Just over an hour west of Denver, Mt. Bierstadt is another 14’er that is jam packed because of its proximity to the front range and ease. It was my first time up Guanella Pass- a mountain pass tucked high above Georgetown, a town I often pass on my way down to Denver, but never enter.

When I arrived it was still pitch black out, and the parking lot full. I scored a spot along the road right beside the parking lot- a favorable spot compared to the half mile away some people were parked when I finished my hike.

I started my hike only to find myself behind a group of about 20 hikers. Once I managed to get by them, I flew on by. The trail was “easy” in my opinion, and it was pretty gradual switchbacks on a well maintained trail, and then through a flat, rocky section where you’ll see your eye out for cairns- then up to the summit. There is brief period of scrambling to get to the summit, but nothing too challenging. From the summit, you can catch views of Grays and Torreys, Mt. Blue Sky, and out into the front range.

On my way down, the trail was a bit of a conga line for those still on their way up. And when I reached my car, the parking lot was still full, and cars were parked a half mile up and down the road past the parking lot.