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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: November 11, 2003
- Miles Hiked: 3.0
- Elevation Gain: 1,059'
- Hiking Partner(s): Tom
Milinowicz, Jerry Cook, & Daisy
- Description:
- The three of us never had intentions of reaching the summit of
Bierstadt given the forecast and weather conditions. We simply
wanted to take advantage of Veterans Day and get out while we had the
opportunity. We left Highlands Ranch around 7:00 am and watched
the weather slowly deteriorate as we made our way to Guanella Pass above
Georgetown (CO).
- The wind and snow were blowing severely when we jumped out to assess
the situation at the trailhead. Since we had driven all the way
out, we decided just to go as far as we felt comfortable to get some
fresh air and let Daisy (Jerry's dog) run around a bit. After we
dropped down into the Scott Gomer Creek area, the wind died down a bit,
but the snow was still falling heavily. We crossed the creek and
started heading southeast on Bierstadt's western slopes. After
visiting with one individual who decided to turn around shortly up the
trail, we decided to try and at least make it to the ledge at 12, 350'.
- As we hiked up, the weather got noticeable worse and the wind was also
stronger. The guy we passed on the way up warned us about the
return trip as we would be heading directly into the wind. We
reached the ledge in extremely poor visibility and decided we had better
get down fast. The wind chill was extremely low and the snow stung
our faces when we turned around. After taking a few photos and
dropping a couple of hundred feet, the weather improved slightly and we
enjoyed our hike back to Scott Gomer Creek.
- Unfortunately, as we ascended back up to the trailhead near the pass,
the wind kicked up again and the snow was falling more and more. I
won't repeat Jerry's comments as we made our way back to the vehicle,
but I can say we were happy to be back. On the way home we stopped
off at Idaho Springs for some lunch and a pitcher of "Butthead
Beer" from a local brewery. We did not reach the summit, but
a good time was had my all.
- Maps:
- Click here
to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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