Mount Bierstadt Hike – My 2nd Colorado 14er at Sunrise

Earlier this week, I summited my second 14er: Mount Bierstadt, standing at 14,065 feet. I’ve been slowly working toward hiking all of Colorado’s 14ers, and this one was an incredible next step on the journey.

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Car Camping Before the Mount Bierstadt Hike

I arrived the night before and slept in my car near the trailhead. It’s not glamorous, but it works — especially when the goal is to start early. By 4:30 a.m., I was on the trail. Headlamp on, crisp air, silence all around. Just the way I like it.

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The Climb Up Mount Bierstadt

The hike itself was humbling. Not impossible, but definitely a challenge. After the first couple of miles, the mental shift kicked in — less casual hiking, more steady grinding step by step. That’s also what makes summiting a 14er so rewarding.

It took me about 4 hours and 45 minutes round trip, moving at a consistent pace with a few pauses to soak in the views and take photos.

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A Photographer’s Lesson – Scratched Lens at the Summit

Here’s where things didn’t go as planned: I scratched my camera lens at the summit.

I wasn’t careless, but I didn’t have my lens hood on — a small detail that made a big difference. Some of the final shots carry those scratches as proof. At first, I was frustrated. But then I reminded myself: the moment was still captured, the memory still lives.

Thankfully, I carry gear insurance through Professional Photographers of America, so the lens will be replaced. Lesson learned: protect your gear, always.

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Sunrise on the Summit

Beyond the mishap, the hike was everything I hoped for. The early morning stillness, the golden light of sunrise, and those final steps to the summit — all of it made the 4:30 a.m. start worth it.

Mount Bierstadt humbled me, inspired me, and gave me memories I’ll always carry. Two down. Fifty-six to go.

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Quick Stats – Mount Bierstadt Hike

• Mountain: Mount Bierstadt (14,065 ft)

• Trailhead: Guanella Pass Trailhead

• Date: June 2, 2025

• Start Time: 4:30 a.m.

• Total Time: ~4 hours 45 minutes

• Distance: ~7 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: ~2,850 ft

• Gear Note: Scratched lens at summit (lesson learned!)

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Final Thoughts on Mount Bierstadt

The Mount Bierstadt hike reminded me why I love this journey. Climbing 14ers isn’t about checking off a list or collecting stats. It’s about showing up for something bigger than yourself — the quiet, the struggle, the views, the sore legs, and even the gear mishaps that turn into stories.

If you’re chasing Colorado 14ers, Bierstadt is one to put high on your list — especially for an early-morning start.

And if you’re dreaming of celebrating your love in the mountains, places like Bierstadt and Guanella Pass make incredible backdrops. You can learn more in my Colorado Elopement Guide or see my Elopement Packages.

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