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13,861 ft · Mosquito Range, Colorado

Dyer Mountain

Dyer Mountain is a 13,861 ft peak in the Mosquito Range, Colorado. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes: 3 mi, 1,775 ft of gain, Class 2.

Dyer Mountain in the Mosquito Range, Colorado

Dyer Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,861 ft4,224 m
  • RouteSoutheast SlopesClass 2
  • Distance3 mi1,775 ft gain
  • Time2 – 4 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeMosquito RangeColorado

Climbing the Southeast Slopes

From Leadville, drive south on US 24 and turn east on CR 2 up Iowa Gulch; passenger cars reach the Iowa Gulch trailhead and higher clearance can go farther up the old mine roads. Climb Class 2 talus and scree to the Sherman to Dyer ridge, then follow Dyer's southeast slopes to the summit. The West Ridge offers a Class 3 alternative on firmer rock. Mining roads and claims crisscross the gulch. Short but high and exposed to wind. Start early for storms. Mount Sherman is a short Class 2 ridge walk away for a two-peak outing.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Dyer Mountain

Peaks near Dyer Mountain

  1. Mount Evans

    Mount Evans

    13,591 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Mount Sherman

    Mount Sherman

    14,036 ft · 1.3 mi away

  3. Pennsylvania Mtn

    Pennsylvania Mtn

    13,013 ft · 2.8 mi away

  4. London Mtn

    London Mtn

    13,199 ft · 3.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Dyer Mountain?

Dyer Mountain is 13,861 feet (4,224 m) tall. It is in the Mosquito Range, Colorado.

How does Dyer Mountain rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,861 feet, Dyer Mountain is the 81st highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Dyer Mountain?

The Southeast Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 3 miles with 1,775 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Dyer Mountain?

Most people take 2 – 4 hours round trip on the Southeast Slopes, covering 3 miles with 1,775 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Dyer Mountain?

The Southeast Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 3 miles with 1,775 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Dyer Mountain?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dyer Mountain reaches 13,861 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Dyer Mountain?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Dyer Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Dyer Mountain with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list