Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

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BronxZ
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Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by BronxZ »

Looking for anyone to join on an ascent of Bierstadt on Thu May 1st.

I've done several other (easier) 14ers, but never in conditions with snow on the ground.

Anyone interested?
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randalmartin
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by randalmartin »

I would highly recommend against doing Bierstadt in early May. Crossing the Willows will be a nightmare. Trust me, I have personal experience.

Based on your peak list, Quandary or Sherman would be better options for early May than Bierstadt.
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rijaca
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by rijaca »

BronxZ wrote: ↑Mon Mar 31, 2025 8:19 am Looking for anyone to join on an ascent of Bierstadt on Thu May 1st.

I've done several other (easier) 14ers, but never in conditions with snow on the ground.

Anyone interested?
There won't be snow on the ground; it will be either mud and/or mush.
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Ptglhs
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by Ptglhs »

Bring 2 pairs of boots and socks. Leave a 3rd pair in the car. When you get past the willows change into the new boots and socks and leave the other pair off the trail. Pick them up when you return. Change into 3rd pair when you get back to the car. Enjoy the mud and slush.
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BronxZ
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by BronxZ »

Hmmm... it seems I'm being strongly encouraged to NOT do Bierstadt on May 1st .... mud and slush doesn't sound awesome.

I had originally thought about doing Quandary but thought Bierstadt would be easier.

Thoughts on returning to my original plan on Quandary?
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Jay521
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by Jay521 »

Another point of view...

It isn't always slushy and muddy. Here are a couple TR's I've posted

May 22, 2011
https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepo ... trip=10038

May 17, 2015
https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprepo ... trip=15973

So - you might want to wait and see what the weather is like a few weeks from now...
I take the mountain climber's approach to housekeeping - don't look down
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mtree
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by mtree »

BronxZ wrote: ↑Thu Apr 03, 2025 7:15 am Hmmm... it seems I'm being strongly encouraged to NOT do Bierstadt on May 1st .... mud and slush doesn't sound awesome.

I had originally thought about doing Quandary but thought Bierstadt would be easier.

Thoughts on returning to my original plan on Quandary?
Oh c'mon. Its not that bad. I've climbed Bierstadt dozens of times in May and my only complaint was when the road was closed! And on May 1 who knows what conditions will be like. Check the reports as it gets closer.

I wear above the ankle (mid) hiking boots and have NEVER gotten soaked (except for a splash in Scott Gomer Creek, but that's another issue). You just have to be careful where you step. If you start early enough it might be mostly frozen. Its the return trek that gets real sloppy. Don't be a wuss. Embrace the challenge!
Last edited by mtree on Thu Apr 03, 2025 10:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
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mtree
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by mtree »

As Jay posted, on May 1 you might be hiking in full-on winter conditions. The earliest in May I've hiked Bierstadt was after Cinco de Mayo. Only once needed flotation. Otherwise, conditions were similar to Quandary. Solid frozen trench early. Messy late. Some years mostly melted out and muddy. Depends.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
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BronxZ
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Re: Bierstadt on Thu May 1st

Post by BronxZ »

Some good food for thought across the board...

So, anyone up for a May 1st, very early in the morning start, hike of Bierstadt? 8)
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