Class 1 or Class 2, July 20th or July 21st?

[AebyBaby]

I’m in town and leave on 7/22 so only have those 2 days to go. Anyone looking for a partner or willing to have some one along with their group? I’ve done Pikes and Bierstadt but didn’t want to do one solo if possible.

Thanks!

[Laurig135]

Hi AebyBaby, I’ll hike with you! I’m in CO for the next 3 weeks and also looking to do some of the easier 14ers on the weekends. I have lots of hiking experience but mostly in the northeastern US, and only one 14er. I’m staying in the Salida area so there are lots of good options around here. I have plans Saturday but could hike Sunday if the weather cooperates. Let me know!

[AebyBaby]

Hi Laurig135! I may have one on 7/20 but waiting on a confirmation for that. Will let you know. Which one were you thinking about doing?

Kirtis, Unfortunately I’m tied up on the 19th but have fun!

Thanks!

[Laurig135]

I'm game for any, but I was thinking Princeton, Elbert, Antero or Sherman.

[AebyBaby]

Cool, let’s see how the weather looks later this week… the one the other group is doing is longer and may not be doable with afternoon storms but Princeton we could probably pull off if we start early.

[fredvaly]

Hello AebyBaby and Laurig135 I'd also be happy to hike with you! I just moved to Colorado and want to climb one of the easier 14ers. I climbed Mount Whitney last summer and have yet to hike to a Colorado 14er. I'll be free both Saturday and Sunday this weekend and would love to join this hike.

[Laurig135]

I've been reading a bit more about suggested easier 14ers and thinking Huron might be a good option. Though weather is not looking great for Sunday.

Tomorrow looks a little better--I have plans but can possibly switch that to Sunday to hike Saturday. I'd want to get started as early as possible; maybe meeting around 6am? Thoughts?

[cloudkicker]

I've been reading a bit more about suggested easier 14ers and thinking Huron might be a good option. Though weather is not looking great for Sunday.

Tomorrow looks a little better--I have plans but can possibly switch that to Sunday to hike Saturday. I'd want to get started as early as possible; maybe meeting around 6am? Thoughts?

Just thought I’d offer my 2 cents, hope yall get your summit! Huron is a great choice for you guys (same with Sherman) but if I were you I would start at around 3 or 4am tomorrow, not 6am. My group is doing a few 13ers south of Huron tomorrow and our plan is to be back down in the trees by 10am.

The forecast strongly hints at storms rolling through way earlier than noon. If yall plan to meet up at 6am I’d be concerned about the chances of yall still heading up when the storms come in. 3 or 4am gives you a sunrise above treeline and a much more comfy window.

Just my input! Good luck with your hike!

[Laurig135]

Hi Cloudkicker, thanks for the advice...where are you seeing that forecast? According to https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks ... casts/4268 it's looking pretty clear most of the day. I suppose the hike time also depends on where we can park--I've read the road to access the trailhead is high clearance 4wd only (route 390). Do you know if that is true, or could my subaru crosstrek handle it?

[cloudkicker]

Hi Cloudkicker, thanks for the advice...where are you seeing that forecast? According to https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks ... casts/4268 it's looking pretty clear most of the day. I suppose the hike time also depends on where we can park--I've read the road to access the trailhead is high clearance 4wd only (route 390). Do you know if that is true, or could my subaru crosstrek handle it?

I use NOAA's website. I do reference mountain-forecast sometimes but have been burned by the "some clouds" forecast on more than one occasion. I have witnessed mountain-forecast saying "some clouds" while i'm sitting in the car at my campsite waiting out a thunderstorm and heavy rain over my head NOAA tends to have more accurate forecasts with percentages.

NOAA forecast for Huron
NOAA hourly weather forecast for Huron

Good rule of thumb when viewing the hourly is, any span of hours without red bars on the thunder graph is your weather window. If there are any green bars during that window, bring rain gear.

You can of course type in "Mount Sherman" to the search bar on the top of the page and you'll see NOAA's forecast for above 13k on Mount Sherman.

Hope this helps!

[mtree]

I haven't been up there in a few years, but as I recall there is only 1 spot where your clearance is critical. Its a (usually) dry streambed. Without clearance you'll high center your vehicle. Dunno how deep it is right now. The rest of the road should be fine for your car although it is narrow and finding parking can be an issue. Of note, if you can't find parking BEFORE the trailhead you can continue a bit further and there's more parking off to the sides.

The extra mileage hiking the road isn't a big deal. Its easy. Moving quickly it adds about 20 minutes to your ascent. No biggy. One year in mid-August, on my return to the truck it was hot, sunny, and I was tired. I dropped my pack, took off my boots, and layed down flat in the stream. Oh boy was that invigorating!!!

[Laurig135]

cloudkicker; ah yes, I use the noaa site frequently as well, and as we all know, none of them are totally accurate anyway. Always be prepared for anything!

mtree; good to know about the road and extra time, thank you for the insight!