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Aug 11, 2021 — T8 and Hayden Mountain South are two Colorado 13ers outside of Ouray that are easily overlooked despite their gorgeous views and easy trail access. The Richmond Trailhead is accessed just off the Million Dollar Highway on a very short dirt spur road. The trail begins as an old dirt road, crosses under some telephone poles, and then becomes a true trail. The Richmond Trail switchbacks steeply up the forested slope. I was surprised at how quickly the views became nice, the peaks to the south becoming visible after only a few hundred vertical gain. After a while the forest emerged into meadows along the slopes and a couple of signs help to point in the right direction, the first objective being Richmond Pass. After the switchbacks ended I ascended a final steep section to a nice viewpoint of V8 and Hayden Mountain South. The trail continued on a grassy slope that leads in almost a stright line to Richmond Pass, but the trail disappeared temporarily along the tundra, replace by ample cairns. I soon reached Richmond Pass.
I could see there was a trail leading up to Hayden Mountain South, so I'd save that easier peak for later. I kind of had no idea what to do for T8, so I started up along the ridge. This turned out to be a mistake, and I mention it only because it's really tempting to take the ridge. There was a scary and crumbly section (Class 4) that I marked on my map, but I removed my route getting there because I certainly don't recommend it. Instead, from Richmond Pass, drop northwest along a social trail with cairns. There are at least two possible pre-cairned routes leading more or less along the same route I took. I only had to drop down about 200 feet from Richmond Pass, and the going was straightforward. There was some minor rock-hopping, but mostly just tundra walking as I wrapped around on the north side of the ridgeline. A mining road came into view and sure enough the social trail took me right to it. I followed this mining road to the base of T8, but the road curved away so I instead continued south onto a steep and grassy slope. The slope turned into Class 2 talus and I headed straight up toward a rock outcrop. I kept left around the outcrop and ended up on the ridgeline. It was easy walking with one short Class 2 section to the summit of T8.
Back at Richmond Pass, I started north to Hayden Mountain South. The trail was really well-defined and I had little concern about the difficulty of the hike from here. This trail avoided the many cute rock hoodoos that were perched along the ridge crest, staying left for the most part and just below the true crest. I should also note that there were at least two steep sections and, while not necessary exposed, the slope on the left is quite steep. I made my way off the ridge and to the final ascent of Hayden Mountain South. This involved some typical steep talus walking on a social trail (barely Class 2). The views were less nice because the peak's summit area was wide enough to block the views, but it was a nice hike. I returned the way I came. I also passed a super sweet couple in their late 70s doing the same peaks I was, so that was a nice slap of inspiration and motivation. Also on the way down to Ouray a rock fell off a the cliffs and hit my car, just one of those things you never think would happen to you!
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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!