Overview
Peak 13253 ft and Lake 12155 ft, east face
Rank: Peak 13253 ft is Colorado’s 439th highest ranked peak.
North face
East face
Peak 13253 ft sits on the Continental Divide in the Sawatch Mountains of central Colorado. It rises at the southwestern end of the Clear Creek Valley near the 14er
Huron Peak.
Peak 13253 ft has two summits that have the exact same elevation. These summits are separated by a distance of 0.3 miles and a 13140 ft saddle. To the northwest, Peak 13253 ft is connected to Peak 13235 ft and to the northeast it connects to
Granite Mountain. The long southeastern ridgeline of Peak 13253 ft gives rise to several unranked high points before reaching
The West Apostle.
To the east of Peak 13253 ft, you will find a small plateau that sits at an elevation of 11800-12200 ft. This beautiful little plateau is known as Harrison Flat and in my opinion is a true paradise. It houses two unnamed lakes: Lake 11909 ft and Lake 12155 ft. In summer, wild flowers appear all over Harrison Flat. The surrounding mountains, including the jagged
Ice Mountain and The Apostles create magnificent views.
To reach the summit of Peak 13253 ft, you will have to find your own way. I started at the Huron Peak Trailhead. Instead of following the Huron Peak Trail, I followed much of the trail that goes to the nearby Lake Ann. Before reaching Lake Ann, I left trail and bushwhacked my way to Harrison Flat and Peak 13253 ft (see Route Page for details).
Peak 13253 ft and Lake 11909 ft, east face
Pictures
For more pictures, see the
Granite Mountain Page.
On Lake Ann Trail:
Lake Ann Trail |
Where I left trail |
Harrison Flat:
Huron Peak |
Peak 13253 ft |
Harrison Flat
|
Harrison Flat |
Harrison Flat |
The Three Apostles
|
Summit:
Views from the summit:
Harrison Flat |
The Three Apostles |
Taylor Park Reservoir |
Taylor Park |
Grizzly Peak |
La Plata |
Silver Basin |
Huron Peak & Granite Mtn. |
Getting There
The trailhead for Peak 13253 ft is the same as the trailhead for Huron Peak. From Buena Vista, drive 15 mile north (or 19 miles south from Leadville) to Clear Creek Reservoir Road (County Road 390). Drive Clear Creek Reservoir Road 11.7 miles to reach the ghost town of Winfield (this is a smooth dirt road passable by any car). In Winfield, turn left and cross the bridge to reach a parking area. You might see signs for Huron Peak Trail. If you have 4WD, you can drive another 2 miles to the end of the road
Red Tape
No fees or permits for day hikes. For other regulations, see the site for
San Isabel National Forest.
Map |
Weather Forecast
See the forecast for the nearby town of
Buena Vista.