Photo

Huron Peak

 Northwest Slopes
Difficulty Class 2 
Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall Potential: Moderate  
Route-Finding: Low  
Commitment: Low  
 
Start10,560 feet
Summit14,006 feet
Total Gain3,500 feet
3,800 feet if you hike the road from Winfield
RT Length6.5 miles
10.75 miles if you hike the road from Winfield
SheriffChaffee: 719-539-2596
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
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Photo

Trailhead

From Leadville: Drive 20 miles south on U.S. 24 and turn right on the Chaffee County 390 road.
From Buena Vista: Drive 14.5 miles north on U.S. 24 and turn left on the Chaffee County 390 road.
On the 390 road (dirt), drive 11.8 miles to Winfield. Turn left and measure from here. Drive 0.1 mile to reach the lower, 2WD trailhead on the left. After 0.4 mile, the road gets rugged and narrow (4WD required). After 0.7 mile, stay right at a junction. After 1.7 miles, the Banker Mine road is to the left - stay straight on the main road and continue to the end, at 2.1 miles. The trail starts past the parking area.

Route

From the trailhead ( 1), hike up through the forest for nearly 1/2 mile. Cross a small stream and ascend a bunch of switchbacks on a steep hillside. Near 11,700, there's an excellent view of The Three Apostles, which includes 13er Ice Mountain - 2. Near 11,900', swing east as you approach a high basin, northwest of the summit - 3. Exit the trees to reach the west side of the basin and continue east to its center, near 12,300' - 4 and 5.

Hike out of the basin and onto Huron's upper slopes - 6, 7 and 8. Zig zag up to the crest of the north ridge (13,450'), 1/4 mile and 550 feet below the summit - 9. Follow the trail west onto Huron's northwest face and ascend a steep, rocky pitch - 10 and 11. The terrain between 13,700' and 13,900' is the crux of the route and you may encounter trail erosion and multiple trail segments. Continue to the summit - 12, 13 and 14.

Notes

The 2 mile drive up the road isn't too bad as long as your 4WD vehicle has good clearance and you take your time.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14

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