Hayden - Richmond - T8

Date: 10/14/2025
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Richmond Pass TH
Summits:
* Hayden South
* Richmond
* T8
Distance: 7.6m
Elevation Gain: 4300ft
Duration: 3hrs 35min (summer conditions)
GPX

Hayden South 14ers.com Page
Richmond Peak 14ers.com Page
T8 14ers.com Page

This loop is the most efficient route to climb all three of these peaks together.

If you are feeling spunky, add King and Three Queens to the mix. The best way to add K3Q, is to climb K3Q first and traverse the ridge to Hayden South and continue from there. The Richmond-K3Q report has some details.

The well maintained Richmond Trail is a steep calf burner. I often complain about too many switchbacks, but not on this trail.

Once above treeline and in the upper basin the views really open up. When you reach Richmond Pass the views of Sneffels and company to the northwest are off the hook. Well worth the hike even if you don't climb any of the summits.

All in all this route is a class 2 hike with the exception of a short (but significant) section of ridge between Richmond and T8 that has some spice. The rock on this section is loose and exposed. If this isn't your thing, it is easy enough to drop Richmond to the west and hike below the scree fields below the north side of the ridge. Similar to the route I took to T8 in the Hayden-T8 Ski report.

When descending T8 back to the trailhead, take the creek bed if it is dry. If the creek is running, cross over to the ridge just to the north. Both descent routes work great. The creek is just a little more fun and unique. The GPX includes both routes.

Hayden South & T8 - ski