Mt Sherman (14,043′), Mosquito Range
In the middle of the Mosquito Range lies Mt Sherman, rising above the western edge of South Park, in central Colorado. The peak is named for the Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, who served under General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War.
Keep in mind that this mountain is on a mining claim owned by the Day Mine Company in Leadville. This is located on private property and is not public land. Misuse of this trail could lead to closure. Please respect private property.
Other 14,000′ peaks located in the Mosquito Range include Mt Democrat, Mt Cameron, Mt Lincoln, and Mt Bross.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Fourmile Creek
- Round trip: 5.25 miles / 8.5 km
- Elevation: 12,000′- 14,043′ / 3,658 m – 4,280 m
- County: Lake
- Ownership: Some Private (hiking allowed)
Trail Pictures
Sunrise on Mt Sherman
Sunrise on Mt Sherman
Dish looking rock formation
Dish looking rock formation
View of Mt Sheridan
View of Mt Sheridan
Summit ridge
Summit ridge – Dyer Mountain on the left. On the right Quandary Peak and Northstar Mountain with Bross, Democrat, Lincoln and Longs in the far right background.
Summit view – Mt Elbert in the distance on the left and Mt Massive left of center. In the foreground on the left is West Sheridan
Summit view – Mt Elbert in the distance on the left and Mt Massive left of center. In the foreground on the left is West Sheridan
Mt Sherman summit register
Mt Sherman summit register
Summit ridge – Dyer Mountain on the left. On the right Quandary Peak and Northstar Mountain with Bross, Democrat, Lincoln and Longs in the far right background
Summit ridge – Dyer Mountain on the left. On the right Quandary Peak and Northstar Mountain with Bross, Democrat, Lincoln and Longs in the far right background
Looking over the ridge at Dyer Mountain (13,862′)
Looking over the ridge at Dyer Mountain (13,862′)
View into the valley with White Ridge (13,684′) on the left
View into the valley with White Ridge (13,684′) on the left
Ridgeline trail to Mt Sherman’s summit
Ridgeline trail to Mt Sherman’s summit
Leavick Mine ruins
Leavick Mine ruins
Snow-capped Mt Sherman
Snow-capped Mt Sherman
After gaining the ridge, a long ridgeline
After gaining the ridge, a long ridgeline
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
The standard route starts at the Fourmile Creek trailhead and heads up the southwest ridge. From Fairplay, drive south just one mile on 285. Turn right onto County Road 18 and drive 10 miles to the Leavick upper parking area at 11,200 ft. In good conditions, the gate at Leavick is open and 4WD and burly 2WD cars can make it up to 12,000 ft, with various pulloff spots along the road.
From the Leavick upper parking area, begin up the road, passing a gate at 12,000 feet which leads to the Dauntless Mine and some old wooden buildings at 12,300 feet.
Continue northwest into a basin below Hilltop Mine and follow the old road up to the mine at 12,900 feet. From here, head west as the grade increases and hike up loose rock along a rough trail to the 13,140-foot-high saddle between Mount Sherman on the right (north) and 13,748-foot Mount Sheridan on the left (south).
Next, navigate to the right on Mt. Shermans southwest ridge, following braided trails along the ridgeline. After a few hundred feet the ridge begins to narrow but stays wide enough to avoid any danger. There are some scrambly spots than can be avoided with good route finding skills. Continue up along the ridge crest to the mountains long, flat summit. Find the summit cairn and the summit register (a PVC pipe attached to a pole), sign your name and enjoy the views.