Tag: fourteeners

Looking east from Rosalie Trail

Rosalie Trail #603 at Guanella Pass

Beautiful mountains, and tundra surroundings encompass the Guanella Pass area! From the parking lot, Rosalie trail (Tr 603) heads south. The entire length of this trail is 14 miles but just hiking a short portion of 2.5 miles keeps you up above treeline until you meet Gomer Creek and its drainage (it then heads down into Abyss Trail and trailhead). We prefer the short portion of 1 mile in-and-out just for the views of the peaks, peaceful surroundings and cool air.

Its a good area to wander even if you aren’t up for a serious hike: take photographs, picnic, take-in the scenery and relax at an elevation of 11,700 ft. above sea level! If you have binoculars, you may see Rocky Mountain Big Horn sheep and/or mountain goats grazing on the side of Mt. Bierstadt!

Another short but interesting and fun trail heads east toward the valley – part of the beginning of Mt Bierstadt Trail. Hike down to the small pond or Gomer Creek and watch for wildlife; occasionally there are moose in the area.



The mountains that you will see include Mt. Bierstadt (14,060ft.), Mt. Evans (14,264 ft.), Geneva Mtn. (12,335 ft.) and others to the northwest. Straight ahead to the east is Mt. Bierstadt a very popular, “easy” fourteener. Many hikers, expert and beginner alike love this area.

Restrooms available at parking lot.

Other hikes in this area you may enjoy:
South Park Trail
Mt. Bierstadt
Silver Dollar Lake Trail
Sporting Times Trail

For Guanella Pass Seasonal Road Conditions and Closure times click Colorado Dept. of Transport

Mt Sherman summit rocky

Mt. Sherman

I hiked this in 2005 and only just writing it up now, but I promise you I am not making anything up that I don’t remember!

There are a couple places to park when getting ready to climb Mt. Sherman. The first one is across the road from an old abandoned and broken down mining building. This is the one to start from if you want to hike the full 3000 vertical feet. If you don’t have that requirement to meet, then you can drive as far as the road goes and come to the parking area just in front of the metal gate at the trailhead.

Shortly after passing the gate you will begin to see some old mining equipment. There is a good bit of it along the trail at least near the beginning, and it’s interesting to see.

Make sure to follow the piles of rocks that indicate the trail but you can easily just follow the line of people up, depending on what day you are hiking. This is a popular hike!

There was snow in a few places when I was up there in early July. If you hike in late July or August it’s possible there will be none. Like every 14er, it’s a strenuous climb but this one does not require any climbing skills, just a good set of hiking boots will do the trick.

snow capped view

Mt. Bierstadt Trail

This fourteener is one of Colorado’s most accessible, popular and well-maintained. The direct route up the mountain can be for experienced mountain climbers as well as casual day hikers.

From the parking lots on Guanella Pass Road the trail begins toward the east and Mt. Bierstadt. The trail leads down into the valley toward the base of the mountain and moves through willow thicket and over Gomer Creek via wooden bridge and rock foot holds. This is an easy meandering part of the trail and if you’re not ambitious enough to climb the entire fourteener, a casual hike through this area has breathtaking scenery too.


The ascent begins after hiking through the willow thickets (about 1/2 mile). The upward climb follows a few switchbacks through the tundralike surroundings. The grasses are short and the wildflowers are low to the ground. As you follow the well-maintained trail, look for wildlife like Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep and mountain goats. They both blend in with the coloring of the hills so sometimes are hard to catch site of.

The trail continues to lead up! At times, it is straight up and you’ll definitely have to exert yourself. The trail becomes more rugged the higher up the mountain you get. Be sure to bring a lot of water for this hike. We hiked in summer and it took about 5 hours up and back including a long rest at the summit.

As you approach the summit you will notice the trail is covered in rock/boulders and possibly snow. Follow the trail toward the summit (toward the northeast). Scramble over the rock field to the summit where there is an official summit and elevation marker.


Stay awhile on top. Eat lunch. Take some photos or video. It’s one of Colorado’s best hikes.

Hike this trail early in the morning to avoid afternoon storms. Lightening and snow storms are not uncommon even in summer. The best time of year to hike this trail is mid summer after the snow has melted. If you are an experienced mountaineer, you’ll know what gear to bring for snowier months.

Other trails in this area you may like: Rosalie Trail, Square Tops Lake Trail, Sporting Times Trail, Silver Dollar Lake Trail.

For Guanella Pass Road Seasonal Conditions and Closure times click Colorado Dept. of Transport

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Gray’s Peak/ Torrey’s Peak


The first couple miles of the trail are a winding path through high brush until you reach a section of the trail that is flat for a while.

Then the ascent on the mountain really begins. There are steep areas that make the hike challenging, but it’s a mountain that you are likely to see hundreds of others climbing.

Restrooms available at the trailhead.










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hoosier_pass_wall

Hoosier Pass – Mt. Lincoln Trail

This scenic hike up the side of Mt. Lincoln begins at Hoosier Pass (elevation 11,540). Just getting to the pass is a scenic drive through the famous ski town of Breckenridge, along the winding State Route 9. As you stand on top of Hoosier Pass, you are in a truly unique setting because here you are surrounded by 3 of Colorado’s Fourteeners: Mount Cameron, Quandry Peak and Mount Bross.

The parking lot on the southwest side of Rt. 9 is where the trail begins. You will recognize it by the Mt. Lincoln elevation sign (a great place to take a family photo) and the jeep trail ruts. Follow the trail through the trees and begin your ascent along the jeep trail. It will come to a branch and you will need to follow the left branch along the dirt road. You will hike out of the trees and begin up the mountain.

On the left side of the trail, down a huge slope, is the beautiful water of Montgomery Reservoir. Depending on the time of year that you visit, you may see icebergs in the water. You will also catch glimpses of the valley to the east toward the town of Alma.

There are fantastic 360 degree view of the Rockies as you reach the top of the trail. The alpine terrain is beautiful with lush short grass and dwarflike flowers. Follow the #208 trail up past the shed, to the gate/fence and loop back down 208 to the main trail for your descent. A rigorous trail up, but it’s worth the views!

No restrooms available at trailhead or parking lot.

photo from Hoosier pass parking lot