Upper Straight Creek

Distance: 6 miles round trip
Elevation: 11,158 ft - 12, 713 ft (highest point to the north on the ridge)
Elevation Gain: 1, 555 ft
Date Hiked: 25 July 2015
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #coloradooutdoors #hiking #nature #tundra #summitcounty

The view looking west from the Continental Divide on the Upper Straight Creek Trail

Upper Straight Creek is a high altitude frolic, starting from one Colorado's most counter intuitive places...I-70's Eisenhower Tunnel. Most people who barrel through the tunnel on the way to Silverthorne never realize that there is a parking area and trailhead just to the right as you exit westbound. There is a green sign that says "Truck Break Check", that marks the turnoff.  East bound travelers can circle up and behind the tunnel entrance on a small service road, which dumps you right at the parking area. 

Parking at the Trailhead

Heading up the service road

Red Indian Paintbrush dominated the lower section of the trail.

After 0.5 miles on a paved and then gravel road,  the trail travels northward from the tunnel into a deep alpine drainage and then switchbacks up an old wagon road until it reaches the Continental Divide at 2.5 miles.  Note at 1.2 miles is the first switchback marked by a large cairn. At this location, there is also a social trail that continues into the back bowl.

Starting out on the single track

Looking at the back bowl

On the switchback heading south

From the Continental Divide (12,535 ft) one can admire the upper bowls of the Loveland Ski area, hike north to Hagar Mountain or south along the ridge line. On this trip we headed south for eye popping views of the Gore Range, Ten Mile Range, Holy Cross Wilderness, Grays and Torreys, and Mt. Sniktau.

Frosty Ball Thistle and Purple Fringe in a wildflower tableau

In summer, Indian Paintbrush, Purple Fringe, and the freaky Frosty Ball Thistle cover the landscape. Because the route follows an old wagon road, the grade is fairly easy. A social trail heads off to the back bowl for those who want a longer hike, or who don't want to climb to the ridge.

Approaching the ridge

Alpine Sunflower

Sitting on the ridge looking at Grays and Torreys, two popular 14ers

This area is entirely above treeline and notorious for thunderstorms, so check the forecast carefully before choosing this spot. Parking is limited in the area as well.

On the ridge heading towards our high point

On the ridge, looking west

On the ridge looking south

Mt. Sherman

Distance: 5 miles round trip
Elevation: 12,000 ft - 14,035 ft
Elevation Gain: 2,035 ft
Date Hiked: 18 September 2015
Bathroom at Trailhead: No
Tags: #14er, #mountainpeak, #gearguide
Other 14ers: Lincoln, Democrat, Handies, Quandary, Bierstadt, Grays, Torres

Looking down on Mt. Sheridan (13,748 ft) from the ridge to Mt. Sherman

Mount Sherman, near Fairplay Colorado, is one of the fifty-four named peaks above 14,000 ft that are such an obsession. "Bag them all" is the rallying cry as experienced climbers and novitiates alike stand in line for their chance to slog their way to the top of each and every one. Mt. Sherman is relatively close to Denver, and so it is more crowded than most. If you can, climb it on a weekday or at least slightly off season.

Heading up at 12,000 ft

Looking up at the ridge from the mining road

Close up of the hilltop mine

The trailhead to Mt. Sherman can be found on County Road 18 (Four Mile Creek Road), located one mile south of Fairplay on  U.S. Highway 185. CO 18 is a dirt road but is passable by passenger cars even up to the gate at 12,000 ft. Where you begin to hike depends upon your vehicle, your temperament, and of course the weather.

Looking back down the route

Heading into the talus

Mt. Sherman is considered one of the easier 14ers to climb and I can't disagree. The first 1.5 miles is up an old mining road and so is relatively smooth and broad. This early part of the route passes two historic mining complexes, the Dauntless Mine at 12,300 ft and the Hilltop Mine at 12,900 ft. Both are rather scenic, particularly the Dauntless Mine, which perches majestically against the ridge line when viewed from below.

Heading towards the saddle

On the saddle

After the Hilltop Mine, the route begins to switchback up true talus to the saddle between Mt. Sheridan and Mt. Sherman. Just before the saddle is a small rock barrier that has been erected to give folks a chance to gear up before crossing into the saddle, which traditionally is blasted by gale force winds. While Leadville can be viewed from the saddle, it is a bit of a walk to see it and most people scurry onwards towards the ridge on the other side.

Heading up the ridge

View of Iowa Gulch to the west

The ridge leading up to the summit of Mt. Sherman is either a jungle gym or a terror inducing experience depending upon your stomach for loose rock, high winds and visible but not life threatening exposure. When the winds are blowing, you might as well pack up the hiking poles and be prepared to lurch from rock outcropping to rock outcropping. On a blissful day, you can bring your  grandmother.

Still not there

The final pitch

The final summit ridge is very flat and it is a short quarter mile to the small bump that is the summit. There are several rock shelters to hide behind, but for some reason the winds on the summit are usually less than those below.

View of White Ridge (13, 684 ft) from the summit ridge

The summit is just ahead

If you have the energy, there are numerous other peaks to be bagged in the area. You pass Mt. Sheridan (13,748 ft) on the way, Gemini Peak (13,951 ft) and Dyer Mountain (13, 855 ft) are to the north, and White Ridge (13, 684 ft) is to the east. As with any 14er, the views makes the struggle worth while.

View of the Iowa Amphitheater from the summit