This was yet another year of Peak Challenge charity hike supporting Griffith Center for Children in Denver. This year the chosen peak (14er) was Huron Peak near Leadville, Colorado in the Sawatch Mountain Range of the Colorado Rockies. We spent the night in Leadville after having a group dinner.
Our group of 13 had a fantastic start to the hike with crisp mountain air and clear blue skies. 2 miles in, we reached the real trailhead to Huron Peak. Initially we couldn't locate 5 people in our group as they started the hike 2 miles ahead of us. They had driven their truck on the rough 4 wheel drive road. Eventually we caught up to them. There were a whole lot of people camping in the woods and many were headed up the mountain along with us. The initial part of the hike was through wooded forest with wildflowers and also a stream crossing. We were surprised to see couple of people hiking down at this early hour. They mentioned that they had a very early start. It was really a steep climb all along the way. After an hour we reached above tree-line and into the alpine tundra. We could now see the peak ahead that we had to climb. Occasionally we could only hear the sounds of marmots and pikas. After another hour or so we reached the saddle of the peak. From here it was a series of switchbacks up to the top of Huron Peak. The trail here was extremely steep and somewhat slippery. It was great to be on the top by 10.30 a.m. The views all around was spectacular. There was clear blue skies with distant while clouds above us. Tall peaks including many other 14ers surrounded us. We could see the trail through which we came, deep down below.
After having lunch and enjoying the views for 30 minutes, we started heading down. It was tough on the knees but thanks to the hiking poles it was bearable. As we were descending, we saw ominous dark clouds to the west of us. We started picking up our pace climbing down. But while we were still on the alpine tundra, it started raining and then hailing. We heard the thunder but couldn't see any lightning. As we approached tree-line the hailstorm became fierce. We were wondering about those folks who were still on the top of the mountain. It was raining all the while we were headed down. We were drenched but thanks to our rain-gear we were well protected. Just as we were about to reach the trailhead, the clouds had disappeared as fast as they came and the sun came out. We were dry immediately thereafter. A spectacular end to a wonderful day.
7/28/2018 (Friday)
1.00 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. - Drive from Denver to hotel in Leadville with a stop in Dillon
5.15 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. - Dinner at High mountain pies
6.15 to 7.15 p.m. - Post dinner relaxation at the hotel
7.15 p.m. - Sleeptime
7/29/2018 (Saturday)
3.45 a.m. to 5.00 a.m. - Wake up and get ready
5.00 a.m. - Start of drive from Hotel to trailhead
5.55 a.m. - Arrive at trailhead
6.20 a.m. - Start of hike from 2WD trailhead
10.30 a.m. - Summit of Huron Peak
10.30 am. to 11.00 p.m. - Lunch on top of Huron Peak
11.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. - Descent from top of Huron Peak to trailhead
2.00 p.m. to 3.15 p.m. - Post hike get together
3.15 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. - Drive back to Denver with a stop in Leadville
Total Miles Hiked: 11
Total Elevation Gained: 3800 Feet
Huron Peak Elevation: 14003 Feet
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