Alpine Rescue Team members were called to rescue a climber on Colorado’s Mount Bierstadt, who had become stranded above a cliff band after his shoes froze solid.
The climber set out early Saturday morning from the winter trailhead to summit the 14,065-foot peak. He had instructed his father to alert authorities if he had not made contact by 8 p.m.
When 8 p.m. passed without contact, the Alpine Rescue Team was notified and immediately launched a search operation. Teams began combing the area from Guanella Pass, following the summer trail in challenging winter conditions.
Near midnight, rescuers at a creek crossing spotted a flashing light about a mile north. Breaking trail through deep snow, the team reached the stranded climber at 1 a.m., finding him immobilized above a cliff band due to his frozen footwear.
Rescuers quickly began the delicate process of rewarming the climber’s feet before executing a short belay to bring him safely to the ground. The team then assisted the climber off the mountain using hiking and skiing techniques, exiting the field after 3 a.m.
Experts recommend carrying extra warm layers, emergency signaling devices, and informing others of your plans when venturing into backcountry areas.
Mount Bierstadt, standing at 14,065 feet (4,287 meters), is one of Colorado’s popular “fourteeners” in the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range. Named after the famous painter Albert Bierstadt, this peak is renowned for its accessibility and relatively easier ascent compared to other 14,000-foot mountains. The standard West Slopes route, a 7.3-mile round trip with 2,850 feet of elevation gain, attracts many hikers due to its proximity to Denver and well-maintained trail. Despite being considered one of the easier fourteeners, the hike still presents challenges, including high altitude, potential weather changes, and rocky terrain near the summit. The mountain offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, including nearby peaks and alpine lakes, making it a rewarding climb for both experienced mountaineers and first-time fourteener hikers.
