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An unmarked but easily followed ascent to the saddle between Mount Sherman and Mount Sheridan.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

59%

Runnable

13,150' 4,008 m

High

11,928' 3,636 m

Low

1,222' 372 m

Up

58' 18 m

Down

18%

Avg Grade (10°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Views · Wildflowers

This area is largely private land. Please respect the trail and signage, as any misuse could lead to restricted access in the future. Practice LNT and "pack it in, pack it out" principles!

Description

Head up County Road 2B to access this private trailhead for the Iowa Gulch Trail. The trailhead and parking area are largely unmarked except for two concrete blocks around one hundred yards before the end of the road at the Iowa Amphitheater.

The trail drops from the road as it heads through the bushes and wildflowers that cover the basin. This area is typically wet with small creeks and streams braiding down from the cliffs above. All crossings should have a means of getting across without much work or wet feet.

After a little over three-tenths of a mile, the trail rises above the vegetation and begins the long, rocky ascent to the saddle between Sheridan and Sherman. The trail crosses areas of larger rocks, hard-pack dirt, but mostly firm gravel. This is the longest sustained climb of the day, so take your time to appreciate your lungs and heart.

Near the saddle, the trail makes a couple long switchbacks and then merges with the Mt. Sherman featured run from the southeast and the Mount Sheridan Route from the south.

Flora & Fauna

Colorado blue columbine, Indian paintbrush, and mountain lupine.

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#7

in Leadville

#28130

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#7

in Leadville

#2,349

in Colorado

#28,130

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1,762 Since Jul 24, 2017
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Photos

Aquilegia coeurlea (Colorado Blue Columbine) dot the basin of Iowa Gulch in mid July.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO
Heading back on the Iowa Gulch Trail with Mount Sheridan in the background.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO
The intersection between Iowa Gulch Trail, Mount Sheridan Route, and the trail to ascend Mount Sherman. Note the braided trails up the shaded north side of Mount Sheridan.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO
Winding through the boulders and choss of the Iowa Gulch Trail.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO
Early morning wildflowers near the start of the Iowa Gulch Trail.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO
The major creek crossing in Iowa Gulch. Helps to have poles but there are good rocks to walk across.
Jul 24, 2017 near Leadville, CO

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