Mt. Bierstadt (14,060')

8.12.2010

Mt. Bierstadt (14,060’) and the Sawtooth Ridge

Climbing Party:  Aaron Dover, Lauren Voelker

Had been hiking in the 8,000-12,000 range since moving to Colorado in November 2009. I finally decided I wanted to try a 14er and did my homework and thought that Bierstadt/Sawtooth/Evans would be a good route to do. I recruited a friend who hadn't climbed a 14er either and we decided to give it a go. We made one attempt two weeks earlier and were forced to abort the mission due to heavy thunder and lightning activity on the summit. We swallowed our pride and returned back to the Guanella Pass parking lot. Two weeks later, we returned to the TH better prepared and earlier in the day. We started on the trail at about 6:15 after waiting out a threatening morning cloud.

The trail through the willows over the boardwalk was rather uneventful, crossed the creek without incident, and made our way up onto the ridge of Bierstadt. Summitted Bierstadt at around 10, and contemplated moving onward across the Sawtooth over to Evans. 

We decided it was a go and set off across the ridge. Aside from some wind, the weather had not been an issue up until this point. Traversing just below the ridge, we did not see the fast approaching storm until it was almost on top of us. It started to hail and then snow, with high winds. We took shelter behind some of the larger boulders on the ridge. 

After 30 minutes, the storm cleared, and gave way to a bluebird for the remainder of our day. We were on our way again. The ridge was not all that intimidating until we got to the ramp that leads you up and around the Sawtooth itself. It was the most exposed part of the trip, and the loose rock made it extra interesting. Once we cornered the Sawtooth, the trail gave way to to a wide open ridge with ample room to move around. The trail was not too well defined here, and so we set off for Evans along the ridge. It was around noon, and we thought given the day so far, it might not be wise to move on to Evans. We were feeling the altitude, and the winds were making things even more difficult.

We made our way to the gully on our descent, which was very well marked with cairns and a stream to follow. Down the gully was steep, but manageable. Then came the willows....ahhhh the willows. Felt we were heading to Mordor looking for the "Ring". Deep mud, and thick brush made it slower going. Several offshoots to the main trail made it hard to follow at times, but as long as you stay between the lakes and the hillside, you'll reconnect with the Bierstadt trail. We eventually made the trail, and got back to the parking lot at 3pm.

Although we didn't make it all of the way to Evans, it was a great trip, and an experience I will not soon forget. Great views, not crowded, and an introduction to 14ers. Can't wait to get out there again!

X-Factor:  The weather.  This is supposed to be one of the easier fourteeners out there, and its’ proximity to Denver makes it an attractive mountain to hike.  For the most part, the weather rolls in from your backside.  It’s easy to gauge the weather on this hike.  Once you get on to the Sawtooth, your view of the west is hidden, as the trail ducks below the ridge, obscuring your view to the west.  If you are able, try to get up on the ridge periodically to see what’s coming your way.  Once we were on the shoulder of Evans, after crossing the ridge, the wind became an issue.  We turned back from Evans after a ¼ mile from the summit because of such high winds.