Overview
Middle Mountain is the northern end of a small ridge of summits above Lulu Gulch, south of Winfield. It's the easy first stop on a loop with UN 13,471 and Browns Peak.
You follow the old mining road all the way to the ridge crest near 12,600 feet, where it fades, then a faint trail up the northwest ridge. Pass a false summit on the right. It is Class 2.
The round trip is about 7.2 miles with 2,800 feet of gain. Mileage and gain are our estimates. The three-peak loop is about 8.5 miles and 4,100 feet.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the ridge by 11 a.m.
Nothing hard.
Easy. Follow the old road to its end on the ridge.
Lulu Gulch creek. 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 (a little under 2 miles south of Granite, or just under 15 miles north of Buena Vista). Follow the graded dirt road, often washboarded, to the old town of Winfield, about 11.5 miles.
At Winfield, turn left (south) and cross the creek. Cars should park about 100 yards past the crossing, where the road gets rough. With good clearance you can drive on; no 4WD needed. Camping is best at the dispersed sites 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 →