West Slopes
Mt. Bierstadt · 14,065' · Rank #40
Trail Map
Trail data coming soon
We're working on adding detailed trail maps and elevation profiles for this route.
Route Details
- Distance
- 7.3 miles RT
- Elevation Gain
- 2,850'
- Difficulty
- Class 2
- Exposure
- Low
- Typical Time
- 4-6 hours
Trailhead
- Name
- Guanella Pass Trailhead
- Starting Elevation
- 11,669'
- Coordinates
- 39.5989°N, 105.7053°W
Parking & Access
- Parking
- Free Lot 20-50 spots
- Fee
- Free
- Best Arrival (Weekends)
- Before 5:00 AM on weekends or use shuttle
- If Lot is Full
- Overflow parking across the road at Square Top trailhead. Shuttle available from Georgetown on summer weekends.
Summer weekend shuttle from Georgetown. Book at recreation.gov.
Free parking at Bierstadt Trailhead. Free self-issuing wilderness permit required. Lot fills early on weekends (arrive before 5am in summer). No roadside parking allowed - strictly enforced with $87.50 tickets and towing.
Route Description
A popular Front Range hike starting from Guanella Pass. The route crosses the willows of Scott Gomer Creek on a boardwalk before ascending the west slopes. The upper section involves some Class 2 scrambling with loose rock. Watch for the false summit - the true summit is farther along the ridge.
Gear & Preparation
Gaiters helpful when willows are wet. The parking area fills by 6 AM on summer weekends - arrive early or consider carpooling.