San Isabel National Forest

Leadville Ranger District

Activities: Hiking, Fishing
Season: 6/15 - 9/30
Length: Route 1: 5 miles (8 km). Route 2: 3.5 miles (5.6 km).
Attractions: Mount Huron, elevation 14,005' is the 52nd highest of the 53 14,000' peaks in the State. Various ghost towns, old mines and opportunities for fishing exist along the route.

TWO ROUTES:

Route 1
Trail begins: 10,400' elevation. Parking available approximately 1/2 mile south of Windfield on South Fork of Clear Creek Road, Forest Road 120. 4WD may continue 1-1/2 miles to Wilderness boundary. Otherwise walk road to Wilderness boundary, continue 2 miles more to meadows across creek from site of Hamilton. Take South (left) trail fork switchback to site of Wallace Mine at treeline. Continue NE up SW ridge to summit, exercising caution on loose rocks.
Trail ends: 14,005' elevation at summit of Mount Huron, 52nd highest in the State.

Access: From Leadville travel south on US Hwy 24 to Granite, continue 1-1/2 miles to Clear Creek Road, Forest Road 120, Chaffee County. Travel west 12 miles to Winfield then approximately 1/2 mile south on Forest Road 120 (S. Fork) to park.

Route 2
Trail Begins: 10,400' elevation. Parking available approximately 1/2 mile South of Winfield on South Fork of Clear Creek Rd., Forest Road 120. 4WD may continue 1-1/2 miles to Wilderness boundary. From there, climb ESE up steep open meadow to cirque between Browns Peak and Huron Peak. From cirque head SW up boulder field to summit, exercising caution on loose rocks.
Trail Ends: 14,005' elevation at summit of Mount Huron.

NOTE: Travel past road closure limited to foot & horse travel. NO motorized travel.
Use: Moderate to Heavy
Difficulty: Very Difficult
USGS Map(s): Mt. Harvard 1.62500

CLIMBING THE PEAK
Technical ability or special mountain experience is not required to climb this route up Mount Huron. Good physical condition is important; however, the ascent and return require most of a day of strenuous hiking. At this elevation where the air is thin, you will require extra energy.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
The cardinal rule of experienced hikers is to turn back if in doubt. You can always make another trip if weather conditions are bad, you started too late, or if someone tires rapidly.

Start your trip early since showers or thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon. These storms build quickly and may bring freezing rain, sleet, or snow. Avoid exposed areas, rock outcrops, lone tall trees and other natural lightning rods. There are no safe shelters on the peak. Temperatures are seldom above 50 degrees F and often drop below freezing.

Wear proper clothing with special attention to boots, and a lightweight, warm and waterproof jacket. As a minimum you should carry a day-pack with lunch, quick energy foods, water, sunglasses, sunburn lotion, and a small first aid kit.

Snowfields and gullies can be treacherous without proper equipment. The gradient can be deceptive and you can quickly loose control sliding down. Be sure to advise relatives or friends of your trip, route and schedule. Stay with your party or group. Winter climbing can be dangerous due to the large number of avalanche zones in the area.

Caution should be taken due to the loose rock and steep ridges above timberline.

CAMPING
Dispersed campsites are located above various points along the route. Please use one of these already existing sites rather than making your own. Practice wilderness ethics and tread lightly.

WATER
Several springs empty into Clear Creek. These can be found on the Mt. Harvard quadrangle. Any water should not be considered safe for drinking without purification.