Halfmoon Creek

4.8/5 (28 reviews)
Leadville, Colorado (Lake County)
Last Updated: 05/29/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Tucked between two goliath fourteeners, Mount Massive & Mount Elbert, here the views are jaw-dropping. There are so many things to explore on this trail it could take an entire week. Halfmoon Creek is a favorite of many. There is a mix of both easy and difficult terrain, a few water crossings, and plenty of spots with fire rings for dispersed camping. It is common for the trailhead to be very congested with hikers attempting to summit Elbert and Massive, but as you cross the creeks, you get the feeling you might be the only one out there. This trail is perfect for a one or two-night camping trip, giving you enough time to see all the old structures and take a long hike. A hike to North Halfmoon Lakes can be done in less than a day. The lakes are stocked with cutthroat trout as well as other varieties. If you bring a rod, your chances of making a catch are pretty high.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (29)
Official Crew
32850
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/29/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Iron Mike (110.J) is open to almost treeline. Champion Mill (110) is open to the mill.
Official Crew
103400
Impassable
Visited: 12/01/2022

Winter has closed this trail naturally.
200
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/11/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

I did 100J and found it to push the limits of my rig, which is a JLU with 3.5" lift on 33's. The main obstacle at the 2nd water crossing was no joke. I had to winch the last 1-2' due to a 16-18" sharp-faced and totally loose boulder hooking my passenger rear shock and axle. The views at the top were pretty spectacular and made the effort worth it.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/17/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Very surprised in this trail. Has something fir everyone. Not just a 4 hour crawl. Definitely added some complexity when it started raining and made it way more challenging to get down. It was awesome.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/11/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

finally was able to do this one! When I attempted to in 2021 it was closed by the Forest Service. Had done the trail up until the large Creek Cross but hadn't gone beyond that prior to getting my jeep! Really enjoyed it and I hope to get back there in July of 2023 to get some hiking in as well

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