October 10, 2021
Peerless Mountain (13,348 feet)
Route: 14ers.com route (South Slopes)
3.5 miles; 1100 feet elevation gain
Total time: 1 hours 50 minutes
A repeat mountain almost exactly a year later. I was here a couple weeks ago (on 9/29/2021) to attempt Sheridan Mountain via Peerless Mountain. I parked around 11,900 feet and saw the most beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, I got very unlucky with unforecasted low clouds, freezing temperatures and high winds. I still had a wonderful hike exploring the lakes at the base of Horseshoe Mountain.
I was back in Fairplay this weekend and wanted to try again. It snowed quite a bit on Saturday so I wasn't sure what to expect on Sunday morning. I got a late start, arriving around 9am with Kane. I drove to around 12,000 feet with no issues. There was quite a bit of snow ranging from a dusting to drifts about 4 inches deep after this. I needed spikes the entire time because of how cold it had been overnight. I hiked up the road and turned right at the top to head up Peerless. From the end of the road it is a short uphill climb to the top of Peerless. There was quite a bit of snow on top and it was freezing cold. I was exhausted from hiking in the snow and elected not to continue on to Sheridan today. I will be back from that one, again!
This is a nice easy summit especially if you have a capable vehicle!! It was perfect for a quick Sunday morning hike before the weather got very windy. I hope this isn't my last summit for the year but it is definitely possible as the forecast looks like winter this week!
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