Overview
K 49 is a modest summit tucked between big 14ers and 13ers above North Halfmoon Creek, west of Leadville, with commanding views all around.
The trail takes you to 11,600 feet; then you bushwhack west across two streams to the creek, cross it, and walk easy slopes up the north side to the ridge and the top. It is Class 2. It can also be reached from the Highway 82 side over a pass from Lackawanna Gulch, which is longer.
The round trip is about 8.5 miles with 3,200 feet of gain from the North Halfmoon trailhead (4WD).
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at the flat spot near 12,100 feet by 10:30 a.m.
The bushwhack to the creek.
Moderate. Sidehill west well above the creek before dropping to it.
North Halfmoon Creek. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
North Halfmoon Creek
From Leadville, drive about 3 miles southwest on US 24 to where it bends sharply south. Turn right (west) on Highway 300, cross the railroad tracks and go 0.8 mile. Turn left on County Road 11 and go 1.3 miles to a fork. Bear right to stay on CR 11, which becomes Forest Road 110. Follow it about 5 miles past three campgrounds to the Mount Massive trailhead, about 7 miles from US 24.
Low-clearance cars should park at the Massive trailhead and walk the road. With more clearance, drive about 2.1 miles farther west to the turn for South Halfmoon Creek. From there, FR 110 is true 4WD, with a steep rocky hill right away. After about half a mile, the North Halfmoon Creek trailhead parking is just before the road crosses the creek. Campgrounds along Halfmoon Creek fill on summer weekends.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
North Halfmoon Creek. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →