Mountaineering · YDS Class 1

Southwest Ridge

Distance RT
5.3 mi
Gain
2,100 ft
High Point
14,039 ft
Route Description

One of the easiest fourteener summits in Colorado, and a popular first 14er thanks to a short, gentle trail along an old mining road.

Approach

Access is from a trailhead in the Mosquito Range south of Fairplay, reached via Fourmile Creek Road; the road is rough in its upper stretches and high clearance is helpful, though many parties simply walk the last section. The route follows old mining roads and a well-defined trail up toward the Dyer Mine ruins and onto Sherman's broad southwest ridge. The final stretch to the summit at 14,036 feet is a straightforward walk on a wide, gentle ridge with sweeping views of the Mosquito and Sawatch Ranges.

Descent

Reverse the ridge and trail back to the trailhead.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
❄️
Snow
32° / 28°
53%
❄ 1.5"
💨14
Tomorrow
❄️
Snow
36° / 27°
47%
❄ 0.8"
💨22
Sat, Sep 26
☁️
Overcast
48° / 24°
3%
💨16
Sun, Sep 27
☁️
Overcast
47° / 27°
7%
💨12
Mon, Sep 28
🌧️
Drizzle
44° / 22°
58%
💧0.01"
💨13
Tue, Sep 29
❄️
Snow
28° / 15°
66%
❄ 0.1"
💨17
Wed, Sep 30
☀️
Clear
43° / 16°
40%
💨12
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