 feet in general is where the problems with the lack of oxygen begin. Be prepared for this workout and just know that eventually it starts to level off.  Once it starts to level out I was able to see the remainder of the trail ahead and I passed an overlook at around 12,600 feet.

Continuing past around 13,000 the trail starts to increase in steepness significantly. I found the trail to be very obvious and followed it as the trail zigzagged up to a crest at around 13,750 feet. The final stretch of the trail I was unable to see the summit to spite it only being 250 feet higher than my current location. At this point the trail is gone and the crux of the summit begins. I worked my way through a series of boulders and when the pitch began to ease I had reached the summit. It was well worth the effort for some of the most expansive views from a tremendous height.

Going back down the trail to the parking area I found the steepness to present its own challenge. It can be harder on the knees going downhill so I would be prepared for that both mentally and physically. It would not be a bad idea to bring trekking poles and as always go at your own pace.


What to Read Next:

Mount Shasta: Your Guide to Adventure and Charm

Mount Shasta Cascade Loop: An Adventure Through Northern California

Planning the Perfect Adventure Trip to Crested Butte, Colorado

Epic Adventures with the Best Guides In Colorado

Backcountry Skiing In Colorado