Mt Bierstadt (14,060) by Brian Schultz Monday September 16, 1996
My plan to hike Mt Evans was thwarted when I found the road gated. Earlier in Idaho Springs the ranger told me I could still drive up it so I was a little bummed out. Not totally though, the scenery was terrific with the aspens changing their colors and Echo Lake providing a picture perfect photograph.
Not wanting to waste an opportunity, I drove to Guanella Pass to check out my chances for Bierstadt. Although late, the weather was sunny, clear and cool and at 10:30 I headed down into the willows. Worried by the guidebooks' description, I was careful to mentally mark my route through them- I didn't want to wander around aimlessly on my return and get lost. I found them rather easy to negotiate and had fun working up to the ridge. I was in no hurry and when I finally arrived on the summit at 1:30, I stayed to enjoy the views and eat lunch. I could see my car at the pass and Grays and Torreys in the background. The Sawtooth ridge going up to Evans gave me the shivers. It looked terribly steep.
Four others also made the summit. I surprised myself at how fast and easy I made it down, especially through the willows, and not getting off route once. I got back to the car at 3:15. Another easy fourteener.
Total hike time- 4 hours 45 minutes