Sherman-Sheridan from Iowa Gulch

This route offers a less crowded approach to the summits of Mount Sherman and Mount Sheridan, starting from Iowa Gulch near Leadville, Colorado. The trailhead is accessed by traveling up County Road 2B. The parking area and trailhead are largely unmarked, located near two concrete blocks roughly 100 yards before the road ends at the Iowa Amphitheater. From the road, the trail descends through a basin filled with wildflowers, bushes, and small, braided streams. After approximately 0.3 miles, the trail rises above the vegetation line and transitions into a long, rocky ascent toward the saddle between Mount Sherman and Mount Sheridan. The terrain consists of packed dirt, larger rocks, and firm gravel. From the saddle, the route ascends north to the 14,036-foot summit of Mount Sherman along a wide ridge that merges with the popular route coming from Fourmile Creek. After returning to the saddle, the route then climbs steeply south through rock and scree to the 13,748-foot summit of Mount Sheridan, which features a large cairn and windbreak. The hike is completed by retracing the trail back down to the Iowa Gulch Trailhead.