Mt. Bierstadt is one of Colorado's 56 14,000 foot peaks. We've been waiting for the snow to melt and the conditions to be ripe for hiking. Things could not have been better on this day as Nicole had just flown in from California to visit. In less than 24 hours, we had gone on a nice bike ride (epic as usual) and were ready to conquer a 14K peak. (Mt. B is in the center of this frame. Sawtooths are to the left.)
Happy hikers- isn't everyone at the beginning?! The weather was beautiful with a beginning temperature of 37 degrees. As you can see, 37 at 11K is fairly comfortable in the sun.
Filling out a day use permit for our group. No, we did not bring any "stock animals" with us. Though, looking back, a mule would have been a nice asset.
These pressurized wooden planks allowed us to traverse the marsh like terrain without soaking our shoes.
Or, maybe not. Trekking poles were a great advantage in this area for certain!
A little, yet formidable creek.
Nice balance!
Nicole says this picture reminds her of the Kennedy Meadows area of the Sierra Nevada range back home in California. This photo was taken at the end of the day. The lighting was vastly better at this time of day providing "das optimal" photos.
The Sawtooths (AM photo)
Beautiful view of the western portion of the Rockies!
View as we're heading toward the summit.
The trekking trio take a short breather before heading up to the summit (top left of photo).
Nicole prepares to brave the steep snowy summit- in Keens no less.
A frozen lake approximately 2,000 feet below the summit.
View from the summit! We conquered our first 14K!
Difficult to see, but there is a dog between the two guys here. The dog was essentially doing laps up and down the summit!
The triumphing trio!
U.S.G.S marker
It was so much fun to be able to hike and play with Nicole like we use to! 
View facing towards Eastern Colorado
The register was placed at the summit just yesterday. The first entry was today and at noon when arrived there were already approximately 80 entries! This is one of the "easiest" 14ners in Colorado, attracting every novice such as ourselves. Reminded me of the top of Half Dome in Yosemite.
Steve braves his way down the snow field.
View from summit facing north and west.
View from summit facing due west. Nicole, do you see California? Wave hello!
View from summit facing south and west.
It was nice to be on such a level trail having been on rocky terrain above.
I think they were getting tired of me snapping pictures!
Though I was nervous because society says pregnant women "can't", it felt great to make it to the top of my first fourteener while six months preggo.
Happy hikers- isn't everyone at the beginning?! The weather was beautiful with a beginning temperature of 37 degrees. As you can see, 37 at 11K is fairly comfortable in the sun.
Filling out a day use permit for our group. No, we did not bring any "stock animals" with us. Though, looking back, a mule would have been a nice asset.
These pressurized wooden planks allowed us to traverse the marsh like terrain without soaking our shoes.
Or, maybe not. Trekking poles were a great advantage in this area for certain!
A little, yet formidable creek.
Nice balance!
Nicole says this picture reminds her of the Kennedy Meadows area of the Sierra Nevada range back home in California. This photo was taken at the end of the day. The lighting was vastly better at this time of day providing "das optimal" photos.
The Sawtooths (AM photo)
Beautiful view of the western portion of the Rockies!
Nicole opted for superior comfort in shoes- Keens. Actually, they worked out the best proven by the fact she was the only hiker not complaining about her feet.
Friendly marmot? A man beside me was trying to keep his dog from chasing after this little guy as they have sharp claws. However, this didn't work! The little critter had a nice "bark" to him!
Nicole and I were swapping a pack back and forth. Oops! Judging by the gap in the waist belt I guess I've packed on a few pounds! My doctor will be very pleased!
Friendly marmot? A man beside me was trying to keep his dog from chasing after this little guy as they have sharp claws. However, this didn't work! The little critter had a nice "bark" to him!
Nicole and I were swapping a pack back and forth. Oops! Judging by the gap in the waist belt I guess I've packed on a few pounds! My doctor will be very pleased!View as we're heading toward the summit.The trekking trio take a short breather before heading up to the summit (top left of photo).Nicole prepares to brave the steep snowy summit- in Keens no less.
A frozen lake approximately 2,000 feet below the summit.
View from the summit! We conquered our first 14K!
Difficult to see, but there is a dog between the two guys here. The dog was essentially doing laps up and down the summit!
The triumphing trio!
U.S.G.S marker
It was so much fun to be able to hike and play with Nicole like we use to! 
View facing towards Eastern Colorado
The register was placed at the summit just yesterday. The first entry was today and at noon when arrived there were already approximately 80 entries! This is one of the "easiest" 14ners in Colorado, attracting every novice such as ourselves. Reminded me of the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. Steve braves his way down the snow field.
View from summit facing north and west.View from summit facing due west. Nicole, do you see California? Wave hello!
View from summit facing south and west.It was nice to be on such a level trail having been on rocky terrain above. I think they were getting tired of me snapping pictures!Though I was nervous because society says pregnant women "can't", it felt great to make it to the top of my first fourteener while six months preggo.
There were several parents along the way. One couple had their six month old baby boy, and there were two other families hiking together. The kids hiking were 4, 6, and 8 years of age! The eight year old boy enthusiastically informed us that this was SIXTH fourteener! The kids were troopers (and very normal) the entire way! Thanks to those parents for being role models on how to get the kiddos outdoors- and loving it!
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