Hiking – Mount Sherman - Grand Slam Traverse Loop

This trip is intended to be a fun, alternative route to the summit of Mt. Sherman. This could be a different route for people that have already summited, or a great 14er for those just beginning their 14er journey. Much of the route will avoid crowds as well, a nice perk for one of the easier 14ers. Also on the route are two 13ers to summit, Dyer Mtn. at 13,861' and ranked #81 in the state, and Gemini Peak at 13,961', unranked. 

The route can be done clockwise or counterclockwise. Going clockwise, there is a social trail from the parking lo, ascending up and past some old mining structures. The trail eventually fizzles out and a class 2 ascent will take us to the summit of Dyer Mtn. First. We will traverse the ridge, descending and then re-ascending up to Gemini Peak. From here, the route is relatively flat through alpine tundra until a final ascent up to the peak of Mt. Sherman. The descent will follow the same class 1 trail as the more popular routes from Fairplay, following the ridge until we descend into a saddle. From here, it is class 1 but pretty loose and steep in some places as we head back into Iowa Gulch. Trekking poles would prove useful here, but not required. 

We can decide as a group which direction we would like to hike the route. 

Along the way, we can take breaks at the top of each summit. This trip should take 6 hours or less, 6 being leisurely. 

The group can meet at Iowa Gulch Trailhead at 6:30am, geared up and ready to go at 7:00am. If anyone wishes to avoid driving beyond town, there is ample free parking in the city of Leadville. This trailhead is accessible from Leadville, not Fairplay. I will put an orange 5 gallon bucket on the top of my truck and everyone can gather there.