Did you know Huron Peak is the only 14er in the Sawatch Range that offers 360-degree views of three other iconic 14,000-foot peaks? This hidden gem provides a summit experience typically reserved for much more technical climbs. Standing at 4,270 m (14,006 ft), Huron Peak may be one of Colorado’s “easier” 14ers, but it delivers an adventure that rivals its taller neighbors with far less crowding and more diverse experiences along the way.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Huron Peak requires some planning, as it’s nestled deep in Colorado’s Sawatch Range. The closest major airport is Denver International Airport, about a 3.5-hour drive away. For those seeking a closer option, Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is approximately 2 hours from the trailhead, though it offers fewer flight options.

The journey to Huron Peak takes you through some of Colorado’s most scenic mountain towns. From Denver, take US-285 south to Buena Vista, then follow Chaffee County Road 390 for about 12 miles to reach the historic ghost town of Winfield. This is where your adventure truly begins.

From Winfield, you have two options: park at the lower 2WD trailhead or continue 2 miles up a rough 4WD road to the upper trailhead. If you don’t have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, don’t attempt the upper section – the road is extremely rough and has stranded many unprepared visitors. Parking at the lower lot adds 4 miles (round trip) to your hike.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

The prime hiking season for Huron Peak runs from mid-July through mid-September. During this window, most snow has melted from the trails, wildflowers carpet the meadows, and afternoon thunderstorms are somewhat less frequent (though still a concern).

Weather in the Colorado high country can change rapidly. Start your hike no later than 6:00 AM to ensure you’re off the summit by noon, when thunderstorms typically develop. Even on clear mornings, afternoon storms can form quickly and create dangerous lightning conditions above treeline.

Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and be prepared to turn around if conditions deteriorate. The National Weather Service provides specific mountain forecasts for the Sawatch Range that are more accurate than general forecasts.

Getting Around Locally

A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential for exploring the Huron Peak area efficiently. The roads beyond Winfield are rough and challenging, with stream crossings and rocky sections that can damage standard vehicles. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle, consider these options:

If you’re planning to hike multiple 14ers in the area, consider basing yourself in Buena Vista or Leadville. Both towns offer good amenities and are centrally located for exploring the Sawatch Range. From either town, you’ll have about a 45-minute to 1-hour drive to reach the Winfield ghost town.

Where to Stay

The Huron Peak area offers diverse accommodation options ranging from rustic camping to comfortable lodges. Where you stay will depend on your budget, desired comfort level, and how early you want to start your hike.

For the most convenient access to Huron Peak, consider booking one of the rustic cabins in Twin Lakes or camping along County Road 390. This will allow you to reach the trailhead early without a pre-dawn drive from further away.

Dining & Local Cuisine

The remote location of Huron Peak means you’ll need to plan your meals carefully. There are no dining options at the trailhead or in Winfield ghost town, so you’ll need to bring your own trail food and visit nearby towns for proper meals.

Buena Vista Dining

Buena Vista offers the best selection of restaurants near Huron Peak:

• House Rock Kitchen – Healthy, hearty options perfect for pre-hike fueling
• Simple Eatery – Great sandwiches and breakfast burritos to go
• The Lariat – Excellent post-hike burgers and local beers
• Eddyline Brewery – Craft beers and wood-fired pizza

Leadville Dining

Leadville’s historic mining town atmosphere adds character to its dining scene:

• High Mountain Pies – Outstanding pizza, perfect after a long hike
• Tennessee Pass Cafe – Hearty mountain fare with vegetarian options
• City on a Hill Coffee – Great breakfast and coffee
• Periodic Brewing – Highest elevation brewery in North America

Trail Food

For your hike, pack calorie-dense, lightweight foods that provide sustained energy:

• Trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate
• Energy bars or homemade granola bars
• Jerky or other protein sources
• Sandwiches that won’t get crushed
• At least 2-3 liters of water per person

Both Buena Vista and Leadville have grocery stores where you can stock up on supplies. City Market in Buena Vista offers the best selection, while Leadville has a Safeway and several smaller markets.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Hiking Huron Peak

The main attraction is, of course, hiking Huron Peak itself. The standard Northwest Slopes route is 6.5 miles round trip from the upper 4WD trailhead with 1,067 m (3,500 ft) of elevation gain. From the lower 2WD trailhead, the hike extends to 10.5 miles round trip.

The trail begins in beautiful pine forest before emerging into alpine meadows with spectacular views of the Three Apostles—a trio of dramatic peaks that form the signature backdrop of Huron Peak photos. The final summit push involves some easy Class 2 scrambling over rocky terrain.

Winfield Ghost Town

The preserved mining town of Winfield offers a fascinating glimpse into Colorado’s silver mining history. Founded in the 1880s, Winfield once had 1,500 residents, three saloons, two hotels, and a post office. Today, several restored buildings remain, including a schoolhouse that serves as a small museum open on summer weekends.

Take time to wander the ghost town before or after your hike. Interpretive signs explain the history, and the photogenic buildings make for great photos with mountain backdrops.

Clear Creek Reservoir

This scenic reservoir on the way to Huron Peak offers fishing, kayaking, and picnicking opportunities. The 180-hectare (445-acre) lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, making it popular with anglers. The views of surrounding mountains reflected in the water are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Missouri Gulch

Just north of Huron Peak lies Missouri Gulch, the starting point for hiking three other 14ers: Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, and Missouri Mountain. Experienced peak-baggers often combine a Huron Peak trip with these nearby summits over several days.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

While the immediate Huron Peak area is wilderness, the surrounding towns offer rich cultural experiences that highlight Colorado’s mining heritage and outdoor lifestyle.

