Dyer Mountain

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This relatively short summit hike to the top of a worthy 13er, and it's fairly quick to access from Leadville. The route begins at 12,120 feet, climbing 1,700 feet to the top of Dyer at 13,855 feet. On the way you'll cross creeks, witness mining ruins, and enjoy the serene Iowa Amphitheater before tackling a steep ascent with multiple route options. Though often less crowded than nearby Mt. Sherman, Dyer offers sublime views and a rewarding challenge.

The trailhead is about a 20-minute drive from Leadville. From Hwy 24 at the south end of town, turn east on Monroe St. Take the next right onto S. Toledo St./Cty Rd 2. In about 1.5 miles turn left onto Cty Rd. 2B. It is a bit more than 3 miles to the trailhead parking, and the road is dirt and bumpy which is why the drive takes so long.

With care, passenger cars can make it, but watch for fallen rocks and deep ruts. Parking is roadside. The area provides access to the west flank of Mt. Sherman (14er), so it is often fairly busy but there is always space. To get to the trailhead for Dyer drive a short distance past the Sherman cars to an obvious cul de sac in upper Iowa Gulch. A few large concrete barriers are the perfect place to stop.

The route is about 3.4 miles RT, starting 12,120 feet elevation and rising to 13,855 Dyer's official peak. Gain is about 1700'. Just left of the concrete "parking" blocks hike (don't drive) up the dirt road that is the rough remnants of 2B. Just over this hill you'll have to cross the creek. It is shallow but typically too wide to step over. Runoff can be high, so judge where it's best to cross. Follow the old road uphill, and as the road peters out around a mile in, bear left to cross the creek again. The trail soon opens into Iowa Amphitheatre and you'll find the ruins of the Continental Chief Mine. It is worth a walk over to view the old cabins and tumbled equipment.

As you enter the amphitheater notice that the trail bears left. There are a couple of small cairns to guide you, and you'll see the trail angling up the side of the hill. It gets steeper starting here. Climb to an open meadow where huge power lines run on their way over the saddle between Dyer and Gemini. You can choose to ascend steeply to the saddle and then go left up Dyer's east side, but you can also more easily cross the meadow and ascend Dyer's south side.

The trail becomes vague and many options exist to pick your way across the scree, but it is less steep and slippery than the saddle option. It is a very satisfying route and there are few (if any) others on the trail. It is not uncommon to meet folks who thought they were headed up Mt. Sherman. They may be disappointed that they are not bagging a 14er, but there are great views from Dyer, and options for coming back to the trailhead via West Dyer, Gemini, and even from Sherman.

Numerous wildflowers in season, ruins of historic mine.