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Approach: North side of Guanella Pass at the normal Winter closure
Length: About 10 miles RT
Vertical: About 3400 feet
Ascent Party: Solo
Some 40 odd years ago, I started a tradition of hiking Bierstadt on or near my birthday. Back in the "old days", there were no boardwalks and the willows and marshes were the real cruxes. For any of you that have done Gray Wolf and/or Spalding - or come down the west side of Evans - that's what the whole approach used to be like.
On the good side, though - back then Clear Creek County plowed the road to the pass year round so one could start from the summer TH. Now they don't open the road until Memorial Day weekend which is a week or so after my birthday. Bummer.
This was my 58th time up Bierstadt and my second TR on it - the first being my very first attempt at trip reports 4 years ago. Birthday on Bierstadt I have done Bierstadt in every month of the year and this May trek felt more like a February outing. The forecast was for snow, temps in the 20's, wind in the 20-30MPH range in the morning and temps rising and wind falling in the afternoon. This turned out to be the case making me wish I'd started out later than I did.
Not a lot of pictures in this TR as there were white-out conditions much of the day. And even though most look like they were shot in black and white mode, they were not - that's just what the day looked like. (captions below the photos).
Looking back at the closure gate. There was maybe a couple inches of new snow on the road but you can see it has been plowed and will likely open on Memorial Day.
The equipment at the ready to do final clearing.
It was like this much of the day. And the rest of the day, visibility was zero.
Right near the summer parking area, I shot this short vid that will give an idea of the wind.
A bit windy, eh?
Looks like a scene from the movie Fargo...
The sun made for some interesting shots.
Looking back towards Squaretop and there is a patch of blue sky.
Bierstadt is up there somewhere.....
And the Sawtooth is visible for an instant.
Getting closer...
The summit!
My view from the summit. Yeah, it really was that bad.
The trip down was a bit easier than normal. The colder temps kept the snow solid and I met a lot of nice people on the way - smarter people than I am as they left a bit later. But this was still a fun day - and a nice way to celebrate my 67th b/day.
Taken from the road on the way out. The skies had cleared significantly.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and be careful out there!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
It was nice to meet you up there. What a great way to celebrate your birthday !!
Did you notice that the sky cleared a few minutes after we both reached the willow flats?
Of course, it clouded up again in few, but I was kicking myself for descending in the whiteout..
Fargo quote near the movie end with a backdrop that completely resembled your photos. Well, way to stick to tradition! Next year will be August–like. Congrats – way to go get it.
Smrcka – Not sure I was wise in starting this particular tradition but now I have to keep it going.
Garrett – The weather was crazy, wasn’t it? Nice board ride down – it was fun to watch you cruising by.
Pete – Fargo is one of my favorite movies and the "beautiful day" is one of my favorite quotes. Plus, I was born in Cass Lake, MN – about 100 miles NE of Fargo.
Nancy, Alex, Doug – Thanks for the good wishes.
Mike/Dillon – You two REALLY need to set your sights higher when it comes to heros!
All – Sincere thanks for all the comments, birthday wishes and likes. Guess I’ll have to do a hat trick on Bierstadt TR’s – maybe when I turn the big Seven–oh.
I also have a tradition to ski on mine. I once tried to ski my very first 14er, but that turned into a nightmare, since it was too early in the season that year. So I decided something easier on my day would be better!
Here’s hoping to many more Bierstadt summits in May!
Nice work, Jay; wish I had a birthday story like that to share. At 63 I am inspired and motivated by you for my upcoming shot at being blessed to set feet on several 14ers this summer. Hope you tag some more on some of your ’un’–birthdays!
Otina – Traditions are good. Although I have to admit I am getting a bit tired of Bierstadt. I appreciate your comments. One day, maybe I will be able to do half the stuff that you do!
SummitStep – Keep at it – we "elder statesmen" have to keep going to keep going, eh? Thanks for your nice thoughts and I wish you the best with your future climbs.
Glad to see your hardcoredness is keeping you pushing up a mountain in less–than–favorable conditions
I’ve been on a 14er hiatus lately and tending to my rock climbing addiction. Tried to get up Quandary twice, but my car broke down on attempt #1, then got hit with bad weather on attempt #2. Got big plans for this summer, though! Would love to climb with you if the timing works out.
Take care!
I’m trying to decide whether to hike Mt. Bierstadt this coming Sunday and your report provided some really helpful info – I don’t have crampons or serious boots so think I may need to wait...! The last time I did it two years ago there was barely any snow. Thanks for all the time you took posting pictures and explaining honestly what it was like. I hope I’m still climbing when I’m 67! May the Lord continue to bless you with good health and many great climbs in your new boots and crampons!
I’m pretty sure you will be able to do Bierstadt this weekend. Do bring the snowshoes – even if the snow is solid in the morning, it can get pretty soft in the afternoon – especially if the sun is out. And thanks for your compliments about my TR – much appreciated. Good luck on your hike and let me know how it goes. I doubt you will be alone up there.
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