This hike is best begun early in the day.
From the parking lot, start out across the green basin toward the mountain.
Justin Michael
Photo Date: 
08/23/2015
Boardwalks through the early brush and muddy sections.
Crossing Scott Gomer Creek.
Justin Michael
Photo Date: 
08/23/2015
Switchbacks on the ascent.
Long shadows on the slopes early in the day.
Justin Michael
Photo Date: 
08/23/2015
Morning light crests the ridge.
As the trail steepens, it also widens.
Mountain goats grazing near the trail.
Trail crews hard at work improving the well-worn path.
At this high elevation, snow and meltwater lakes persist well into summer.
The final summit push over talus.
On the summit! With Mount Evans as a backdrop.
The Northern Front Range seen from Bierstadt's summit.
Monsoon storms arise quickly on summer days, usually after noon.