How to get there:
See the information under Mount Lindsey. Route description:
The first part of the route is identical to the
route from the trailhead to the ridge connecting
Mount Lindsey and the Iron Nipple. See under
Mount Lindsey for this.
From the ridge connecting the Iron Nipple (left) with
Mount Lindsey (right), one can see Huerfano Peak as it
gradually rises, just beyond and to the right of the
Iron Nipple. Head towards the Iron Nipple, climb between
interesting rock formations, there are now two possible
routes. One can descend a bit and cross the talus field
south-east of the Iron Nipple, then ascend the broad ridge
of Huerfano, or one can simply climb the Iron Nipple, then
descend along the highest ridge connecting it with Huerfano
Peak. I tried both alternatives and prefer the latter choice.
Traversing the Nipple has the advantage that one can hike on the
higher part of the ridge system, this area has generally good
footing, stable rocks and patches of grass. The sloping talus
field on the other hand is generally unpleasant to hike, especially
the section below the Iron Nipple. Traversing the Iron Nipple
has the additional bonus that one should hike/climb the few
meters to its true summit, either going or coming. The short
ridge to the summit of the Iron Nipple has a mini "knife edge"
with some exposure, but perfectly easy to traverse. The view
of the upper Huerfano Valley is very nice, the Iron Nipple has
a significant drop to the north.
After a short descent from the Iron Nipple to its low saddle
with Huerfano Peak, one can hike leisurely along the broad
top ridge to the summit. The summit itself is on a curved
arch of a slightly more well defined ridge. There is a trail
register. You will find fewer visits than to the better
known Lindsey near by. Comments:
I did this climb with Arnt Flatmo. We hiked from Lindsey
to Huerfano with a traverse below the Iron Nipple. On the
return hike we traversed the Iron Nipple and visited its
interesting summit.
Resources:
Images
Huerfano Peak to the left in the picture.
Iron Nipple and Mount Lindsey further right.