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| Bard Creek Trail   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.72030°N / 105.8033°W Route Type: Hike Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Oct 27, 2003 / Mar 10, 2006 Object ID: 159194 Hits: 2967 Loading... Page Score: 86.47% - 2 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachSee Getting There section on the main page.
This route is not the most expedient way to climb Bard Peak. For a quick climb of the mountain, see this route. This alternative will get you some seclusion so ironically close to civilization, as it is not a popular trail, and the scenery is great. Once on the Bard Creek trail, it is unlikely you’ll encounter more than a handful of people if at all.
Route DescriptionFrom the trailhead, follow the wide and maintained trail to the junction marked with a sign for Herman Gulch. Stay to the right and take the Watrous Gulch trail. The trail climbs through the trees as it rounds a ridge and enters the Watrous Gulch area and the noise from the highway subsides. A tricky stream crossing across weathered boards might be required at this point, depending on the time of year and snowpack conditions.
A new sign beyond points to Watrous Gulch and the Bard Creek trail. The Bard Creek trail goes to the right, passing a lean-to in the trees. The trail is sketchy in places but it doesn’t take much effort to follow. An obstacle to overcome is the gully the trail crosses on the west slopes of Mount Parnassus. This avalanche chute has seen much action and the trail has been destroyed and remade many times. A crossing of this gully on loose terrain may present a challenge. Beyond, the trail passes beneath an old burn as it leads you on a contouring ascent around to the south slopes of Mount Parnassus.
The trail levels and mingles around timberline as it gains Point 11, 905, a small and flat shoulder on the southeast ridge of Parnassus. Bear directly north, making a hard left and execute a minor descent over stable talus and go cross a boulder field. To the northeast, the rest of your route up Bard Peak’s towering southwest slopes will present itself. From this point, it is a relentless climb up a mile of tundra to the top. Where you start climbing is also roughly where this route intercepts this route.
MILEAGE: 7.6 miles
GAIN: 3378 feet
MILE
.33 Sign
1 Crossing
1.04Lean-to
1.2 Gully Crossing
1.4 Burn
2.4 Point 11,905
2.5 Rocks, boulder field
2.8 Climb
3.8 Summit
Essential GearStandard day hike gear will do. For a spring time effort, crampons and ice axe are required. Winter ascents are not recommended as this route traverses and ascends known avalanche terrain.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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Front Range (CO)
