Hiking Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt - Everything You Need to Know

Chasing that Rocky Mountain high? If hiking a Colorado 14er is one of your goals, Mount Bierstadt is an excellent choice. While no 14ers are truly easy, Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt is generally agreed to be a great first 14er. Mount Bierstadt is a popular trail that’s easy to follow, and the trailhead is only an hour and a half from Denver.

What’s Covered in This Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt Trail Guide

When you’re getting ready to hike a 14er, you want all the inside info you can get about the trail, and that’s what we’ll provide in this post. This guide will cover the following:

1. Mount Bierstadt Hike Stats - All the nitty-gritty details for the trail in one spot. How many miles, elevation gain, & more.

2. Best Time to Hike Mount Bierstadt - Details about the best time to hike Mount Bierstadt and typical Mt. Bierstadt weather to expect on your hike.

3. Mt. Bierstadt Trail Map & GPX Files - I've created a map detailing the whole trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device.

4. Mount Bierstadt Trailhead – Driving and parking recommendations for the Mt. Bierstadt Trailhead.

5. Itinerary for Hiking Mt. Bierstadt - I’ll walk you through my experience and suggested itinerary for hiking Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt, and our Content Manager Kate will share her experience, too.

6. Important Mt. Bierstadt Safety Tips – What you should know about the top hazards to expect along the trail.

7. What to Bring on Your Mount Bierstadt Hike – The essential packing list for the hike. Don’t hit the trail without these things!

You can jump ahead to any of these sections if you’re looking for specific info.

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1 - Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt Hike Stats

While Mount Bierstadt is considered one of the easiest 14ers, no 14ers are “easy.” The trail has a lot of elevation gain, but it’s mostly Class 1 hiking the whole way, with just a little Class 2 scrambling at the top that’s not too difficult or too exposed.

Here are the basic trail stats for CO 14er Mt. Bierstadt:

• Mount Bierstadt Summit Elevation: 14,065 feet

• Easiest Trail to the Summit: West Slopes (Class 2)

• Type of Trail: Out and Back

• How long is the Mount Bierstadt hike? 7.2 miles

• Mount Bierstadt Elevation Gain: 2,736 feet

• How long does it take to hike Mount Bierstadt? 5-7 hours

• How difficult is the Mount Bierstadt hike? Challenging

• Do you need a permit to hike Mt. Bierstadt? No

• Crowd Factor: Mt. Bierstadt is super popular since it’s an easier 14er close to Denver, so expect lots of people on the trail, especially on summer weekends.

• Is there drinking water available along the Mt. Bierstadt trail? No, so be sure to bring what you need

• Is Mount Bierstadt dog-friendly? Yes, on-leash

Also check out 14ers.com, which is a great resource for trail information and conditions for 14er Mt Bierstadt and all the other Colorado 14ers.

>>>For even more 14er advice, check out my guide to hiking and summiting your first fourteener here!

2 - Mt. Bierstadt Weather & Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike Mt. Bierstadt is typically from June to October. Mt. Bierstadt weather is generally the best during the summer, and the trail will be mostly clear of snow.

Just be aware that depending on the snowpack, the Mt. Bierstadt trail could still have snow into June some years. Be sure to check the trail conditions before you go.

Here are the temperature averages by month for Guanella Pass, the trailhead for Mt. Bierstadt. Expect temps to be significantly cooler on the summit.

In the summer, afternoon thunderstorms are extremely common in Colorado. The general rule of thumb is that you want to be off the summit of any 14er like Mt. Bierstadt before noon to avoid thunderstorms and dangerous lightning.

Always check the forecast before attempting to hike Mt. Bierstadt, and bring the layers and rain gear in case the weather turns unexpectedly.

3 - MOUNT Bierstadt Trailhead Info

The Mount Bierstadt trailhead is just an hour and a half drive from Denver. It’s located near Georgetown on the paved road up Guanella Pass, so any vehicle should be able to access it during the typical hiking summer hiking season.

The road to the Mt. Bierstadt trailhead is closed in winter (typically from November-May), so if you’re planning to do a winter attempt of Mt. Bierstadt, you will have to add several miles onto your hike.

Mt. Bierstadt is an extremely popular hike, so the parking lot at the trailhead fills up fast during peak season. Plan to be there by 6am on busy summer weekends, and if you want to guarantee a spot, I would get there even earlier.

4 - Mt. Bierstadt Trail Map & GPX Files

The Mt. Bierstadt trail is a very well-defined, easy to follow trail almost all the way, except for the boulder section at the top. Still, it’s always a good idea to take a GPS map to navigate so you don’t get off course.

I’ve created a map detailing the whole Mt. Bierstadt trail that you can explore here, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device.

I always recommend downloading a GPX file onto a GPS device, that way you can check in from time to time to be sure you’re on the right trail.

DOWNLOAD THE MT. Bierstadt GPX FILES FOR YOUR GPS HERE:

Knowledge is power my friend, and I'm a girl who loves data. Get access to the Mt. Bierstadt GPX file PLUS my library of GPX files with tracks and waypoints for all the trails loaded onto the She Dreams of Alpine blog.

