Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Horseshoe Mountain 13898-East Ridge via Horseshoe Creek
6.2 miles RT
2418ft elevation gain
Horseshoe Mtn is a centennial peak that is shadowed by it's more popular though less aestetic neighbor Mt. Sherman. It is an easy class I walk-up. I did this hike on a weekday and saw only one other person on the trail. The views of the namesake cirque are breathtaking as one hikes up an old mining road to a saddle between Horseshoe Mountain and Peerless Mountain.
Access to the Trailhead is via the Fourmile Creek Road (CR-18) outside of Fairplay. At the ghost town of Leavick on this bumpy dirt road take a left turn and drive about 0.6 miles to timberline. Park off the road. This is the "trailhead".
Next proceed to walk up a old 4-wheel drive road to the west as it snakes around Horseshoe Creek. The cirque will be visible shortly.
Continue up this road/trail as it heads north
Pass a lake to the west of the trail
Continue up the trail toward a saddle between Horseshoe Mountain and Peerless Mountain and pass some mining building remnants
Old mining building
The saddle will shortly be in better view
Above the saddle the ridge to the summit is visible
The summit-it was very, very windy up there and difficult to stand at times so we did not spend much time up there. Initially, I wanted to continue to the southwest on the ridge and bag Ptarmigan Peak but the winds were just too brutal and some clouds were looking potenially ominous for storms.
Peerless Mountain, Mt. Sheridan, and Mt. Sherman to the northeast
Ptarmigan Peak to the southwest down the ridge
Weston Peak and Pass further to the south on the same rigde past Ptarmigan Peak
Sheep Mountain to the east I believe
A parting shot of the handsome cirque
And in my wildflower identification quest, a few new-to-me species were identified on the hike:Mountain Bladderpod, Alpine Lousewort, and Parry Lousewort-all were in abundance
This was an easy but lovely hike at altidude. I really love 13ers!
Happy trails!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Lovely photos and TR, iluv80sgirl! I've always been a big fan of this peak, it has such a distinctive shape. And I share your love of the solitude that can be found on the 13ers... my partner and I have kept track of the # of people we encounter on summits, and I think we've had company on only one or two Centennials. I also like the fact that the 13ers outweigh the 14ers on your peak lists... a sure sign of someone who appreciates what gems these peaks are!
Thank you Wooderson! This is only my 2nd report some I am still working out some of the technology kinks! I love 13ers and 12ers. I just have more interest in them. That is why I love SummitPost. They have info on everything and this site has become more diverse in peak reports as well. I am doing a few 13ers this weekend so maybe I will muster up another report! Happy trails!
Caution: The information contained in this report 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 report 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 report 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.