Mt. Sherman

After a weekend in Breckenridge drinking beer and eating sausage and chili, it was time to actually get some exercise.

Bill had wanted to go up Massive, but with the snow storms during the week I had my doubts. During the drive up to Breck the peaks of the Mosquito and 10 Mile range weren't even visible due to the clouds and snow. I was not in the mood to do another Silverheel's trip.

On Sunday's drive back we stopped at the top of Hoosier Pass and glassed the folks doing Lincoln. They were in snow and wind, but seemed to be getting by.

Once back home and after checking weather and trip reports, we decided on Mt. Sherman. It is back behind Fairplay and although the road in is one of the roughest around, it is one I have been up before and I though we would give it a try.

We didn't hit the trail until after 7am the next day, which is probably the latest start I have ever had, but we were the second group on the mountain.

We felt a few wind gusts going up, but there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the forecast said we should have a good day.

By the time we hit the saddle between Sherman and Sheridan the wind was really blowing and a standing cloud had enveloped the top of the mountain.

The snow from the days before started just above the saddle and was pretty slick with the heat/freeze of the day before. Although I though of crampons (we had them with us) that's as far as it got and the trip up to top continued.

The wind intensified and now had snow/moisture in it making for what could be called semi-epic conditions, especially in the summit ridge climb where the exposure to the west is something to really consider with the rime icing on the rock. By this point the side of my face and fingers (in spring gloves) were numb.

We made it to the summit and waited for three guys from Kentucky who were right behind us to take pictures.

Took just under 2 hours, but the climb down on the icy rock was more intense.

Got home about 12:30, had a soak and got ready to head for Telluride the next day.