Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Alternate route · North Ridge from Lulu Gulch
Overview
This route climbs Huron Peak from the south end of Winfield by way of Lulu Gulch and the long ridge north of Huron. It is Class 2. It follows an old 4WD road into Lulu Gulch, climbs to a ridge near Browns Peak, and then traverses to meet the standard route for the last 500 feet.
It suits hikers who want a quieter, more scenic day than the standard route. It is a bit longer, but you will likely have it to yourself until the final push. From the ridge you get close views of Huron's rugged east face, which you never see from the standard trail.
The route is about 8.4 miles round trip with roughly 3,980 feet of gain. Most people take 7 to 9 hours.
Plan of the day
Start by
By 5:30 a.m. Much of the route is on open ridge above treeline.
Turnaround
If you are not on the ridge near Browns Peak by about 10 a.m., or storms are building, turn back.
Crux
Length and exposure to weather on the ridge. There is some loose talus, but the footing is mostly easy.
Route-finding
Moderate. At the 11,400-foot junction, go left. From the switchback at 12,000 feet, choose your line to the ridge. The ridge itself is easy to follow.
Water
Lulu Gulch has a stream where the road crosses it. Filter it. Nothing on the ridge.
Chaffee County Road 390, a dirt road, leaves U.S. 24 about 20 miles south of Leadville (a right turn) or 14.5 miles north of Buena Vista (a left turn).
Follow it about 12 miles to Winfield, then go left. The lower 2WD trailhead is about 0.1 mile ahead, with a large area for parking and camping. You can also drive about 0.4 mile more to the upper 2WD parking, where a sign marks the start of the 4WD road. Park there even if you have 4WD. You cannot park at the spot where the Lulu Gulch road branches off.
RoadTundraRidgeTalus and screeExposed to lightning
The line is elevation, the band underneath is the ground, and the numbered dots match the steps below. Mileage and elevations are approximate.
1
Upper 2WD parking 10,300' · 0 mi
From the 4WD road sign, walk up the road about 0.3 mile.
2
Lulu Gulch road junction 10,400' · 0.3 mi
The Lulu Gulch road goes left. Going straight takes you toward Huron's standard route. Turn left.
Watch for: Only very capable, high-clearance 4WD vehicles can drive the Lulu Gulch road.
3
Road junction at 11,400 feet 11,400' · 1.7 mi
Follow the road up switchbacks with views of La Plata Peak to the north. At a junction near 11,400 feet, turn left.
Watch for: Do not go straight. That road stops at an old mine under very loose slopes.
4
Treeline in Lulu Gulch 11,600' · 2 mi
The road curves around Browns Peak's north ridge into the basin and reaches treeline near 11,600 feet.
Watch for: In winter, the slope just past treeline can hold deep, avalanche-prone snow. Cross one at a time.
5
Switchback at 12,000 feet 12,000' · 2.4 mi
Stay on the road as it goes back into trees, crosses the creek, and heads southeast to a big switchback near 12,000 feet. Here you choose your way to the ridge.
6
Upper basin 12,800' · 2.9 mi
For the shorter summer line, leave the road and head south up the basin on tundra. Near 12,800 feet you reach a small upper basin between Point 13,462 and Browns Peak.
Watch for: The longer option follows the switchbacks to an old mine and over Middle Mountain and Point 13,462. It holds less snow in winter.
7
Pass by Browns Peak 13,200' · 3.2 mi
Angle right across grass and tundra, heading for the pass that separates Point 13,462 and Browns Peak.
8
Browns Peak 13,520' · 3.4 mi
Walk the easy ridge up to Browns Peak. The rest of the route to Huron is now in view.
9
Traverse toward Huron 13,518' · 3.8 mi
Stay on the ridge crest over a small unnamed point, or drop lower and traverse fairly solid talus. The crest gives great views of Huron's east face.
10
Join the standard trail 13,500' · 3.9 mi
Meet the standard route's trail near 13,500 feet. Follow it up the last 500 feet.
Watch for: Expect more people here.
11
Summit of Huron Peak 14,006' · 4.2 mi
The summit is small and airy. You can look back over the whole ridge you just crossed.
Getting down
You can go back the same way. Or you can make a loop by descending Huron's standard route and walking the road back down to Winfield and your car.
If things go wrong
From the upper ridge, the standard route is usually the fastest way to treeline. Before Browns Peak, go back down into Lulu Gulch the way you came. If lightning threatens, leave the ridge crest right away. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal.
This describes the route in its usual season. Distances and elevations are close estimates for planning. Snow, ice, rockfall, a washed-out road or an afternoon storm can make it a very different climb. Check recent conditions the week you go and turn around when the day tells you to.