Load this puppy into your trusted GPS and rest easy knowing you have tracks to follow on your next hike or backpacking trip.

DON’T HAVE A GPS? YOU SHOULD.

I believe every hiker and backpacker should strive to be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors.

This is an important safety skill set that I teach in-depth inside of my backpacking program.  There’s no reason to risk getting lost in the outdoors.

Here’s what I recommend to get started:

(Note: This list contains affiliate links)

1) GAIA GPS Phone App: The Gaia GPS App is definitely one of the best budget GPS for hiking. Make sure to upgrade to premium though so that you can download maps in advance and take them offline into the backcountry for when there is no cell service.

Gaia is offering a special 20% discount on a premium account to those who subscribe online through my link.

Don’t know where to start? If you need help with some Gaia GPS basics, download my quick Gaia GPS navigation 101 guide.

Alternative to Gaia GPS that we also love: AllTrails+ GPS App (The + account gives you access to take maps offline when there isn’t cell service)

2) Get an SOS Device: Once you are able to, I recommend investing in some sort of SOS communication device like the Garmin inReach Mini or the Garmin inReach Explorer+ . These devices provide not only GPS tracking capabilities, but also an SOS satellite search and rescue communicator and text communication abilities in the backcountry.

My Go-To Trail Setup: The Gaia GPS app (premium subscription) + the Garmin inReach Mini.

Alternative to Garmin: Pair your Gaia GPS App with the Zoleo SOS device . With this set up, the Gaia GPS App serves as your GPS navigation device, and the Zoleo serves as an SOS/communication device.

Learn more about the best GPS devices for hiking here.

5 - Itinerary for Hiking Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt

Hiking Mt. Bierstadt is relatively straightforward and usually takes about 5-7 hours from car to car. Here are our firsthand experiences on the trail.

WEEKEND IN JUNE

I hiked the 14er Mt. Bierstadt with my husband Michael on a Sunday in June, an extremely popular time to attempt this trail. We camped near Georgetown, CO the night before to give ourselves a night at higher altitude before summit day. On the day of our hike, we started at 5:45am, and the parking lot wasn’t full yet, but it was definitely filling up. 

The weather forecast was nearly perfect for our summit day, with no predicted thunderstorms, though you should always be prepared that they could pop up in the afternoon in Colorado. There was some rain forecasted around 3PM, but we planned to be off the mountain by then.

Because there can still be snow on the trail in late June, I kept an eye out on reports from AllTrails to make sure we didn't need any extra gear. There were some reports of ice on a few parts of the trail, but most people said they didn't use any traction. We decided to bring microspikes just in case, along with our trekking poles and other hiking essentials.

It took us about 3 hours to make it to the summit. There is no permanent summit sign, but you can bring your own cardboard summit sign for photos if you want – just make sure to pack it out with you and Leave No Trace.

Our total round trip time was approximately 5 hours, which included the time we spent hanging out at the summit and other breaks along the trail.

Overall, we thought it was a really fun hike! Don’t underestimate it even though people often refer to it as “easy” – it’s still a 14er, and there is a lot of elevation gain over the 3.6 miles to the summit.

It’s also a great trail to see some cool alpine wildlife. We met a marmot on the summit, and there are often pikas near the trail, too. Mountain goats also are very common here.

WEEKDAY IN OCTOBER

Our Content Manager Kate has also summited Mt. Bierstadt, as her very first 14er. She hiked it on a weekday in October, so her experience was a little bit different from mine since she didn’t have to contend with crowds or summer storms. Here’s her experience:

My friend and I drove in from the Denver/Golden area and got to the Mt. Bierstadt trailhead parking lot around 9am. Since it was a Tuesday in the fall, the parking lot still had plenty of space. October is past the season for afternoon thunderstorms in Colorado, and the weather forecast was perfect, so we weren’t concerned about our late start.

It was an absolutely bluebird day, and we saw some other people on the trail, but it was not crowded at all. Since this was my first 14er, I wasn’t sure how I would handle the altitude. I felt okay, but slowed down very significantly at and above around 12,500 feet, so it took me about 7 hours for the entire round trip hike, including time we spent on the summit.

We had the summit to ourselves, so we had a little snack and took our time savoring the views before heading back down. I was hiking with a friend who was very experienced with 14ers, and I told her she could head down ahead of me since I was slower.

I did have her wait for me at the bottom of the boulder field though, just to make sure I found my way down that. I had recorded my GPS tracks on the way up, and they were helpful on the way down the boulders, because there’s not really a defined trail there. The rest of the trail is very well-marked though.

My favorite part of the hike was seeing a couple mountain goats up close! They were just hanging out on the boulders and were chill as long as people gave them their space.

6 - Mt. Bierstadt Safety Tips

Even if you hear Mt. Bierstadt referred to as an “easy” 14er, it is still a serious undertaking, and you shouldn’t be complacent. Here are a few of the common hazards to be prepared for when hiking Mt. Bierstadt.

