Dyer Mountain rises about six miles east of Leadville on the Mosquito Range crest, a close neighbor of Mount Sherman. It honors John Lewis Dyer, the Methodist preacher who traveled these mountains for nearly twenty years, crossing between mining camps to preach and carry the mail. Old mine workings still dot the upper Iowa Gulch below.
The Southeast Slopes route is the quickest way up. It starts at a small parking area around 12,100 feet in Iowa Gulch, reached by a 2WD road from Leadville, and follows the mine road east into the upper Iowa Amphitheater. Near 12,600 feet, leave the road and climb west to easier ground around 13,200 feet, then follow the rough ridge north to the top. It is only about 3 miles round trip with 1,775 feet of gain, but the Class 2 slope carries considerable rockfall risk and some route-finding. Mines and old workings sit along the upper gulch, and it is up to hikers to confirm land status and get permission where needed, so respect any posted signs. Scramblers can take the harder West Ridge, a Class 4 line of about 4.5 miles and 2,250 feet, while the longer eastern approach strolls a Class 2 ridge over from Sherman.
The summit looks west across the Arkansas valley to the Sawatch giants, and the whole trip fits into a few hours. Loose rock and open slopes mean helmets and early starts are both good ideas.
