We climbed Mt. Sherman on Monday taking the West Slope route from Leadville. From HWY 24 turn East on Monroe St. which is just south of the Diamond Shamrock Gas Station. Follow this road up the hill and take a right when it t-bones into CR 2. Follow this up through California Gulch past the Mineral Belt trail and around until you see CR 2B on your left. Follow this dirt road until you reach the parking area, you’ll see the trail Southwest of the parking area heading down toward the creek and under the power lines. You begin at an elevation of about 12,000′ with a gain/loss of 2,150 (according to 14ers.com) and finish your climb at 14,036′.
Iowa Gulch beginning of West Slope route to Mt. Sherman- see the trail across the scree in middle of screen
The trip length was about 4.5 miles round trip. The climb is rather steep with wide switchbacks up to the saddle between Mt. Sheridan and Mt. Sherman. After reaching the first saddle and head North you’ll notice what appears to be several trails leading up the ridge. Take your pick, we started on one that seemed like the main trail leading us Northwest and then we cut over to another that seemed to have larger carins marking a more Northeasterly trail. You’ll get up either way.
Saddle between Mt. Sherman and Mt. Sheridan-looking North toward Sherman
Upon reaching the first high point on the ridge I’d advise putting on your windproof jacket maybe gloves and a beanie if you haven’t already, because shortly after this you’ll most likely encounter around 50 mph winds for a large section of the remaining ridge. The winds calmed down just before reaching the final ascent across to the summit, thankfully, because it was rather rough maintaining balance in 50 mph winds.
Mt. Sherman just to the left of the middle-final ascent
It was great to see several people out hiking, there were at least five different groups ranging from two people to six, kids, athletes, and first-timers. Below is the view from the summit of Mt. Sherman looking back down Iowa Gulch toward Leadville and the Sawatch Range. We were physched to reach the summit, but didn’t stay too long, as usual, so that we were back to the truck before any weather rolled in.
View West from the Summit
Happy hiking! For more detailed 14er information consider purchasing Gerry Roach’s “Colorado’s Fourteeners” book and follow recent trip reports on 14ers.com.
Filed under: Hiking/Backpacking | Tagged: 14er, climbing, Colorado, hiking, leadville, Mosquito Range, Mt. Sherman
