Overview
Virginia Peak is the ranked summit above Winfield; nearby Winfield Peak looks bigger from town but is 11 feet lower and unranked. The views south to Ice Mountain and the Apostles are superb.
You cross the creek near the trailhead and climb the broad southeast ridge on grass, tundra and wildflowers, with a little rock near the top. It is Class 2 and takes about 2.5 hours.
The round trip is about 3.5 miles with 2,550 feet of gain. Virginia, West Virginia, Sheep Rock, UN 13,251 and UN 13,258 make a rare five-summit day, all Class 2, circling Silver Basin: about 10.35 miles and 4,755 feet from the end of the South Winfield road, a little over 10 hours. Starting from Winfield adds about 4 miles.
Plan of the day
By 6 a.m.
Be on Sheep Rock by 11 a.m.; later summits come in the afternoon, so watch the weather.
Just the length.
Easy on the ridge. Finding the creek crossing near the start takes care.
Clear Creek and side streams. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
South Winfield
From US 24 between Leadville and Buena Vista, turn west on County Road 390 toward Clear Creek Reservoir. Drive about 11.7 miles on the graded dirt road to Winfield. The road narrows, gets potholed and is often washboarded near the end.
At Winfield, turn left (south), cross the creek, and follow the road about 2.25 miles to its end at a gated trailhead. Passenger cars should park soon after crossing the creek, as the road gets rough beyond. High-clearance vehicles can usually reach the end without 4WD. Parking at the end is limited because Huron Peak hikers use the same lot. There are dispersed campsites along the last two miles.
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
South Winfield. 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 →