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Halfmoon Creek
Lake County, Colorado
View this on the Colorado Trailheads Map
Nearby Towns: Leadville
Nearby Trails: Weston Pass
Trail Length: 11.4 miles
Elevation: 10,123 to 12,846 feet
This is a great trail for water crossings and big views, and it's worth the short trip off of the beaten path to visit it. It isn't very near to any other trails, but you could spend a good portion of the day here. It's shaped like a big "Y" so you will get to experience everything in both directions.
The trail starts as a mellow dirt road that is bumpy in places. There are lots of places to camp as you follow North Halfmoon Creek. Mount Massive is above you to the right of the trail. It isn't long before you come to a fork in the road.
Both forks are worth exploring. The right fork explores the north half of the trail and takes you to the Champion Mill. The left fork is more difficult and slightly longer as you explore the south half of the trail on your way to the Iron Mike Mine.
Explore the left fork first, just in case you have issues and it takes you longer than you were expecting. There is a big parking area and then a deep water crossing (Water Crossing 1 on the map). Just after the water crossing is a muddy section, with two different ways you can get through it.
Continue along the trail as it climbs a fairly easy hill. The second water crossing (Water Crossing 2) is easier, but it is followed by a hill of rock outcroppings that is the most difficult section of the entire trail. Stock vehicles may have issues here.
The trail gets a bit easier after this hill climb. There is one section where it looks like it ends at a wide path of river rock that crosses over the trail. You may need to walk this portion to see where the trail picks up again on the other side.
Work your way to the end of the trail where the ring of mountains are, high above timberline in a beautiful, green basin. The trail ends just past the remains of the Iron Mike Mine where you can turn around. If you look back the way you came you'll have French Mountain behind you, Casco Peak immediately to your right, and the very impressive Mount Elbert in front of you.
Return back to the "Y" in the trail and take the north fork. This fork is much easier, though it offers a rocky section as well as two water crossings. The last water crossing (Water Crossing 4) is long and can be very deep. Be sure to not go through this too quickly. There should always be a small wake around your vehicle -- nothing more or less.
The Champion Mill is at the far end of this fork, and it is a gorgeous and well-preserved building. This is a great spot for photographs.
Return to the trailhead to leave the trail.
Information last updated on July 8th, 2008.
Member Reports
Driving Directions From Denver take I-70 to Highway 24 that takes you through Leadville. Stay on Highway 24 through town and you'll see signs for the Fish Hatchery and Road 300 on your right just outside of Leadville. Take this road 1 mile west and follow the signs south to Halfmoon Campground. Past the Mount Elbert trailhead you'll find the Mount Massive trailhead, the start of Halfmoon Creek.
Meeting Places Meet at the Starbucks in Downieville at I-70 exit 234.
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