ALTITUDE

If Mount Bierstadt is going to be your first time at 14,000 feet, it’s hard to know how your body will react until you hit the trail. Altitude can have serious effects on anyone, even if you’re in good shape.

Expect to go slower as you gain altitude, and plan for that when estimating the time it will take you to hike. Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated when you’re hiking at altitude.

If you’re coming from sea level, it’s a good idea to acclimate to altitude at lower level for a day or two to help your body prepare.

THUNDERSTORMS/LIGHTNING

The best time to hike Mt. Bierstadt is in the summer, but that is also the season of afternoon thunderstorms in Colorado. While you can prepare for rain by bringing the right gear, lightning is a serious danger on high peaks. The general rule when hiking a 14er or other peak in Colorado during the summer is to be off the summit and heading back down no later than noon.

Always plan ahead and keep an eye on the weather forecast before attempting to hike Mt. Bierstadt, and don’t assume conditions are safe just because you see other people on the trail. In 2015, a lightning strike injured 15 people hiking Mount Bierstadt, and it is estimated that at least 100 people were on the trail at the time. 

SNOW

Depending on the snowpack that year, you can still encounter snow on Mt. Bierstadt well into June. Check conditions and trail reports ahead of time if you’re attempting your hike early in the season, and bring microspikes, especially for the top boulder field section of the trail.

7 - Mt. Bierstadt Packing List

Here are a few absolutely essential items I want to make sure you have ready to go when you’re heading out on your Mount Bierstadt hike. This is not a comprehensive list, so be sure to check out my day hiking packing list to make sure you have everything you need before you hit the trail.

Note: This list may contain affiliate links.

1) Day Pack: You need a day pack to carry your water, snacks, and all the other gear that you bring when you’re hiking a Colorado 14er like Mt. Bierstadt. I love the Deuter Speed Lite CV 23 SL for day hikes like this.

2) CamelBak and Nalgene: CamelBaks are the easiest way to stay hydrated while hiking, and I typically always bring one with me. I recommend getting one that has at least a 3 liter reservoir. Also consider bringing a Nalgene or other water bottle for backup if your CamelBak leaks or to use for electrolytes.

3) Trekking Poles: Trekking poles definitely come in handy on Mt. Bierstadt with all the elevation gain. My favorites are the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Trekking Poles because they are sturdy and made to last.

4) Rain Jacket: Thunderstorms are common in summer afternoons in Colorado, and although you want to be off the summit before they start, you should still be prepared with a rain layer, whether that be a rain jacket or an emergency poncho. The Patagonia Torrentshell is a solid rain jacket option.

5) Headlamp: You'll want to break a headlamp to hike Mt. Bierstadt if you're getting an alpine start, and it’s always a good idea to bring a headlamp just in case things don’t go as planned. I recommend bringing a headlamp + extra batteries on every hike, and I always bring the Petzl Actik Core when I'm hiking.

6) Snacks & Electrolytes: You should bring some snacks with you for energy when hiking the Colorado 14er Mt. Bierstadt, and I like to pack Kate’s Real Food Bars for quick snacks. Electrolytes, like Nuun , are also great to bring along to help you stay hydrated properly, especially at altitude.

7) Sunglasses: My favorite pair for day hikes are Goodr Sunglasses. They come in a bunch of great color and style options and the best part... they are only $25! I love this particular brand not only for its affordability (let's be honest... we all lose sunglasses), but also because they are some of the only sunglasses I've found that will stay on my nose and not slide down when I get active and start sweating.

8) Sunscreen & Lip Balm: Always wear – and bring sunscreen – for a hike. The sun can be pretty intense at high altitude. I really like the sunscreen from Neutrogena.Just like sunscreen, it's also important to bring lip balm that has sun protection on your hike. My favorite is Joshua Tree lip balm.

9) First Aid Kit: Another important item to have im your pack is a small first aid kit with the essentials, like the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker First Aid Kit . Always better safe than sorry!

10) Microspikes: If you're planning to hike Mt. Bierstadt earlier in the season when snow might still be sticking around, it's a good idea to bring traction for any potentially icy sections of the trail. Kahtoola Microspikes work really well and are very durable.

Again,  this is NOT your full day hike packing list, just some of the most important items to remember. Check out my day hiking checklist download here for my full gear recommendations for a day hike.

DOWNLOAD OUR HIKING PACKING CHECKLIST

So that you can hit the trails with peace of mind knowing that you didn’t leave anything essential behind!

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Hope this guide provided all the info you need to attempt your own summit of Mt. Bierstadt! Have you summited this Colorado 14er? Add your tips in the comments!

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Looking for more colorado & 14er RESOURCES?

Check out these guides to more hiking trails in Colorado as well as additional 14er info:

• The Best Colorado Springs Hiking Trails

• Best Colorado Day Hikes to Help You Train for Colorado 14ers

• California 14ers Guide: Easiest to Hardest 14ers

• 7 Tips to Hiking and Summiting Your First Fourteener Mountain

Cheers,

Allison - She Dreams of Alpine

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