Nolans Line
From the summit of Missouri Mountain, head northwest on the ridge on the standard route until 13,867′, then turn left and head west down a ridge. A trail will appear, becoming much more easier to follow the lower you go. The trail will veer into the basin to the south, following a creek. You’ll come across a few trail junctions, head towards Clohesy Lake. Wrap tightly around the north side of the lake, and find a reasonable place to cross it just to the north. Once across, continue southwest up the east slopes of Huron Peak.
Although most maps show a deeply switchbacking trail here, this trail has been reabsorbed into the forest. What you will find here is a good amount of deadfall and a sprinkling of cliffs. Do you best to avoid both, as you make your way above treeline and into a beautiful high basin.
Make your way through the stunted trees and shrubs towards the talus field above. Many maps show a deeply switchbacking trail here as well, but this trail may have never existed. In this area, you’ll find a highly technical ridgeline with unclimbable gendarmes. You could gain the ridge near its apex, but do not approach the lower portions of the ridgeline hoping to find a quick and easy way through.
Instead, head directly up the talus, then steep gravel slopes to the Brown’s Peak/Huron ridge, and join up with Huron’s standard route trail. Take this trail to Huron’s summit.
Slow-lans Alt.
From the Clohesy Lake, take the 4WD track north to Chaffee County 390. Take a left and head west on Chaffee County 390 to the start of the standard route of Huron Peak. Take this route to the summit.
Water
Water is plentiful at Clohesy Lake.
Seasonal creeks and flows can be found in Huron’s east-facing basin.
Camping
Camping can be found around Clohesy Lake, but solitude may not come with it.
Camping can be found in Huron’s east-facing basin.
Bailing/Resupply
Take the 4WD track north to Chaffee County 390. Turn right onto Chaffee County 390 heading east.
Skipping
Hike down to Clohesy Lake and take the 4WD track north to Chaffee County 390. Head west on Chaffee County 390 to Winfield. Pick up the Nolans route from Huron to La Plata here.
Next: Huron Peak to La Plata Peak
Slow-lans Guide Navigation:
- Slow-lans Introduction
- Caltopo Route Map Legend
- Start to Shavano + Tabeguache
- Tabeguache Peak to Mt. Antero
- Mt. Antero to Mt. Princeton
- Mt. Princeton to Mt. Yale
- Mt. Yale to Mt. Columbia and Mt. Harvard
- Mt. Oxford, Mt. Belford and Missouri Mountain
- Missouri Mountain to Huron Peak
- Huron Peak to La Plata Peak
- La Plata Peak to Mt. Elbert
- Mt. Elbert to Mount Massive and finishing at the Fish Hatchery
- Additional Resources
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