My Hike of Two Colorado 13ers In the Mosquito Range ... Plus Mount Sherman - August 18, 2010
White Ridge, Colorado - Elevation 13,684 Feet White Ridge caught my interest ever since my first climb of
Mt. Sherman in 2004, but sadly,
it is a mountain most climbers are oblivious to.
It is an unranked 13er, and an Internet search for this peak shows hardly any hike reports
have been written about this mountain. Thus, White Ridge was lifted up as my #1 goal for today's climb.
I parked at the gate on Park County Road 18, hiked to the saddle between Mt. Sherman and White Ridge, and ascended
White Ridge's summit. I then finished out the morning with an ascent of Gemini Peak, followed by
crossing Mt. Sherman and descending via Mt. Sherman's marked trail down the ridge.
Click on any image to view it at a larger size. A new window will open.
Photos - My Hike
I parked at the gate at Park County Road 18 ("Fourmile Road") and hiked the
standard route toward Mt. Sherman. Near the Hilltop Mine,
I ventured off the main trail and hiked directly to the saddle
between White Ridge and Mt. Sherman. I found this route relatively easy, at least,
for someone with previous Class II experience of mountains like this. Also, regular poster on the 14ers.com forum
informed me that this route is the "standard winter route" for Mt. Sherman.
Having climbed for awhile, a look back at the Hilltop Mine (left).
Horseshoe Mountain (back left)
and Mt. Sheridan (back right) are the two lofty peaks behind. Also,
the saddle between Mt. Sherman and Mt. Sheridan (site of Mt. Sherman's standard route) is on the right.
Climbing up. No trail exists. Ah what fun! :)
The beautiful view of White Ridge.
On the ridge, the view of what I had left on White Ridge.
Note the pointed peak in view is a false peak; the summit is approximately two tenths of a mile behind.
The Summit of White Ridge - Alt. 13,684 Feet
Myself on the summit. My
Arkansas Razorbacks hoodie has become quite handy,
as I love the large front pouch for carrying my drink and camera.
Looking toward Fourmile Road, the gulch where I started my hike.
I zoomed-in on the closing gate of Fourmile Road.
It was interesting how I was practically looking straight down at those vehicles, with the red truck being mine.
(Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the view from the truck.)
Facing south with the Buffalo Peaks way out there left of center.
Weston Peak can also be spotted just to
the right of the Buffalo Peaks if you know what you're looking at.
Facing southeast-east. Sheep Mountain (12,818 feet) is the pointed peak left of center.
Also way out there on the left is the faint outline of Pikes Peak.
A nice view of Mount Silverheels and Highway 9
that runs through Fairplay and Alma.
After spending plenty of time on White Ridge, I was ready to hike to Gemini Peak.
Adjacent is the view of Mt. Sherman (left) and Gemini Peak, the pointed peak
on the right. I hiked up the slope between the peaks ...
... It was a barren wasteland of talus! :)
I walked close to Mt. Sherman, and noticed the people on the summit.
Mt. Sherman took a back seat on this climb, for Gemini Peak, another unranked 13er, was my next goal.
The view of Gemini Peak, the "lump" on the right.
It is approximately 0.7 miles from Gemini Peak to Mt Sherman.
TOP: I briefly sat next to this patch of snow that refuses to melt during the summer. Ahhh snow!
SECOND: Looking toward White Ridge from the summit of Mt. Sherman.
Upon returning to my truck (parked at the gate), here's the view of White Ridge.
It was a great to be in the mountains, and I was especially glad White Ridge finally had its day. :)
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