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Clear Creek County Colorado Hiking Trails
Bierstadt Trail #711
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Mount Evans Wilderness
Located within the Mount Evans Wilderness, the Bierstadt Trail is rated
as Moderate to Difficult. The Bierstadt Trailhead is at an elevation of
11,650' while it's destination (Mount Bierstadt summit) has an elevation of
14,060'.
From the parking areas, the Bierstadt Trail descends gently toward Scott
Gomer Creek. This first part of the trail passes through a prime example of
willow carr (a wetland willow thicket), providing prime White-tailed
Ptarmigan habitat. Damage to the willow carr by large numbers of peakbaggers
winding their way through the willows, trying to keep their feet dry, and
the erosion problems higher on the mountain, was what spurred the decision
to create a single, sustainable trail to the summit.
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| After much debate over Wilderness
values vs. resource damage, it was decided to construct the raised
boardwalk, which allows the natural flow of water through the area and the
recovery of vegetation along the route. At 11,470 feet, the trail crosses
Scott Gomer Creek and begins its ascent toward the summit. From the creek
the trail climbs gradually up through the willows, then up onto the broad
northwest shoulder. Nearing the summit, the trail grows steeper and less
well defined on the rocky ridge. Pick your route to stay on the rocks and
avoid the vegetation growing in the pockets in between. |
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