Mt. Sheridan
East Slopes - Class 2
We started hiking at the gate at the Fourmile Creek TH. We hiked the east slopes of Sheridan to the summit. Although it was a windy day we decided to give Sherman a shot as well. The wind on Sherman was the strongest I have ever experienced. We litterally could not stand up and at one point we were crawling up Sherman's southwest ridge. The combination of wind and snow/ice on the ridge prompted us to end our day early. It simply did not feel safe. The wind was absolutely relentless. Our day covered 4.72 Miles 2500 Vertical in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
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Our route to the summit of Sheridan and most of the way up Sherman was 4.72 miles 2500 vertical covered in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
![Sheridan 02]()
Just past the gate Kristi approaches the Dauntless Mine. The wind was starting to pick up. Not a good sign as the peaks in this area are know for strong winds.
![Sheridan 03]()
Dauntless
![Sheridan 04]()
With snow conditions manageable we chose the more direct east slopes approach vs. the northeast ridge route.
![Sheridan 05]()
Alex setting sights on the summit pitch
![Sheridan 06]()
Straight into the wind
![Sheridan 07]()
Getting Closer
![Sheridan 08]()
Looking south to the summit of Horseshoe
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Kristi on Sheridan's east slopes with Sherman behind her. The wind picking up.
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Alex on Sheridan's east slopes. Horseshoe out in front
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Alex and Kristi on the summit with Horseshoe in the distance
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Looking southwest from the summit to twin lakes and the Sawatch
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Although it was windy we decided to descend Sheridan's northeast ridge and give Sherman a go
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Kristi navigating snow patches on the way to Sherman. Sheridan behind her.
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As we ascended Sherman's southwest ridge the wind really picked up. Kristi taking refuge from the wind. I have been in some windy places but have never experienced wind like we did on this day.
![Sheridan 15]()
In combination with the snow and ice... the wind felt dangerous on the ridge. At one point we were crawling and could not stand up. Just 0.4 miles and 320 vertical from the summit we decided to call it a day and head back to the truck.
