The First 14er- Mt Bierstadt

It took about an hour and a half to get to the Guanella Pass trailhead near the tiny town of Georgetown, CO. We parked along the road and started on the trail around 9 am. We found out later that we were headed to the rounded peak on the right. 

The trail headed across a flat plane to the base of the mountain. 

But then the uphill started...

...and we kept going up.

Only some 12,000 ft up but already the uphill is a struggle. So we took a much needed break.

But at least we enjoyed a nice view while we rested.

Then we headed up some more, but we at least had somewhat of a break with a flat-ish part. But being up that high, even flat-ish is tough.

And then the up started again. More uphill...

And more up...

Somewhere around 13,500 ft we reached a ridge at the base of the last leg to the summit. Every step took more effort and energy than running 10X the distance at sea level. We would rest for a few minutes, and within 5 steps we were out of breath again. The boys were way ahead of Clara and me...at least until the end when even those who had conquered 14ers before were struggling. 

Then after another break and snack, we headed up the big pile of rocks to the summit. 

And then we made it!!

First 14er...check

Successful adventure!

Looking back at the trailhead between 2:30-3 pm, we were reminded of just what we accomplished. It was pretty incredible.