It is climbed less often than it's higher neighbors to the north, perhaps due to a 10 mile round trip with over 3,700 feet of elevation gain and some steep Class 2 scrambling. Add to this a trailhead reachable only by a 4-wheel, high clearance vehicle.
I wanted to suggest that you present the peak's complex naming history in the overview (sorry for being a know-it-all, but I had done some research on it when I was thinking about adding an SP page for Herard). This info is from the USGS:
"Originally named Medano Peak ("medano" is Spanish for sand hill) for the sand dunes located at the base of the summit. In 1970, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the name Mount Seven, at the request of the Colorado Mountain Club and to recognize the summit's seven distinct peaks. Renamed in 1984 for Ulysses Herard and his family, who homesteaded on the slope of the summit in 1876 and maintained a ranch there until 1948.
Sure, I don't have a problem with that so long as you credit the source with a link: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Though the GNIS doesn't have comprehensively good information on all peaks by any means, little gems like this one for Herard make it a great resource at times!
csmcgranahan - Jul 19, 2005 9:07 am - Hasn't voted
Nice page, well written and informative. Thanks for posting!
My proofreading report, if you are interested.
It is climbed less often than it's higher neighbors to the north the Crestone Group, -> Mount Herard is climbed less often than its higher neighbors to the north--the Crestone Group--
That last two miles to the pass -> The last two miles to the pass
Hiked up to the lake a couple weekends ago on a trip to the Dunes. Very pretty, and didn't see anyone there. Didn't get a chance to climb to the summit, maybe someday!
Quick note on the southern couloirs (visible from dunes):
Parked at the Sand Ramp TH after the first stream crossing on Medano Primitive Rd. Followed the trail ~1 mi and hooked a right up the Little Medano drainage (sand slog). Took a left after one longer ridge and two smaller ridges. Bushwacked up the drainage (taking left forks - one 4th class short waterfall section) until we were in the southern basin. Climbed the steeper, ~1,300', SW-facing "Sand Dunes Couloir" through the cliff bands up to Herard's SE sub-point. Slightly maze-y and varied between 35-45 with spicier options. Glissaded the couloir due S from the summit (35-40 deg). Those are the two premier couloirs from the south - the rest are either low angle or short.
mtwashingtonmonroe - Jul 6, 2005 9:39 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThis already has the makings of a great page. Wonderful photos and I can't wait to see it when its done! Take care!
-Britt
IdahoKid - Jul 6, 2005 9:59 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAlready a great page and I love the signature photo, just gorgeous!
Sean
EastKing - Jul 6, 2005 7:56 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentFour stars already!
csmcgranahan - Jul 7, 2005 9:13 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentEdited
Kane - Jul 7, 2005 11:00 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentI know its under construction. I intend to edit these comments BTW.
csmcgranahan - Jul 7, 2005 11:26 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks for the input!
brendon - Jul 7, 2005 11:54 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentIt is climbed less often than it's higher neighbors to the north, perhaps due to a 10 mile round trip with over 3,700 feet of elevation gain and some steep Class 2 scrambling. Add to this a trailhead reachable only by a 4-wheel, high clearance vehicle.
Sounds like Idaho, but easier.
Larry V - Jul 7, 2005 11:05 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGood choice of mountains, and good description on getting there. I like your photos, too.
RyanS - Jul 10, 2005 5:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGorgeous page so far. Love the addition of the Sand Dunes pics. They give your page for the monarch of the park some distinctive character.
csmcgranahan - Jul 10, 2005 5:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks everyone for the compliments!
RyanS - Jul 10, 2005 7:41 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentI wanted to suggest that you present the peak's complex naming history in the overview (sorry for being a know-it-all, but I had done some research on it when I was thinking about adding an SP page for Herard). This info is from the USGS:
"Originally named Medano Peak ("medano" is Spanish for sand hill) for the sand dunes located at the base of the summit. In 1970, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the name Mount Seven, at the request of the Colorado Mountain Club and to recognize the summit's seven distinct peaks. Renamed in 1984 for Ulysses Herard and his family, who homesteaded on the slope of the summit in 1876 and maintained a ranch there until 1948.
Variant Names:
Herard Peak
Medano Peak
Mount Cleveland
Mount Seven
XL Mountain"
csmcgranahan - Jul 18, 2005 8:26 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI read this as well and debated adding it. Your suggestion has made up my mind. Do you have any objections to me adding what you posted as is?
RyanS - Jul 18, 2005 9:02 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentSure, I don't have a problem with that so long as you credit the source with a link: USGS Geographic Names Information System. Though the GNIS doesn't have comprehensively good information on all peaks by any means, little gems like this one for Herard make it a great resource at times!
csmcgranahan - Jul 19, 2005 9:07 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThanks, I'll update in the next few days!
brenta - Aug 7, 2005 6:44 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice page, well written and informative. Thanks for posting!
My proofreading report, if you are interested.
It is climbed less often than it's higher neighbors to the north the Crestone Group, -> Mount Herard is climbed less often than its higher neighbors to the north--the Crestone Group--
That last two miles to the pass -> The last two miles to the pass
mmoerk - Sep 26, 2005 7:51 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentHiked up to the lake a couple weekends ago on a trip to the Dunes. Very pretty, and didn't see anyone there. Didn't get a chance to climb to the summit, maybe someday!
Excellent page, very informative!
Kenzo Okawa - Nov 14, 2005 2:46 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice mountain! Many thanks for posting.
Monster5 - May 6, 2013 5:21 am - Hasn't voted
nice pageQuick note on the southern couloirs (visible from dunes):
Parked at the Sand Ramp TH after the first stream crossing on Medano Primitive Rd. Followed the trail ~1 mi and hooked a right up the Little Medano drainage (sand slog). Took a left after one longer ridge and two smaller ridges. Bushwacked up the drainage (taking left forks - one 4th class short waterfall section) until we were in the southern basin. Climbed the steeper, ~1,300', SW-facing "Sand Dunes Couloir" through the cliff bands up to Herard's SE sub-point. Slightly maze-y and varied between 35-45 with spicier options. Glissaded the couloir due S from the summit (35-40 deg). Those are the two premier couloirs from the south - the rest are either low angle or short.
bruceg - Dec 12, 2014 7:16 pm - Hasn't voted
State QuarterI believe that the peak is the mountain shown on the 2014 Colorado Great Sand Dunes Quarter.