7 replies to this topic

[Weasel]

I wanted to hike up to Bierstadt to see about getting some sunrise (or not long after sunrise) photos. Rather than doing the hike I did last fall (starting at Bierstadt Lake TH), I wanted to try something a little different. I considered heading to Bear Lake and hiking down, but instead settled on the Bierstadt Moraine trail. I’d say it probably trails pretty far behind the usual routes (via Bear Lake or Bierstadt Lake trails) in terms of popularity.

This trail starts at the far western end of the Park ‘n’ ride lot on Bear Lake Road. Trail length is about 1.6 miles, but that only gets you to the loop trail around Bierstadt, so add on a little extra to reach the lake itself. There’s about 600 feet of total elevation gain – the trail is almost all uphill or level with very little downhill.

I had the parking lot and trail all to myself shortly after sunrise.



The trail starts to climb right away, and it seems like about half the elevation gain is done in the first 10-15 minutes. After that, it levels out a bit. There are some occasional good views of Long’s Peak to the south.



Otherwise, it's mostly through forest with not much of a view. It also doesn’t switch back very much, so it’s very different from the Bierstadt Lake trail. Just about when you think you’re almost to the top, the trail has a fairly steep (but short), rocky section, then levels out again with another shorter, less steep section right before topping out. The trail officially ends at the loop around Bierstadt, and from here the quickest way to the lake (and the best views) is to turn right and follow the loop to the north end of the lake. It took me about 45 minutes to get from my car to the lake.

[Weasel]

Once at the lake, I spent some time taking photos and wandering around. I had the lake completely to myself - no animals, no people, just a bit of wind. I did notice the water level was up a bit since last fall, so the little sand beach at the north end was mostly underwater. After taking my time to make my way completely around the lake, I got back to the north end and started my way back to the car. On my way down, I saw a snowshoe hare that hadn’t quite totally lost it’s winter coat and a deer, but no people.



This route is a bit longer, and takes a few more minutes than the more popular Bierstadt Lake trail. It’s also not as scenic, and seems to take a lot longer than it really does, mainly because you’re in trees most of the way. On the positive side, it’s probably not as busy as the other trail, and would make a great way to descend from Bierstadt. Parking is most likely easier too (at least in summer) because the TH is at the Park ‘n’ Ride lot. I think the best way to do this trail would be in summer, starting at either Bear Lake or the main Bierstadt TH, and then finishing with a nice downhill walk in the woods to either your waiting car or a waiting shuttle back to your car.

Here are a couple photos from Bierstadt Lake, one of the Continental Divide and one of Long's Peak:

[John]

Woo Hoo! Very nice report and pictures!

[Bill 007]

Great report, Weasel. I really like the shot of Hallett's & Flattop. It's easy to see that spring is on its way - so green!

Bill

[bpv_UW]

Nice report and pics. I really like the one of the divide over Bierstadt!

-Brandon

[druwdowns]

W,

Thanks for the beta on this trail. It does look like a nice alternative for busy parking lot days. I really enjoyed your pictures!

~Druw~

[Aaron]

Thanks for the report and pics

--Aaron

[SandyP]

Awesome report Weasel! And those pictures are fantastic!

All that makes me verrrrrrrry homesick for our mountains!!!