mt. bierstadt

My 11 year old Florida resident daughter decided that she wanted to summit her 1st 14er before entering middle school. We decided together on Bierstadt. I've summited over half of Colorado's 14ers and this was a good choice. From start to finish was around 8 hours. At approximately 13,000 feet, my daughter felt slightly ill, but by the peak, she felt great. I recommend this for any one climbing their first 14er.

I looked at reviews on this mountain. They all said that this was for a novice and that you should start here. Well I'm scared to see the intermediate! This is a 3.5 mile hike to the summit. For me it was 5.0 miles total because I had to park 1.5 miles away and walk up because of snow. I can say, it is worth the effort. There were multiple times that I wanted to quit, but to come out here all this way and not get to the top is something I couldn't do. The summit was incredible. It took me 3:20 minutes from parking to the summit and then 2:20 from the summit back down to parking. It was incredible and I will be doing another one soon....just not for now since I can't feel my legs ;)

Mt. Bierstadt is known as an easy 14'er for beginners, but seems to be received as an easy hike. The distance is about 3.5 miles each way and is less than 3,000 feet in elevation gain with a pretty groomed trail, except for the final stretch. These characteristics are what give this mountain the title as an easy 14'er. However, many neglect to take into consideration previous experience, altitude (low oxygen), physical conditioning, rapid weather changes, food, water, and over-exaggerated ego. No need to be riddled with fear, just a shout out to do your research of hiking at elevation before taking this on under the guise of it simply being easy. Enjoy Colorado! Enjoy your trails!!