National Mining Hall of Fame (Leadville)

Known as “The Smithsonian of the Rockies,” this comprehensive museum explores the history and technology of mining in Colorado and beyond. Interactive exhibits demonstrate mining techniques, and the mineral collection is world-class. Allow 2-3 hours to fully appreciate this excellent museum.

Healy House Museum (Leadville)

This beautifully preserved Victorian home offers a glimpse into the lives of Leadville’s wealthy mining-era residents. The adjacent Dexter Cabin, built by a mining millionaire, features original furnishings from the 1880s silver boom era.

Buena Vista Heritage Museum

Housed in the town’s 1882 courthouse, this museum showcases the history of the Arkansas Valley with exhibits on mining, ranching, and early tourism. The building itself is an architectural gem worth seeing.

Seasonal Festivals

If your visit coincides with these local events, they’re worth experiencing:

• Buena Vista Gold Rush Days (August) – Celebrates the area’s mining heritage with gold panning, live music, and craft vendors
• Leadville Boom Days (August) – Features mining competitions, a parade, and the famous burro race
• Colorado Trail Days (July, Twin Lakes) – Celebrates outdoor recreation with guided hikes, workshops, and evening entertainment

After a day of hiking, these cultural attractions provide a deeper understanding of the region’s history and a welcome change of pace from physical exertion.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Beyond hiking Huron Peak itself, the surrounding area offers numerous outdoor activities for all ability levels.

Alpine Lakes

Several pristine alpine lakes dot the landscape around Huron Peak:

• Lower and Upper Apostle Lakes – Located at the base of the Three Apostles, these remote lakes require off-trail hiking but reward with stunning beauty
• Hope Lake – A moderate 5.6 km (3.5 mile) hike from the Hope Pass trailhead offers excellent fishing and camping
• Twin Lakes – Colorado’s largest glacial lakes cover 688 hectares (1,700 acres) combined and offer kayaking, fishing, and spectacular mountain views

Wildlife Viewing

The Huron Peak area is home to abundant wildlife. Early mornings and evenings provide the best viewing opportunities for:

• Mountain goats and bighorn sheep on rocky slopes
• Marmots and pikas among the talus fields
• Elk and deer in meadows at dawn and dusk
• Golden eagles and hawks soaring overhead

Remember to maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife and never feed animals. Bring binoculars for better viewing without disturbing natural behaviors.

Photography

Photographers will find endless inspiration around Huron Peak:

• Three Apostles Viewpoint – The classic view of these dramatic peaks is best captured from the basin on Huron’s trail
• Wildflower Season – Mid-July through early August brings spectacular alpine wildflower displays
• Winfield Ghost Town – Historic buildings against mountain backdrops offer compelling compositions
• Alpine Light – The golden hours around sunrise and sunset create magical lighting on the peaks

For the best photography conditions, plan to be at higher elevations early in the morning before afternoon clouds build. A polarizing filter helps manage the intense mountain light and brings out the deep blue of the Colorado sky.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness affects many visitors to Colorado’s high country. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. To minimize risk:

• Spend at least one night at moderate elevation (2,400-2,700 m / 8,000-9,000 ft) before attempting Huron Peak
• Stay well hydrated before and during your hike
• Consider a prescription for acetazolamide (Diamox) if you’re coming from sea level
• If symptoms develop, descend immediately to lower elevation

Leave No Trace

The fragile alpine environment requires special care:

• Stay on established trails to protect delicate alpine vegetation
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper
• Use proper human waste disposal techniques (pack it out or bury it 15-20 cm / 6-8 inches deep at least 60 m / 200 ft from water sources)
• Keep dogs leashed and pick up their waste
• Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed

Lightning Safety

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Colorado mountains. If caught in a storm:

• Descend below treeline immediately
• Avoid isolated trees, ridgelines, and summits
• If in an exposed area, crouch (don’t lie) on insulating material
• Spread group members at least 15 m (50 ft) apart

The best strategy is prevention—start early and be below treeline by noon when storms typically develop.

Visitor Comments About Huron Peak

Additional Nearby Destinations

Practical Travel Tips

Money Matters

The remote nature of Huron Peak means you should be prepared financially:

• Cash is king in small mountain towns—ATMs can be scarce
• Many small businesses in the area have minimum purchase requirements for credit cards
• Cell service is limited, so mobile payment apps may not work reliably
• Budget for unexpected expenses like vehicle repairs if tackling rough roads

Permits and Regulations

While no permits are currently required to hike Huron Peak, be aware of these regulations:

• Camping is prohibited at trailheads and within 30 m (100 ft) of lakes and streams
• Campfires may be restricted during dry periods; check current fire bans
• Dogs must be leashed in developed recreation areas
• Drones are prohibited in Wilderness Areas

Your Mountain Adventure Awaits

Huron Peak offers one of Colorado’s most rewarding mountain experiences, combining manageable hiking difficulty with spectacular scenery and rich history. Whether you’re chasing your first 14er summit or looking to explore the quieter corners of Colorado’s high country, Huron Peak delivers an authentic Rocky Mountain adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this magnificent wilderness.

As you plan your journey, remember that the mountain has stood for millennia and will remain long after we’re gone. Approach your visit with respect for both the natural environment and your own limitations. With proper preparation and a spirit of adventure, your time at Huron Peak will surely become one of your most treasured outdoor experiences.