Running the Ruins: Mining History and Massive Gusts on Mount Sherman

Trip Report 6/9/26

Pike National Forest

I took the morning easy, sleeping in and catching a good breakfast before starting the long, slow drive into Four Mile Creek. The day’s objective was Mount Sherman (14,043 feet), with an additional out-and-back to Gemini Peak, which sits just 49 feet below the 14er threshold. Sherman is widely considered one of the easiest summits in the 14er quest. While the trail itself is gentle, what the peak lacked in mileage and vertical gain, it more than made up for with a brutal drive and volatile high-altitude weather.

The cone of Gemini Peak from Mt. Sherman

The Four Mile Creek road to the Mount Sherman trailhead spans 12 miles and was horribly washboarded. I was not mentally prepared for a 45-minute rattle that takes you all the way up to 12,000 feet. I drove slowly and eventually parked a quarter-mile below the gate to avoid the roughest remaining section. Parking earlier wasn't an option, as private property lines much of the final few miles.

From the gate, the line of travel follows old mining roads that switchback their way up to the historic Hilltop Mine. The Mississippian Leadville formation here is famous for its rich silver deposits—in fact, the Sherman Mine alone produced over 10 million ounces of silver on the western flank of the mountain. Seeing these weathered structures, tunnels, and abandoned buildings right along the trail was incredible.

Hilltop Mine on Mount Sherman — Hilltop Mine

As I worked my way past the mining sites and crested the ridge line, a relentless wind with gusts up to 60 mph hammered the rest of the route. Other hikers were visibly dismayed, turning around or tucking into stone alcoves to escape the blast. Fortunately, I was able to power through the weather and made it to the top quickly. The ridge to the summit was sharp, beautifully scenic, and featured a fantastic trail.

I chose to tack on the out-and-back to Gemini Peak to make the day a little more substantial. Upon returning to Sherman's main ridge, I was stunned to see how quickly massive thunderheads and sheets of rain had formed just to the south. Under the threat of lightning, I bolted, running the summit ridge down toward the safety of the drainage. It was only there that the wind finally abated and the exposure felt less threatening. It was a stark reminder of how fast these afternoon mountain storms roll in.

The jog back to the car was uneventful. Despite the weather challenges, this has been my favorite 14er trip so far. The scenery keeps getting better, and the mining history was unmatched. As the peak-bagging streak continues, I'm heading north tomorrow for the DeCaLiBron loop and another classic alpine setting.

🗺️ Line of Travel:

Mt. Sherman Trailhead ➔ Four Mile Creek Road ➔ Mt. Sherman Southwest Ridge ➔ Sherman Summit (14,043) ➔ Gemini Peak (13,951) ➔ Retrace Route

📍Beta:

The 11-mile stretch of Four Mile Creek Road is heavily washboarded and slow-going. High clearance is recommended for the final push. Mount Sherman's ridge is a notorious wind tunnel. Watch the western and southern horizons closely; afternoon thunderheads develop rapidly here.