Overview
West Dyer Mountain is the western shoulder of Dyer Mountain, above Iowa Gulch east of Leadville. This short route leaves the road, crosses the Dyer amphitheater between the two peaks, climbs scree to their saddle, and follows West Dyer's east ridge to the top.
It is Class 2 with no trail. The amphitheater has cliffs and a rocky drainage to get around, and the scree at its north end is the steepest part.
The round trip is only about 3 miles with 1,400 feet of gain, usually 3 hours. It sees few climbers.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 11 a.m.
The loose slope that closes off the top of the bowl, just below the saddle.
No trail. Keep east of the rocky gully in the bowl, climb above the cliffs to a small lake, then aim for the saddle.
A small lake in the amphitheater. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Iowa Gulch
From US 24 in the south end of Leadville, turn east on Monroe Street, then right (south) on County Road 2 (Toledo Street). Follow the paved road about 3.8 miles to a fork, then turn left on a dirt road that any car can drive and follow it about 3 miles up Iowa Gulch.
There is no marked trailhead for this route. Park along the road near 11,650 feet.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Iowa Gulch. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →