Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Alternate route · South Ridge
Overview
The South Ridge is a long, quiet way up Mount Bierstadt from the Abyss trailhead. It trades the crowds of the standard route from Guanella Pass for more miles and more solitude. The first part follows a good trail up a forested valley. The upper part has no trail at all.
It is Class 2, but it suits hikers who can find their own way off-trail. You will push through some deadfall in the trees and pick your own line up a long, rocky ridge. The route is about 14.25 miles round trip with about 4,500 feet of gain, which is much more than the standard route.
Plan on 9 to 12 hours car to car. The final pitch joins the standard route just below the summit, so you will meet other hikers at the very top.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 4:30 or 5 a.m. The approach is long, and you are above treeline for many hours.
Turnaround
If you have not reached the ridge above 12,000 feet by about 9 a.m., or clouds are building, turn around. There are still more than 2,000 feet to climb from there.
Crux
Finding the turn off the Abyss trail near 11,150 feet, then working through the steep, deadfall-choked slope to reach the ridge.
Route-finding
Moderate. The trail is clear up to the turn-off, but there may be no cairn marking it. Above that there is no trail. Keep right on the way up through the trees, then follow the ridge north.
Water
Scott Gomer Creek runs along the trail for the first few miles. There is no reliable water on the ridge. Fill up and treat water before you leave the valley.
From U.S. 285 in the town of Grant, turn north onto Guanella Pass Road. Drive about 5 miles. The Abyss trailhead is on the right.
Leave I-70 at the Georgetown exit and go the way the Guanella Pass signs point. Drive about 12 miles to the top of the pass, then continue down the south side for about 7 miles. The trailhead is on the left.
Trail in the treesRidgeTalus and screeScramblingExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Abyss trailhead 9,600' · 0 mi
Start from the middle of the parking lot on the Abyss Lake trail. Soon you enter the Mount Evans Wilderness and head northeast up the valley.
2
First crossing of Scott Gomer Creek 10,000' · 2.25 mi
Cross the creek on a sturdy log bridge. The trail keeps climbing gently through the forest.
3
More creek crossings 10,500' · 3.9 mi
Cross the creek again near 3.25 miles and once more before 4 miles. Shortly after, the trees open and you can see the south ridge of Bierstadt.
Watch for: Log crossings can be icy early and late in the season.
4
Rosalie trail junctions 10,875' · 4.3 mi
Pass the first junction with the Rosalie trail and continue east. Pass a second Rosalie junction and stay on the Abyss trail.
5
Leave the Abyss trail 11,150' · 4.7 mi
Switchback up a hill. At about 11,150 feet, with an open clearing uphill on your left, stop. This is the best place to leave the trail. Turn left and climb the right side of the steep clearing.
Watch for: There may be no cairn here. Check your elevation and map.
6
Edge of the ridge in the trees 11,500' · 4.95 mi
Bear right on the way up, and keep going until the ridge edge is under your feet. Follow the edge northeast. This avoids a large area of fallen trees on the left.
Watch for: Slow going over deadfall. Watch your footing.
7
Treeline 11,800' · 5.1 mi
Leave the forest and head toward the crest of the ridge as it bends north. Once on the ridge, you can see most of the upper route.
Watch for: From here you are exposed to lightning.
8
Open ridge 12,700' · 5.8 mi
Above 12,000 feet, pick your own line up the rocky ridge and over a ridge point. Near 12,700 feet the summit comes into view. Climb over another point.
9
Upper south ridge 13,400' · 6.4 mi
At roughly 13,400 feet you can at last see where the south ridge tops out. Climb more talus to reach it. Walk to the edge for a view down to Frozen Lake.
Watch for: Talus can shift underfoot.
10
Join the standard route 13,800' · 6.8 mi
Follow the ridge to flatter ground near 13,800 feet. Head northeast and join the high section of the usual west slopes route, a little under the last push to the top.
11
Mount Bierstadt summit 14,066' · 7.1 mi
Scramble up through boulders, staying on the ridge crest or a little to its left. Once the slope gets gentler, walk a short way to the top.
Watch for: Expect crowds from the standard route.
Getting down
Go back the way you came. Walk southwest off the summit and turn south onto the south ridge near 13,800 feet. Do not follow the crowds down the standard trail, which ends at Guanella Pass, far from your car. Follow the ridge south, then drop into the trees near 11,800 feet. Keep close to the ridge's east side, which dodges the fallen trees, and head for the Abyss trail near 11,150 feet. Then follow the trail back down the valley.
If things go wrong
The quickest cover is the forest below 11,800 feet on the south ridge. If weather hits near the summit, another choice is to descend the standard west slopes trail to Guanella Pass, which is well used and easy to follow. You would then need a ride back to the Abyss trailhead. If someone is hurt or sick from altitude, get them lower and warm. Call 911 if you have signal.
Other routes
Every way up Mount Bierstadt we list, with its class.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.
