2024 Colorado Hiking

The best hike of 2024 was a climb of the southeast ridge of Bierstadt on July 23, 2024, with Elke Dratch and Bill Briggs. It should have been routine, but recent snow created some difficulties. We parked at 13300 feet on the Blue Sky Road. Descended 800 feet. Climbed to the ridge which goes nicely to the summit of Bierstadt. Climbed to summit. Descended to Abyss Lake and then back to car. But the new snow, and some ice, forced us into class 5 terrain, as we had to avoid slippery rock. This was exciting in spots as we had no rope.

Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Evans, formerly Rosalie) showing the new snow.
This shows the steepest part of the ridge.
The slope we started the day with is at upper right: a steep 800-foot descent (and ascent to finish).
The snow made for a challenge. Elke and Bill. Bill is an excellent rock climber and his guidance was invaluable.
Approaching Bierstadt summit (photo by Bill Briggs).
This was taken from Mt. Evans on a different day and shows the rather ugly descent route down the large face to Abyss Lake.