Colorado's Top-Tier Hiking Trail In The Rocky Mountains Offers A Picturesque Journey

Attracting hundreds of thousands of hikers every year, Colorado is one of the top destinations for avid hikers around the world. From beautiful treks via parks to a challenging terrain that discovers windswept areas, and stunning vistas that await at the summit, the Centennial State has some of the best landscapes in the U.S. This is evidenced by the picturesque Mount Bierstadt Trail. Tucked in the Rocky Mountains, the trail offers hikers an unforgettable experience. It stands at 14,065 feet and is part of the Mount Evans Wilderness, near the small mountain town of Georgetown. Since it is one of the most accessible 14er experiences, it is the perfect destination for travelers who want to summit some of the tallest mountain peaks in the U.S.

Reaching the trailhead of the Mount Bierstadt Trail is pretty straightforward. It is located at Guanella Pass, about 11 miles south of Georgetown. From Denver, the drive takes about an hour and 15 minutes via Interstate 70 to Georgetown, followed by a winding mountain road up to the pass. If you are coming from overseas or a distant state, the nearest airport is Denver International Airport, which is about one and a half hours northeast of the trailhead. Mount Bierstadt was named after Albert Bierstadt, a 19th-century painter known for his landscape paintings. When he visited Colorful Colorado in the mid 19th century, he captured the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in his art, making the area popular through his paintings.

If you are looking for one of the easiest Colorado peaks to bag your first 14er, the Mount Bierstadt Trail won't disappoint. The Trail is a 7.2-mile round-trip hike that takes trailblazers through beautiful meadows and boardwalk crossings to the summit of the mountain it is named after. Starting at the Guanella Pass trailhead, the route starts gently, passing through wide-open fields often filled with wildflowers in summer. 

You will enjoy panoramic views within a few minutes of starting your hike. As soon as you start descending to Scott Gomer Creek, you'll spot moose and big horn sheep. The first mile is relatively easy, following a wooden boardwalk that crosses wet meadows and marshy terrain fed by the creek.

As you progress, the trail begins to climb steadily, leading toward the mountain's western slope. This midsection is where you start to feel the elevation that increases steadily over the remaining 2.5 miles. As you get closer to the summit, the trail becomes rocky and involves Class 2 scrambling. At the top, you are treated to 360-degree views of the Rockies, including Mount Evans and the Sawtooth ridge. You'll also see Abyss Lake flowing between the Evans and Bierstadt, and spot Greys Peak and Torrey Peak. If you brought your camera, spend a few minutes at the summit capturing Instagram-worthy moments, having lunch, or spotting marmots, pikas, and mountain goats. The entire hike takes about three and a half hours (round-trip) to complete. Of course, the exact time will depend on your speed.

Planning your hike up Mount Bierstadt starts with choosing the best time to visit. If you enjoy beautiful views of wildflowers in the meadows, plan your hike between late June and early September, when the trail is snow-free. During this time, the flowers tend to sprout so remarkably and charmingly in many spots across the trail. While you can hike the trail in winter, the starting point will shift to the Guanella Pass winter closure (the last section to be cleared of snow), adding 3 miles to your journey. Summer is also a favorable time to hike the Mount Bierstadt trail, just ensure you start your trailblazing escapades early, as afternoon thunderstorms are common in Colorado during the hotter months.

In addition, prepare for unpredictable weather. You'll need hiking boots plus warm and waterproof clothes. Do not forget to bring your sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen. With the elevation gain and rocky paths towards the summit, trekking poles will come in handy. If you prefer to retreat under the stars after hiking, you can camp at Guanella Pass campground, which has 18 camping sites. This campground has potable water and vault toilets, and you can park your RV or set up a tent. Just make sure you reserve the site before you arrive. It costs $26 per night. Finally, this important advice can make your hiking and backpacking adventures way more enjoyable!.