Trailhead for Huron

[lollieboots]

I am planning on climbing Huron. Read that the drive to the trailhead requires 4WD - would a Honda CRV get there? Also, is camping allowed at the trailhead or anywhere near there? Thanks.

[LURE]

I am planning on climbing Huron. Read that the drive to the trailhead requires 4WD - would a Honda CRV get there? Also, is camping allowed at the trailhead or anywhere near there? Thanks.

Camping is allowed basically EVERYWHERE all the up to the trailhead starting from the Highway. It gets busy, real busy, try to nab a spot early. Usually stuff is open at the trailhead because the road sifts out a fair number of people.

I would venture to say a CRV might be able to pull if you're a good driver and the road is in its better conditions, but may not be worth the risk - you'd drag the rear for sure and likely take some hits underneath if you're not careful. Took an older F 150 up there and it made it just fine, but the longer base on that thing made it a little more difficult than other 4x4's.

[skycripp]

You'll always find a Camry and a Honda Element at the trail head no matter which trail it is. In all seriousness, a CRV will likely do the trick but previous 4WD experience will be helpful in navigating around some stuff that might otherwise dent an oil pan. I've done it in my Crosstrek which has 8" of clearance.

Yes, plenty of camping spots, including some right near the trail head.

[FCSquid]

You can probably get there in a CRV if you don't mind bottoming out a few times. I was up there last weekend and saw larger SUVs (with higher clearance) hitting bottom in a few spots.

We took a Pilot up there - so very similar dimensions to a CRV clearance-wise. The road is good past Winfield for only about 1/4 mile (maybe less). There's a clearing right before the road turns sharply uphill, that's where it becomes a true 4WD right, IMO. That's where we parked the Pilot since I really didn't want to wail on an almost-new car. I'd either park there, or just leave the CRV in Winfield and hike the whole road. There's very little elevation gain between Winfield and the 4WD trailhead, and it's a pleasant hike, actually.

[mtngoatwithstyle]

I did Huron a couple of years ago and camped by the main road a little bit before the trailhead to Missouri/Belford Mountains, which would be in the "middle" section of the CR390. I found a great spot by the creek but traffic in & out is a constant flow.
I was driving a Tahoe and the only thing I would say it is narrow and in some sections you will need to be careful not to bottom out as it has been mentioned. I was glad to only meet one car and be able to find a spot to let the car go by.
If you happen to have more than one day to camp in that area, check out the other trail in that same area to Lake Ann (great views from above the lake into the pass) and/or to Three Apostles (if you like to do more of a challenging and technical climbing).
Have lots of fun!

[huffy13]

Personally, I wouldn't take a CRV up the road to Huron's TH. You can probably do it, but the risk/reward factor to me isn't worth it. The road is actually an easy hike and it really doesn't add that much time to the roundtrip time for that hike. I have camped at Winfield several times in the past and I recommend camping there. I've never seen it with more than 10 total campsites filled at any given time.

[paul109876]

I had the same question last year. I chose to drive 1/4 mile up the 4wd road from Winfield and pull off the road.
I Hiked the rest of the way, there were a couple of spots where I would have wanted a spotter.

[acidchylde]

Camping is allowed basically EVERYWHERE all the up to the trailhead starting from the Highway.

Say what? The first 4.5 miles of the road (390) run mostly through private property, and then there are numerous private parcels and mining claims scattered from that point. "Everywhere" is a bit misleading.

I haven't been on the road in years, but when I did Huron (and La Plata on a different trip) I took a Grand Prix just past Winfield and camped in a clearing off the road, probably where paul is referring to. The road did deteriorate pretty quickly after that, and it may be worse now - it's been at least ten years since I was back there.

[Sean Nunn]

If you have much in the way of fitness at all, it isn't worth the (albeit small) risk to your vehicle. We were just there a few weeks ago. We had one 4WD vehicle and one 2WD, so we split in 2 groups and the "fitter" among us parked at the 2WD trailhead, while the "less fit" drove up the 4WD drive road. It is a little over 2 miles but very little vertical gain, so it took us about 40-45 minutes of very easy hiking to get to the 4WD trailhead. It took my brother almost 30 minutes to drive the same distance, and he has a 4WD Explorer with decent clearance. So it isn't really worth it unless it really bothers you to have an extra 45 minutes or so of easy hiking on each end of your hike.

Can't speak for camping.

[LURE]

Camping is allowed basically EVERYWHERE all the up to the trailhead starting from the Highway.

Say what? The first 4.5 miles of the road (390) run mostly through private property, and then there are numerous private parcels and mining claims scattered from that point. "Everywhere" is a bit misleading.

I haven't been on the road in years, but when I did Huron (and La Plata on a different trip) I took a Grand Prix just past Winfield and camped in a clearing off the road, probably where paul is referring to. The road did deteriorate pretty quickly after that, and it may be worse now - it's been at least ten years since I was back there.

Basically everywhere. I don't think it's very misleading. Look at this Google Earth shot with Colorado property ownership overlain. No color is private, so you're right the first chunk is private land and reservoir property. Other than that, the green national forest layer dominates, drastically, for the entire road. That's why that place is CF on the weekends, decent car camping everywhere.

Edit: You are very right though, saying that was the case all the way from the highway is misleading. I just realized I used the words "from the highway"

Clear Creek Ownership.png

[Timothy]

I am planning on climbing Huron. Read that the drive to the trailhead requires 4WD - would a Honda CRV get there? Also, is camping allowed at the trailhead or anywhere near there? Thanks.

I agree with the person who said they wouldn't try the 4wd trailhead in a CRV, especially in the dark. Too easy to tear up something you might need later. However, hitching a ride to/from the 4wd trailhead is not a problem, just make sure you are there early. I've given rides there myself more than once.

[Yukon Ron]

I think the CRV would be fine with an experienced driver. I do not think attempting the trail head at night is the best approach. I took a Ford Edge to the trail head at first light, getting in was no problem, getting out, I did ground it once, but nothing serious. The hump at the end will likely cause a problem, for a long wheelbase model vehicle. I saw an old jeep CJ 5 do the hump with zero issues while we were loading back up and heading out.
I don't care if I had to crawl on my hands and knees to that trail head, I would do it, thankfully. It is one of the most beautiful trails in the lower classes of difficulty, and perhaps all the trails of the C-LO 14ers.
I think it is my most favorite of them all, done repreatedly, and coincidentally, was my first summit in the 14ers.