Hiking Mount Sherman: My Third Colorado 14er Adventure

Mount Sherman was my third 14er on my mission to hike all 58 in Colorado — and honestly, it might be the easiest one I’ve done so far. But don’t let that fool you. It was still stunning, peaceful, and left me grateful for every step.

Getting There the Night Before

I made the drive the evening before and camped just below the trailhead, around 12,000 feet. That alone felt wild — sleeping that high up with nothing but alpine wind and quiet mountains around. The road to the trailhead was rugged, definitely a slow and bumpy ride in, but worth every turn for the views alone.

Early Start, Big Views

I woke up around 5:00 or 5:30 a.m. to get an early start. The crisp air, golden light, and quietness made for the perfect beginning. I hit the trail soon after sunrise and made the full round-trip in just under 3.5 hours. Short, sweet, and honestly kind of a confidence booster compared to some of the more brutal climbs ahead.

The Trail Itself

Mount Sherman sits at 14,043 feet and has one of the most straightforward routes of any 14er. The elevation gain wasn’t too tough, and the trail was well-worn, with no real technical sections — just a steady climb with wide-open views. If you’re just getting into the 14er game, this one’s a solid entry point.

Trailhead Friends

One of the best surprises of the hike was meeting two brothers from Wisconsin who were also out here knocking off some 14ers. We ended up chatting a bit on the way down, swapping stories, and soaking in the landscape. It’s moments like those — unexpected conversations with strangers who instantly feel like old friends — that make these hikes even more memorable.

Final Thoughts

Mount Sherman was a reminder of why I’m chasing all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers. The simplicity of the hike, the ruggedness of the drive, the kindness of strangers, and the endless views — it all reminded me why I love this state so much.

Three down. Fifty-five to go. And I can’t wait.