This timeless summer route begins atop Last Dollar Pass, a few miles northwest of Telluride. From there, hikers traverse the north slope of the Sneffels Range for 34 miles through the National Forest and Sneffels Wilderness Area using four huts over five days of hiking. The route finishes in the striking mountain town of Ouray, Colorado, dubbed the “Switzerland of America”. Daily mileage ranges from 4.25 to 9 miles on remote, yet established, hiking trails and the elevation varies between 10,800 and 9,250 feet above sea level until the final descent into Ouray (7,800 ft). The trail winds through sub-alpine meadows, stream crossings, massive Aspen groves and towering evergreen forests. Several vistas are highlighted on our detailed route directions and are ideal for water or lunch breaks. Hikers will need to bring their own food and filter their water. A food resupply is a popular option at the second and fourth huts to keep packs light. Everything necessary for cooking and resting is found within the huts.
Route Overview
Route Overview by Day
Start at almost 11,000 feet on Last Dollar Pass above Telluride and hike through the remote Mount Sneffels Wilderness area.
Wake up in a clearing below North Pole and Hayden peaks before hiking through a series of enchanting meadows and babbling brooks. Hiking up to the Blue Lakes after lunch at the hut is an option for strong groups, weather depending.
Crisscross Wilson Creek and then ascend to the Ridgway Hut while taking in impressive views of the spectacular Mount Sneffels (14,309’). A side trip up into the high alpine Blain Basin is a worthwhile side hike.
Enjoy an easier day of hiking through forested terrain until you reach the Burn Hut nestled in a beautiful aspen grove.
Hike through alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain before heading down through the spectacular Oak Creek drainage. The trail literally leads you right into downtown Ouray where you can enjoy a burger, beer, and soak in the hot springs. A shorter alternative on the Dallas Trail is also an enjoyable option.
More Options
Adventurous hikers and experienced mountaineers enjoy using the huts as ideal bases for accessing the alpine peaks, lakes, and cirques of the Sneffels Range. Options include climbing Mount Sneffels (elevation 14,157 ft), visiting one or more of the three Blue Lakes, or a multitude of seldom-visited destinations along the route. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose your best adventures.
June-October
The huts are available in sequential order, enabling hikers to stay one night in each of the four huts along the route.
May & November
In these shoulder seasons, custom trips are available. Hikers enjoy lingering at the same huts for multiple nights and choosing their own adventures during the days. The full Sneffels Traverse Hike can also be a great option this time of year. We’ve had family reunions, writers, hardcore mountaineers, birdwatchers, and weekend warriors enjoy these huts’ exceptional locations and surroundings
A Shuttle from Ouray to the starting trailhead is included. Optional food drops at the second and/or fourth hut can be added on for an extra fee.
Our mountain huts hold eight people per night. The wooden huts are equipped with padded bunks, sleeping bags, a propane cook stove, propane light, wood stove, and necessary utensils, cookware, and each hut is equipped with a composting toilet facility.
4 Night / 5 Day
$450 per person
Group Discount: 8/7 – Eight hikers for the price of seven – $3,150 for the full hut or $394 per person. Includes a shuttle to the starting trailhead.
- What to Bring
Hiking boots/shoes & hiking gear, 20-50L pack, food, sleeping bag liner, water purification, See the Hiker’s Bible for a more detailed list.
Call us at (970) 626-3033 or send us an email.
“I just completed the San Juan Hut hike/Sneffel’s Traverse and would highly recommend this trek! The huts were amazing and extremely well outfitted. They are primitive but exceeded my expectations! Beyond that, the customer service and information provided by the company were immensely helpful…The natural beauty encountered on this trek is unparalleled. Thank you!”
~ Diana T.
More Info
Our mountain huts hold eight people per night. The hiking huts are equipped with padded bunks, sleeping bags, a propane cook stove, propane light, wood stove, cooking utensils, and a composting toilet facility.
Our staff is available for in-depth trip planning and can offer individualized insight after getting to know you and your group.
Our detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, and GPS track files. The directions are sufficient to provide you all the information you need to stay on route.
- A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to reserve a departure date and may be made by Visa or Mastercard. The remaining balance is required 30 days prior to departure.
- No refunds are offered due to weather or other complications.
- Unless you reserve the entire hut, additional hikers may be booked to a total of eight per hut.
- SJHS reserves the right to refuse or cancel service.
- Call 970-626-3033 to make your reservation.
- Please refer to our reference guide, The Hiker’s Bible, for more information.
Hiking Trip FAQ / Common Questions:
Backcountry and wilderness travel experience is a plus. Navigational and basic wilderness first aid is recommended.
This classic route is stunning in the Fall. Colors begin to change in late-September and usually last about a month. However, temperatures can be pretty chilly and snow is possible.
Shuttles are included for the Sneffels Traverse Package. We pick up your group in Ouray and drive approximately one hour to the starting trailhead. The final several miles of the road to the trailhead is quite rough, unsuitable for vehicles with poor clearance, and is closed to traffic if wet. Our shuttle service can take you to an alternate route if the road is closed.
The Sneffels Traverse is not technical although there are some sections of narrow trails with steep drops below. There is no rock scrambling and minimal exposure, but creek crossings and high elevation can challenge the seasoned hiker. For experienced mountaineers and climbers, higher traversing options can be found in the San Juan Haute Route which involves a significant amount of off trail travel, navigation and high altitude.
It is, but don’t rely on this mode of route finding exclusively. Traditional blazes located on trees are common and occasional blue trail markers are visible along the trail–but both can be hard to spot. We encourage hikers to rely on maps and GPS, and the detailed written directions we provide to every group.
Much of the route’s elevation fluctuates between 10,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level. Even with a few days of acclimatization before hiking the route, hikers may experience significant challenges from the relatively high elevation.
In summer, temps can swing from the high 80’s to below freezing. Mountain weather can change quickly, so hikers must prepare themselves for all conditions. June usually has the least chance of rain but can still have patches of snow and high creek crossings. July and August often have afternoon thunderstorms. September is always a wild card. October is drier but a bit cooler with an occasional dusting of snow.
This is a popular add-on option for hikers. Simply leave your food items with your shuttle driver before your trip and we’ll ensure it is delivered to Blue Lakes Hut, the second hut on route and/or Burn Hut, the fourth hut on the route.
Please plan to pack out all of your trash.
We allow well-behaved dogs with well-behaved people attached. Please see our Dog Policy document for more information.