Huron Peak (Northwest Slopes)

Huron Peak is the fourteener most people say is the prettiest in the Sawatch: a 14,010-foot summit above Clear Creek with the Three Apostles across the valley, a Class 1 and 2 trail the whole way, and the shortest standard route in the range from its upper trailhead, 7 miles round trip with 3,500 feet of gain. From Winfield, where passenger cars stop, add 4 miles of road.

From the upper Huron trailhead at about 10,560 feet, the trail climbs through spruce on switchbacks for about 1.5 miles to a basin at treeline below the peak's northwest slopes, with the summit in view and the Three Apostles to the south. The trail crosses the basin and switchbacks up the slope, Class 2 on tundra and talus, to the ridge.

The last stretch follows the ridge on rock, with a few steps where hands help, to the summit at 14,010 feet. The view runs from the Apostles to Missouri, Belford, and Oxford across Clear Creek and to La Plata beyond. Return the same way.

From US 24 at Clear Creek Reservoir, take Chaffee County Road 390 west 12 miles of graded gravel to the ghost town of Winfield; passenger cars manage it when dry. From Winfield, a rough 4WD road continues 2 miles south to the upper trailhead. Most people in cars park in Winfield and walk the road, which adds 2 miles and 500 feet each way. The Winfield lot fills by 6 AM on summer weekends. No fee or permit.

Dogs are allowed on leash in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, and Huron is one of the friendlier fourteeners for them. Not a kid hike, though fit teenagers do well here. Carry three liters; there is no water above the trailhead. Dispersed camping lines County Road 390 and Winfield has a small museum in the old schoolhouse. Buena Vista and Leadville are each 45 minutes. The Huron Peak guide covers the route in detail, and the Granite hikes page has Missouri Gulch on the same road.