Newbie looking for advice on my first 14er

[treyk119]

Looks like my first 14er will be Mt. Sherman. It's a shorter route and my friend that will be with me has done a handful of them and hasn't checked this one off his list. Does anyone have any pointers about parking or anything else we should know before we go? Thanks in advance!!!

Trailhead status updates will let you know what people have said recently about the trailhead. The website also describes the roads in question and uses a scale from paved to "abandon all hope" Sherman's a rough two-wheel drive dirt road.

Sherman is probably going to be on most people's list for easiest 14er, although that's like saying you're the thinnest kid at fat camp.

All of the questions you're asking are available on this site, have been posted on these forums, and it's pretty easy to find. And honestly, don't overthink most of this stuff. Start at sunrise, have fun, and if the weather looks like it's getting dicey turnaround. There's a lot of hand holding and a weird excessive caution on this website for activities that are mostly just walking up a big old pile of rocks. Once you start getting into the class 3, 4, or technical climbing, or doing mountains with no Trail and not a lot of people on them, it's a different conversation.

thanks, I didn't even see this trail head update on the site. I'm sure it wont be a big deal once I get there, but who knows. My buddy even tells me I am thinking into it too much, I think i'm just excited because doing a 14er has been on my list for years but I never had the chance to do so until now. Thanks for the good advice on the forum!!!

[Jim Davies]

Thanks! im packing a thin hoodie i usually have on longer hikes

Light gloves and a buff are pretty useful when it gets windy (Sherman often is). Don't neglect sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

[seannunn]

Jim Davies is right. I have been on Sherman 4x and it was very windy 3x.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

[mtree]

I've climbed Sherman over 20 times. As mentioned, it can be very windy once you reach the top of the ridge. Windy to the point wind chill becomes an issue. You'll be on that ridgeline for awhile. I would recommend something that's a little more wind proof than a thin hoodie. Rain gear is also a good idea just in case. Wet and cold is no fun.

[JohnKLovesMtnGoats]

Hello Trey!
I resisted for a year or so but my wife finally convinced me to get a garmin device.
I would recommend making the leap into buying one and subscribing if you have not already as it can really help and can be lifesaving if you were to get injured. Also can save you if you get off track; can prevent wandering into sketchy areas. There is a bit of a learning curve to it but it is worth it.