Huron Peak (14,006′), Sawatch Range
Huron Peak is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Sawatch Mountain Range of Colorado. It is the most remote peak in the range, located within the San Isabel Nation Forest, and offers views of wilderness in every direction from it’s small summit.
It’s not entirely clear how the peak got it’s name, but the most likely is that Huron Peak is named after a North American tribe. Huron Peak wasn’t officially recognized as a 14er until 1956, when the U.S.G.S recorded it’s height for the first time.
The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, Mt Antero, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.
Trail Stats
- Trailhead: Clear Creek
- Round trip: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
- Elevation: 10,560′- 14,006′ / 3,281 m – 4,269 m
- County: Chaffee
- Agency: U.S. Forest Service
- Nat’l Wilderness: Collegiate Peaks
- Nat’l Forest: Isabel
Trail Pictures
The trail at 11,700′
The trail at 11,700′
Marmot
Marmot
Trail is on the left
Trail is on the left
View from the summit
View from the summit
Looking southeast
Looking southeast
Summit view
Summit view
Huron Peak view of the Three Apostles
Huron Peak view of the Three Apostles
Summit of Huron Peak
Summit of Huron Peak
Huron Peak
Huron Peak
View back down the Cleer Creek trail
View back down the Cleer Creek trail
Nearing the summit
Nearing the summit
Looking back down at the snow filled basin
Looking back down at the snow filled basin
Huron Peak at sunrise
Huron Peak at sunrise
An exhausting trek across the soft snow
An exhausting trek across the soft snow
Hikers on Huron Peak’s ridge
Hikers on Huron Peak’s ridge
Looking across Clear Creek at Virginia Mountain
Looking across Clear Creek at Virginia Mountain
Deep, soft snow in the basin
Deep, soft snow in the basin
Huron Peak in the distance
Huron Peak in the distance
A curious Gray Jay
A curious Gray Jay
Huron Peak trail at sunrise
Huron Peak trail at sunrise
A Gray Jay
A Gray Jay
Views everywhere you look
Views everywhere you look
Sunrise with Virginia Peak (13,088′) on the right
Sunrise with Virginia Peak (13,088′) on the right
Good trail below treeline
Good trail below treeline
Huron Peak from Missouri Mountain
Huron Peak from Missouri Mountain
View of the summit area
View of the summit area
Enjoying the view
Enjoying the view
Panorama of the basin area
Panorama of the basin area
GPS Route with Elevation
Video Tour
Trail Directions
From the trail-head hike up through the forest for about .5 mile. Cross a small stream and follow the numerous switchbacks on a steep hillside. Near 11,700, there’s an excellent view of The Three Apostles, all 13,000′ mountains. The trail eventually turns east, approaching a high basin northwest of Huron.
Hike out of the basin onto the upper slopes and eventually crest the north ridge. Follow the trail west onto Huron’s northwest face and ascend a steep, rocky pitch before returning (left) to the crest of the north ridge. Once you’re on the north ridge again, hike a short ways to the summit and enjoy the amazing views.