The Sherman Route, named after the nearby silver boom town, is as enjoyable as it is aesthetic. A little ways outside of Lake City it offers some of the most reliable ice in the San Juans. In early season and late season when the snow is favorable this can be a great alpine route with 6 pitches of good ice and about a thousand feet of snow climbing. Typically in mid winter we do the beginning three which are most classic and occasionally the two above that are an enjoyable addition.

For those who've gotten too used to the Lake City Ice Park this is a much bigger mountain feel with full length pitches. We've climbed it as early as October and as late as May making it some of the longest lasting ice in Colorado. With an approach that is less than an hour and double rope rappels to give it a big mountain feel this is one of the more accessible big ice routes in the Lake City Backcountry. At WI4 it's a very attainable climb for regular ice climbers.

The threat of mid winter avalanches can occasionally make it a bit too dangerous for this route. Luckily there are alternative routes across the valley of similar nature that typically form under the cold wet conditions that may make The Sherman Route less than ideal. Having guided the backcountry hear for over a decade we know many of these alternative options and are prepared to give an exciting day of big ice routes guiding you in the San Juan Mountains.