North Ridge: Browns-Huron Traverse

Approach

Start at the South Winfield Trailhead (where passenger cars stop). You can hike from there or continue driving up the rough 4WD road 0.4 mile to where another dirt road splits off to the left. There is room for about one vehicle next to this junction if you want to park there.

Route Description

Follow the aforementioned (left) dirt road uphill as it switchbacks through the timber. At 11,200 feet, another dirt road branches off to the left. Follow that dirt road uphill toward Lulu Gulch. You can clearly see where this road continues up the opposite side of the gulch with numerous switchbacks. Leave the road before those numerous switchbacks and head uphill somewhere in Lulu Gulch (use your discretion for what path is best for you). Find a good route up one of the semi-steep ravines toward the saddle between Middle Mountain and Brown's Peak. Once you make it to the saddle, follow the ridge to the right (south) to the summit of Brown's, at 13,523 ft. This is still 3/4 of a mile from Huron Peak.

From there follow the well-defined ridge-line south to a saddle, then go over or bypass "Point 13,518" and drop down to the final saddle before the main ascent to Huron Peak. Follow the trail along the ridge-line from there upward to Huron's summit. You will join the standard (northwest slopes) route trail just before reaching the actual summit. The standard route (described on the Huron Peak Page) is a nice descent route with lots of switchbacks; saves having to go over Brown's Peak again and finishes off a nice scenic loop.

Essential Gear

This does not require any special equipment besides that which hikers should normally have on any mountain in Colorado.

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Images

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