Browns Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

Browns Peak is located in the heart of the Sawatch Range and is thirteen miles from the closest paved road. Its presence dominates Lulu Gulch, but sits in the shadow of Huron Peak. Due to the popularity of its neighbor, Browns Peak sees few summits. On a clear day from the summit of Browns you can see all fifteen of the Sawatch fourteeners. The separation between Huron and Browns is .75 mile and offers a fun traverse to the spectacular summit of Huron.

Climbing Overview

The Traverse From Browns To Huron seen from the Huron Trail

Browns Peak provides a wonderful day hike in the heart of the Sawatch Range. From Lulu Gulch you can climb along an old mining ‘road’ as it switchbacks up the side of Middle Mountain (13,060). As the ‘road’ tops out on Middle Mountain’s summit ridge, traverse (class 2) into the basin formed by Middle Mountain and Browns Peak. This basin is filled with tons of wildflowers. Hike toward Browns saddle with Point 13,462. Once gaining the saddle you have spectacular views of Huron. Climb to the summit of Browns (easy class 2). If weather permits, stay high on the ridge that connects Browns and Huron. Talus hop on delightfully solid rock along the ridge until you connect with the Huron trail. There is no trail or old mining road here so it's all up to you. The 'crux' of the traverse is descending to the ridge from Brown's summit (moderate class 2)

Getting There

If coming from Buena Vista: Drive 14.5 miles north on U.S. 24 and turn left on the Chaffee County 390 road. On the 390 road (dirt), drive 11.3 miles to Winfield. From Winfield turn Left and travel .2 mile to the beginning of a 4wd road, passenger cars should park here. 4wd cars with good clearance can continue for about another 2 miles (from Winfield) into Lulu Gulch. After about .3 mile from the start of the 4wd road there is a junction(marked only by a small camping sign); turn right for the Huron Trailhead, turn left for Browns Peak. Continue for another 1.5 mile to another junction, turn left and ascend into Lulu Gulch. Pull-offs are available for parking.

NOTES: After the Huron/Brown junction, the road to Lulu Gulch is a 4wd road in every sense of the word! Be Careful! If you plan on climbing both Browns and Huron, park in a pull-off near the Huron/Browns junction and ascend the road on foot.

Pictures of Winfield turn off.
Road pictures property of 14ers.com

Red Tape

Browns Peak is located in the San Isabel National Forest and Leadville Ranger District. No permits or fees are required to climb or camp. Leadville Ranger District, San Isabel National Forest, 2013 N. Poplar, Leadville, CO 80461 Phone: (719) 486-0749 Fax: (719) 486-0928.

Camping

There are some great primitive camp sites along the 4wd road to the Huron trailhead. Camping is also possible near the pull-offs in the Lulu gulch area. The Camp sites near the Huron Trailhead have fire pits and provide great views of the most rugged peaks in the Sawatch Range: The Three Apostles. Running water is available in both locations.

Weather

For current weather conditions please click the icon below:

External Links

Hiking Colorado-Browns and Huron
www.14ers.com-The Home of Colorado's Fourteeners

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