Trip
Ascending Hikes – Horseshoe and Peerless Mountain
This is an ~8 mile, ~2300 ft elevation gain out and back hike that gets us to the summits of two 13ers: Horseshoe and Peerless Mountains. We'll also experience some off-trail hiking as we descend from the summit of Peerless. Both summits are in the Mosquito Range of Pike National Forest. This is the eleventh hike of an Ascending Hikes series.
Contacts
- Wed, Sep 27, 2023
- Ascending Hikes Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
- High Point Elevation: 13,903 ft
- Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph
- 2 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We'll be hiking an lillipop-ish route starting from trailhead at 11,800' above the Four Mile Campground, hiking west up road/trails to the saddle between Horseshoe and Peerless at 13,200’. We'll then scramble (class 2) south 1 mile along ridge to Horseshoe (13,903'). Return to saddle and scramble (class 2) a quarter mile north along the ridge to Peerless (13,348'). We'll continue over Peerless to the saddle between Peerless and Sheridan, and head back down off-trail, finding our way back to the trailhead. Most of the hike is on tundra, above tree line. We'll find a location at or near one of the summits for lunch/snack. Our pace will be determined by the strength, stamina, and endurance of the group. (Horseshoe & Peerless Mtns - CalTopo)
The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers. There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment. There are no dues or elections. Open to all CMC members. To join the section, contact the CMC office.
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Twin Forks PnR at 6:00am, for a 6:15am departure (Us 285 & Twin Forks PNR - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Horseshoe Trail/Road. (39°11'54.5"N 106°09'27.8"W - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
10 essentials required. Trekking poles recommended.