Huron Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

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.

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.

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, run to the summit!

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

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.