Mt. Bierstadt - East Ridge Class 3, helmet?

[geargirl]

My hubby and I have climbed 12 14ers so far, but nothing rated above a difficult class 2 route. We are planning to do Mt. Bierstadt in a few weeks. I've looked at many pics of the route and wondered if a climbing helmet was recommended for the rocky ascent up to 12,164 (or whatever that spike is) where it appears that it may be likely someone could be above you.

Thanks so much!

Dianne

[GregMiller]

I seem to remember a couple places where rockfall could be an issue. However, the real reason I wear a helmet on that route is so I don't bang my head on something, lots of potential there. Hope you guys have a blast! Are you going for the full Tour d'Abyss?

[Nelson]

If you descend from the saddle between Evans and Epaulette you probably want a helmet. If you do the Sawtooth as your return you want a helmet. On the East ridge route itself you won't see many people but as Greg says it will keep you from banging your head.

[geargirl]

Thanks for the quick replies! We will definitely bring helmets. We climbed Evans last year on the northeast face route and didn't see a soul. We don't plan to do it again and will likely not do Sawtooth. I think we will follow the loop route and finish going back up the gulley unless you smart people think that's a bad choice

D.

[GregMiller]

I've done the Tour once and down to Abyss and up the gully once. No problem with either. I just like the Sawtooth as an add-on.

[vandy]

I didn't feel a helmet was necessary for the ridge itself. However, the downclimb off of Bierstadt, whether going to the Sawtooth or to Abyss Lake, probably warrants one. It's not terribly loose, but I encountered enough to want one.

[polar]

Thanks for the quick replies! We will definitely bring helmets. We climbed Evans last year on the northeast face route and didn't see a soul. We don't plan to do it again and will likely not do Sawtooth. I think we will follow the loop route and finish going back up the gulley unless you smart people think that's a bad choice

D.

If you're just doing teh Bierstadt East Ridge loop, then I definitely recommend a helmet for the coming down Bierstadt and again for going up the loose gulley back to the car.

For a route that doubled the class 3 stuff, why not do Bierstadt East Ridge, then reverse it? I did that today, it was... fun! I'll keep telling myself that. When I recovered enough I'll write a trip report with some pointers on the reversed Bierstadt East Ridge. I don't think a lot of people do it, so the route finding is slightly trickier than going up the East Ridge.

Be mentally prepared for the loop gulley going back to the car though, that was the most demoralizing part of my day.