Log In 
Photo
Difficulty Class 1 
Risk FactorsExposure: Low
Rockfall: Moderate  
Route-Finding: Low  
Commitment: Low  
 
Start11,600 feet
Summit13,918 feet
Total Gain2,300 feet
RT Length8 miles
Last UpdatedMay 2023
DownloadsgpxGPX File
Show More
Photo

Trailhead

From Fairplay, drive just over a mile south on U.S. 285 and turn right onto County Road 18. Drive 10 miles to reach the Leavick site, at 11,250'. There's a large parking area on the left after you pass the buildings. If you'd like to drive higher, the road is usually in good enough shape for most vehicles. At 12 miles and 12,000', reach the trailhead at a gate and small parking area. If the parking is full, there are pull-offs down the road.

Route Description

This simple hike follows a 4wd road and subsequent trail all the way to Horseshoe's summit. While driving up the Fourmile Creek road, locate a 4wd road on the left, near 11,600' and approx. 0.75 mile past the Leavick site. The 4wd road goes all the way to 13,200'. Park here (2wd) or drive 0.5 mile up the 4wd road to locate a small parking area on a corner -  1. Walk up the road ( 2) and Horseshoe comes into view near 12,000' -  3. Pass some mine ruins near 12,600' ( 4) and zigzag west to the end of the road at the Horseshoe-Peerless saddle -  5,  6 and  7.

From the 13,200-foot saddle, turn south to see the remaining route up Horseshoe -  8. Walk past some mine prospect holes and locate a trail leading up Horseshoe's northeast ridge -  9. Hike approx. 800' of elevation up the ridge ( 10 and  11) to reach the summit -  12 and  13. On your descent, you can add 13,348-foot Peerless Mountain by hiking a short distance north from the Horseshoe-Peerless saddle -  14 and  15. It's less than 200' of elevation gain, Class 2 and provides good views of 14er Mt. Sherman and surrounding 13ers -  16.

Notes

The Fourmile Creek winter closure is approx. 1.75 miles below the turn-off for the 4wd road to Horseshoe.

Map

Login Required

Photos

#1#2#3#4#5#6#7#8#9#10#11#12#13#14#15#16

Weather

Caution: The information contained in this route may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this route provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the route author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.
Google Play     Apple App Store