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
Overnight
Clear, with a low around 9. Wind chill values as low as -10. West northwest wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
Sunday
Sunny. High near 25, with temperatures falling to around 15 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -12. West northwest wind 13 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.
Sunday Night
Clear. Low around 11, with temperatures rising to around 14 overnight. Wind chill values as low as -4. West northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 30. Wind chill values as low as 0. West northwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 13. West northwest wind around 12 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 34.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 12.
Additional Pictures
Views Looking Back Towards Trailhead
Views Looking Towards Guanella Pass
Views of Bierstadt from the Trail
Views of the Crowded Trails in September
Views of the Switchbacks
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
Skiable Back To Car
Awesome day skiing off Bierstadt. Great weather, windy at top. Clouds in and out. Skiing was quite good still. Not enough snow to ski off of the summit, had to boot the last bit to the top and put the skis on about 500 vertical feet from the summit