Huron 4wd road

[Sourbob]

I'm considering doing the Northwest trail on Huron Peak and wondering if a stock Forester could make it up the 4WD trail. I think I read somewhere that the trail was bulldozed recently to make it suitable for more vehicles? Is ground clearance the main issue? I've gotten mixed answers about a Subaru Forester making the trip. Thanks

[terribletigzy]

My friend drove us to the top of the 4wd road a few years ago without too much trouble in a stock Honda CRV. I recall it being on the rougher side of roads that a smaller AWD SUV would be capable of, but nothing extreme. I don't know when you are planning your trip, but I have a mostly stock Forester, and am likely driving up that road on Saturday, so I could probably give you a more current opinion on Sunday/Monday. My forester has skid plates and standard size all-terrain tires.

[CaptainSuburbia]

Road was pretty rough last fall. I only saw trucks and jeeps making it.

[Ryan P]

I'm like 90% committed on doing Huron this Sunday, 8/4. If that happens to work out, I could always give you a ride. My Ranger should have no problem up there.

[dtron]

You may have seen this already, but this is the latest TH conditions report from 7/22:

"They repaired the dugout section at the beginning. This is probably the best condition Ive seen the road in 4+ years. If youve ever been on the fence with a rwd pickup or Subaru Id say nows your chance. The trail is in great shape up to west apostle."

I personally drove it a three years ago and the dugout spot was definitely the crux and IMHO what made it 4/6. After that it was definitely rough, but likely 3/6.

[Sirmanbob]

I hiked up that road yesterday, it’s in good condition. Definitely doable in any 4WD. I even saw a RAV4 up there

[Sourbob]

My friend drove us to the top of the 4wd road a few years ago without too much trouble in a stock Honda CRV. I recall it being on the rougher side of roads that a smaller AWD SUV would be capable of, but nothing extreme. I don't know when you are planning your trip, but I have a mostly stock Forester, and am likely driving up that road on Saturday, so I could probably give you a more current opinion on Sunday/Monday. My forester has skid plates and standard size all-terrain tires.

We are shooting for the Thrusday the 8th so an updte would be great. I appreciate it!

[Sourbob]

I'm like 90% committed on doing Huron this Sunday, 8/4. If that happens to work out, I could always give you a ride. My Ranger should have no problem up there.

My brother and I plan on doing the hike on Thursday the 8th but thanks for the offer. Good luck on your summit

[Hiker1234]

Hey all, looking to see if there’s any updates. I have the same question and also have a stock forester, so any update would be greatly appreciated if anyone has tried it!!

[two lunches]

Hey all, looking to see if there’s any updates. I have the same question and also have a stock forester, so any update would be greatly appreciated if anyone has tried it!!

there are plenty of camping/parking pulloffs between the 2WD and 4WD trailheads and not much of a difference between the two, in terms of time and effort. drive as far as you're able to and if you need to hike a little further, start a little earlier

general advice: if ever you're in search of a hike and the discrepancy between the 2WD and 4WD trailheads is a dealbreaker for you, pick an easier peak and come back when you're in better shape/an improved headspace.

happy trails--

[toddhoelzle]

Hey all, looking to see if there’s any updates. I have the same question and also have a stock forester, so any update would be greatly appreciated if anyone has tried it!!

Was up there on Saturday. My Impreza was definitely not going to make it (there were even a few iffy spots on 390 before Winfield), but I saw a RWD F150 and either a Crosstrek or Outback pass me on the hike in.

On the hike out, a couple of college kids gave me ride to my car. They were driving their friend's mom's stock SUV (didn't notice the make/model) and didn't have much too trouble. And they weren't really taking it easy, either.

[peter303]

The 2WD trailhead adds 45 minutes walking each day.

Note the Leadville 100 running race is Sat/Sun August 17-18. The halfway point is Winfield. The running course doesnt appear to be along the access road. But race supporters will be using it.