Managed to bail from work early and wanted to get high again. I'd never grabbed Mt. Evans and didn't want to get it cheaply so I decided to do the Sawtooth ridge. Mt. Bierstadt was my first 14er, so it holds some special place in my mind. As per usual (and more now with the new road) it was a packed lot on a Friday at mid day. Went easy and took lots of photos. I didn't spend much time on either summit as they were jam packed, but took my time along the ridges when I was alone. Incredible weather, 74*F at the TH near 11,500' and well over 60*F on the summits. The willows are horrendous right now, I'd avoid them if you choose to go.
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| False Evans, Sawtooth, Bierstadt |
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| West from below the saddle |
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| South from below the saddle |
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| Sawtooth from Bierstadt summit |
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| Proof Mt. B |
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| Partway down to the Sawtooth, stayed low to avoid a big snowfield |
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| Down you go |
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| Back at Bierstadt |
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| Cairn |
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| Sawtooth, rated class 3, but that's a stretch |
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| Stay left |
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| My friend and guide |
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| Northeast from Evans |
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| Evans north ridge, stayed high to avoid people and get some extra scrambling in |
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| Proof Mt. E, it was a zoo as you can see |
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| Looking back up the drainage on the way home |
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| Sawtooth and Mt. B from the drainage |
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| Not the best running conditions |
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| Route crosses the creek above the ponds and into the dreaded willows |
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| Marmot |
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| The dreaded willows. Highly advise not using this route right now, this was only the start, gets nut deep |
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| Great look from the drive down |
3 comments:
Thanks for the beta ... Mount B is one I have yet to tag and so I am thinking about it. Will avoid those willows.
GZ, it's pretty simple. An easy hike. If you stay on the standard trail, summit, and head back, it's maybe 2hrs hiking easy.
Done that loop before. Sawtooth had me a little on the edge in places where you have to scramble. Those willows are just hell.
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