Mount Bierstadt
Mountain Colorado Fourteener near Georgetown, popular with hikers
A Colorado fourteener west of Denver, Mount Bierstadt is popular with day-hikers for a well-defined trail, alpine meadows and relatively non-technical summer ascents.
Mount Bierstadt is a 14,060-foot (4,287 metre) peak in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado and is one of the state’s recognised “fourteeners.”
A well-known objective for hikers and peak-baggers, the mountain is commonly climbed as a day route from Guanella Pass, following a standard non-technical ridge and scree approach. The summit offers broad alpine views of surrounding Front Range peaks and nearby mountain valleys.
The peak is a natural Rocky Mountain summit that has long been used for recreational mountaineering and hiking; it appears on historic regional maps and climbing registers dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Over time it has become one of the more frequently climbed Colorado fourteeners because of relatively easy access and a short approach from the pass.
The mountain sits in the Front Range of central Colorado near Guanella Pass and the town of Georgetown, within the state of Colorado, United States.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 14,060 feet (4,287 metres), making it one of Colorado's named "fourteeners."
- Typical route: The most common ascent starts from Guanella Pass and is classed as a non-technical scramble (Class 2), making it a popular day hike for experienced hikers.
How to Get to Mount Bierstadt #
Drive from Denver via I-70 and US-285 to the Guanella Pass area; the common trailhead is off Guanella Pass Road (co. road 381). Parking is limited-arrive early or use a shuttle if available.
Tips for Visiting Mount Bierstadt #
- Start very early-the lot at Guanella Pass fills by 6:30-7:30am on summer weekends.
- Acclimatize first; Bierstadt is often used as a first 14er and can sneakily tire those unfamiliar with altitude.
- Wear microspikes or crampons for spring snowfields and carry an ice axe for steeper sections.
Best Time to Visit Mount Bierstadt #
Late June through September is the standard season for climbing Mount Bierstadt, with longer daylight and reduced snowpack.
Weather & Climate near Mount Bierstadt #
Mount Bierstadt's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -17°C to 14°C. Moderate rainfall (785 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -14°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and breezy conditions.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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July
July is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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October
October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and breezy conditions.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -15°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and breezy conditions.
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