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Conditions will probably be similar for this hike in Summer 2008. Better later than never, I guess, on getting in the trip report. My friend David just got the photos back from his friend's camera. Since it was dark there aren't any photos of the trip up, but great shots from the top. I've tried to work on the clarity, but no luck. Sorry for the image quality.
Two friends and I had discussed a full moon hike for the weekend of June 30 and decided on Mt. Sherman for its proximity to the Vail area. I had been in contact with Bresch (14ers.com handle) who would be attempting the same summit from the Fairplay side (Fourmile Creek trailhead) with a friend, and we would all meet at the top for sunrise.
David and I reached the Iowa Gulch trailhead at approximately 3:30-3:40 am. We were supposed to meet another friend at the trailhead but didn't see his truck. After backtracking down the road a short distance to see if he had pulled off to catch a nap we headed back up to the trailhead. I squinted to try and look off to the distance in the darkness to find our friend. Dave even yelled out his name a few times. I felt I could sense his presence, but couldn't verify he was there. Bummer...
Finally starting out at 3:50 am, we wound our way through the "stream" crossings, willows and rocks for less than a 1/4 mile to the base of Sherman. We found the start of the trail through the rocks and talus but soon had to do a little route finding and adjusting due to some small snowfields. They weren't large, but deep enough to posthole. Once we got closer to the gully (just before 12,400) the snow was cleared. The glow from the full moon helped only a little. It was low in the sky behind the saddle of Sherman & Sheridan. Headlamps help only so much! There are trails branching off (especially, it seems, in the gully), but by noting which will cause less erosion you can keep the slipping & sliding on scree down to a minimum.
Fairly warm night, so we worked up a little bit of sweat at times due to the warm temps. There really wasn't any breeze. Closer to the ridge the moon popped into view. Time to stop for a quick sip from Dave's flask!
The rest of the hike was straightforward and easy due to the moonlight and the fact that it was the 3rd Sherman summit for both. The last push to the summit ridge is mostly to the left (west) side. I always forget the last little push to the summit ridge and how it can seem to drag!
Moon& pre-dawn
Me reaching the summit ridge.
Reaching the start of the summit ridge there was a long snowfield to the right side(east/southeast) side of the peak.
Dave on snowfield
David was able to get awesome photos of the sunrise and alpenglow on the Sawatch Range.
Pre-sunrise and the snowfield.
It was chilly up top and felt more like "Fourteener Weather" versus the warm air below. I was definitely putting on my neon pink fleece and other layers at that time.
Views of Sawatch. Elbert & Massive
Elbert
Desending we ran into Bresch and his friend coming up the final summit ridge push. Car issues had delayed their start. We talked for a few minutes (I think Dexter the Wonderdog came up in conversation too!).
Nice to see they made it too.
Dave asked if I thought our friend's truck was down below next to mine. To me it appeared to be just my Rodeo (both are similar colors). Reaching the end of the gulch and coming around the base we could see it was indeed our friend's truck next to my car. He had parked at what I guess is the old trailhead (lower in the valley) and had slept in his truck bed. Unfortunately neither party knew about the other trailhead, and so we all expressed our dismay at him missing the hike. He joked that he could see us on the summit (my fleece especially). We ended up going to The Golden Burro a/k/a "The Brass Ass" in Leadville for a yummy breakfast. We're making it up to our friend this summer by planning another full moon/sunrise climb. Maybe Antero.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Great report Mel ! Let me know if those plans pan out for a summer full moon hike up Antero. I‘d be interested in joining your group and hiking with you again !
I‘m gonna have to try a hike to the summit to see the sunrise! Looks awesome! I‘m a pretty good morning person, but my hiking partner (my 12 yr old son)- not so much. But I‘ll bet he‘d be a little more enthused about it if it involved a mountain! Looks like you had fun and most of all you made it back safely, Congrats!
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