Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
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.
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
