Relatively short, but consistently steep, the 3,500-foot, 6.5-mile climb up 14,003-foot Huron Peak delivers on big views and provides a great workout.

If you’re looking to climb this peak, the first thing that you need to know is that there are two different ways to start the standard route – from the 2WD trailhead or from the 4WD trailhead. To reach both, you’ll take 390 near Buena Vista, turning left once you hit the ghost town of Winfield. Shortly after this turn, the road gets rough. Park at the 2WD area or keep driving depending on your vehicle’s capabilities.

If you park at the 2WD “trailhead” as we did, you’ll be setting yourself up for a 10.75 mile hike in total, with 4.25 miles consisting of the 4WD road to the actual start of the trail and back. This longer route also adds an 300 feet of gain to the total trek.

Once at the true trailhead, you’ll find that steep switchbacks start quickly and don’t give up, first winding through a forest and then high-alpine tundra terrain to the summit.

The first portion of this hike winds through beautiful pines and over a couple stream crossings. Eventually, the trees get more sparse, opening up to a large mountain bowl. This is where the stunning scenery really starts to show off. With the route up Huron Peak amid a number of other fourteeners, countless peaks stretch high in every direction.

The steep trail continues along a ridge, often accompanied by what could be equated to a wind tunnel. Eventually this starts to get rockier, soon turning into loose, but manageable scrambling as the trail closes in on the summit. Note that there’s a rock outcropping that usually allows for a break from the cold wind before the final push.

Once on the summit, you’ll find there’s plenty of room to take a break and ample texture that can be used to hide from wind. Perhaps the most striking sight among the panoramic beauty is that of the Three Apostles.

Once you’ve got your fill of summit views, it’s time to head back down the mountain. You’ll find that this portion of the trek is as straightforward as the hike up. However, beware of loose dirt. Utilizing trekking poles might be a good idea. Any time you’re climbing a mountain in Colorado, it’s also important to know the risks. Start your research on that here.

I found that this hike was also quite dog-friendly, consisting of dirt trail with limited rough rock. It was my dog’s 3rd 14er and she seemed to love every second. If you’re planning on hiking with your dog, on this trail or any other trail, it’s important to be familiar with their limits and plan ahead for any problems you might encounter. On my hikes, I’ve got a pack to carry the pup, plenty of dog food, double the water I’d normally pack, dog treats for quick energy, a doggie first-aid kit, sunblock, protective foot booties, and a warm outer later. It’s also important to follow leash rules while hiking in dangerous terrain and to keep your canine away from wildlife they could potentially stress.