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Huron Peak

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.7 (43)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. San Isabel National Forest
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“Although barely above 14k ft., Mt. Huron provides amazing views & a fairly easy hike. ”

Tom Robson
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Map Key

6.4

Miles

10.2

KM

Out and Back

13,938' 4,248 m

High

10,637' 3,242 m

Low

3,301' 1,006 m

Up

3,301' 1,006 m

Down

20%

Avg Grade (11°)

61%

Max Grade (31°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The road can become impassible during the winter. Be sure to check conditions before attempting.

Overview

This Class 2 route ascends Huron Peak's (14,003') northwest slopes and offers an unrivaled view of the Three Apostles:
  • North Apostle (13,860')
  • Ice Mountain (13,951')
  • West Apostle (13,568')

Prepare for some high winds and variable weather as ~1/3rd of this climb is above treeline. Also, be sure to bring your camera - the views of the surrounding Sawatch Range are a sight to behold.

Need to Know

You can easily get to the lower trailhead parking in Winfield via a 2WD vehicle. (See parking symbol along Rt. 390.) Past Winfield, it can get a bit sketchy and a high clearance 4wd vehicle would be recommended.

There is plenty of dispersed camping along the way the trailhead. If your car can make it to the trailhead, there are large fields to set up camp.

While the summit is not within the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, you are surrounded by Wilderness. Please remember these regulations if you choose to enter the surrounding area.

Description

From the upper trailhead take the well-signed North Huron trail for ~.5mi. You'll be in the woods for this first portion of the climb, so prepare for chillier temps if starting early AM. Eventually, the trail takes a right turn, heading south, and crosses a small stream.

After this stream crossing, North Huron trail ascends incredibly steeply and switchbacks multiple times. Around ~1mi the trail eases and contours south, providing an amazing view of the aforementioned Three Apostles.

Shortly after this amazing view the trail swings back east as you approach Huron's famous basin. Continue on the trail and exit the trees - you're now at the western extent of this high basin, which provides great views of the impending Huron Peak (14,003'). Head towards the center of this basin.

Continue on North Huron trail, which eventually leads you out of the basin and onto the start of Huron's upper pitches. The trail now begins to trend south/southeast as you approach the summit. Follow the switchbacks up to the north ridge, which is ~500' from the summit.

Follow the trail south/southwest and ascend an incredibly steep, rocky section before returning to the crest of the ridge. The next section is crux of the route - it's like a stair-stepper. You might encounter some eroded spots here as the North Huron trail ascends straight up the fall line.

Once you regain the north ridge, hike to the summit!

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers, Aspens, and Marmot abound on this awesome climb.

History & Background

The road in passes two 19th century mining camps. The Vicksburg Mining Camp had a population of 800 while the Winfield Mining Camp housed over 1500 people. Historic plaques and signs are posted at both locations for self-guided tours.

Contacts

Local Club: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative

Land Manager: USFS - San Isabel National Forest, Leadville Ranger District

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Ryan Hicks
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 43 votes

#1

in San Isabel National Forest

#236

Overall
  4.7 from 43 votes
5 Star
79%
4 Star
19%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in San Isabel National Fo…

#56

in Colorado

#236

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14,527 Since Dec 15, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

Ice Mtn & The Three Apostles from Huron Pk with permission from BoulderTraveler
Jan 8, 2015 near Buena V…, CO
Virginia Peak, Winfield Peak, and Granite Mountain in the distance, looking back at the Huron Peak trail, wildflowers in full bloom.
Jul 3, 2018 near St. Elmo, CO
Huron Peak trail
Jan 27, 2018 near St. Elmo, CO
Huron summit looking at the Three Apostles
Jan 27, 2018 near St. Elmo, CO
Looking down on the trail back to camp.
Aug 22, 2016 near Buena V…, CO
The point at which the trees say "Nah, we're not growing any higher than this"
Aug 22, 2016 near Buena V…, CO

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Check-Ins

Sep 26, 2023
William Horst
CAMPR
Aug 20, 2023
Josh Turner
Beautiful below the tree line, opening to amazing views above. Pretty difficult and steep scrambles near the top.
Sep 16, 2022
Private User
Aug 14, 2022
Theresa Saenz
6h 00m
Aug 14, 2022
Theresa Saenz
6h 00m
Jun 20, 2021
Private User
Jun 14, 2021
MtnDanSW
Steep! Some discrepancy between actual 6.5 and 14ers.com 6.5mi — 3h 30m
Jun 6, 2021
Robert Whalen
Climbed Huron vía Browns Peak and descended the standard route 10mi — 8h 43m

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