Getting Here

SJHS Articles

Pack your bags and get ready for adventure

Getting to Telluride

  • By Car

    Telluride is located in Southwestern Colorado on State Highway 145 in the San Juan Mountains. It takes under 3 hrs from Moab, 2.5 hrs from Grand Junction, and 6 hrs from Denver to drive to Telluride. All roads to Telluride are scenic.

  • By Plane

    Flying into Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is often the most convenient but also often the most expensive way to get to Telluride which is serviced by Frontier and United Airlines. Most flights will have a layover in Denver. Another good (and often cheaper) option is to fly into Montrose (MTJ) from eight major cities across the United States! Once you arrive at the airport, it’s a 66-mile drive to the town of Telluride. Many Telluride hotels provide free shuttle services. There are several companies that also provide shuttles.

    The least expensive option (especially for large groups) can be to fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and then shuttle to Telluride and then back from Moab. There are five different carriers that service Grand Junction.

Getting to Moab

  • By Bike

    Mountain Bike 215 miles of awesome singletrack and dirt roads, obviously the best way!

  • By Car

    Highway 191 runs through Moab. The city lies 40 miles south of Highway 50.

  • By Plane

    Limited daily flights are available directly into the Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY). Car rental service is available at the Moab Airport through Enterprise Rent a Car. Shuttle service is also available from the airport.

Getting to Gateway

By Car

Highway 141 runs through the very small town of Gateway. Driving time from Grand Junction is 1 hr 15 min, from Montrose it is 2 hrs, and from Telluride it is 2 hrs 15 min. The drive from either direction is stunning. Shuttles out of Grand Junction, Telluride, and Moab are available.

Getting to Durango

  • By Car

    Take Highways 160 or 550. Most roads to Durango are scenic.

  • By Plane

    Fly to Durango-La Plata Airport. There are over a dozen flights daily from Denver International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. You can also fly in from over 300 other cities.

Travel Resources

SJHS Articles

Travel Resources

Everything you need to maximize your hut to hut adventure

Shuttle Services

Telluride Based Shuttle Services

Moab Based Shuttle Services

Grand Junction Based Shuttle Services

Sunshine Rides

970-777-7777

https://www.sunshinerides.com/

Durango Based Shuttle Services

Bike Shops

Moab Bike Shops

Ridgway/Montrose Bike Shops

Grand Junction/Palisade Bike Shops

Durango Bike Shops

Telluride Bike Shops

Lodging

Moab Lodging

Ridgway Lodging

Grand Junction Lodging

Durango Lodging

Telluride Lodging

Gateway Lodging

Additional Resources

Skier Resources

Fat Biking Resources

Other Stuff

Official Colorado Vacation Guide and Magazines

State maps,virtual byway guide, and other info available here.

http://www.colorado.com/

Summer Recreation & Activities

SJHS Articles

Thru-Hiking Eliminate the weight on a 30-mile hike, starting at the top of Last Dollar Pass (10,700′) just outside of Telluride and hiking all the way to Ouray. Big views, stream crossings and wildflowers abound on this trek. The trail starts on the southwest corner of the Sneffels Range, enters the “Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area”…

Burn Backcountry Hiking Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    Layout

    The Burn Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk-style beds, sleeping bags* (Guests who use SJHS sleeping bags need to use their own sleeping bag liner), and Crazy Creek Chairs. The Hut includes a propane stove, propane lamp, wood stove, cookware, and utensils.

    *Sleeping bags are not provided for part of October, all of November, and May. 

    Water

    There is a creek 250 yards west of the hut. Hut users are responsible for treating water with iodine, pump/filter, or UV scanner.

    Location

    The Burn hut sits at 9,940′ on a slope gladed by an old forest fire with views of the Sneffles Range. The Burn Hut is the farthest east of all our Hiking Huts and closest to the mountain town of Ouray. It is frequently used in conjunction with the Ridgway hut for multi-day adventures.

    Route Miles Ascent Descent
    Trailhead to Burn Hut 0.1 70 4′
    Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut 4.2 732′ 1,174′
    Burn Hut to Ouray 4.6 339′ 2,661′

    Dates & Prices

    From June 1 through November, we only book the Burn Hut in the 4-night/5-day Sneffels Traverse. The Sneffels Traverse is $275 per person and includes your shuttle to the start of the hike.

    *We will open up the month of November for custom bookings on November 1st. 

    During “Off-Season” or the months of May and November, we allow custom bookings in the Hiking Huts. During these months, the huts are $30 per person per night and SLEEPING BAGS AREN’T PROVIDED!

    Please call or email the office with any specific questions!

    Access

    A short drive (approx. 5 miles) on CR5 out of Ridgway takes you to the junction of CR5 and CR5A. From this point, a 5.4 mile 4×4 road leads you to the Burn Hut. This 4×4 road can be impassable when wet. The Burn Hut can also be accessed via the Dallas Trail. This access is the eastern terminus of the Dallas Trail and is approximately 7 miles south on the ‘frontage road’ CR 17.

  • Hiking

    Hiking around the Burn Hut is enjoyable for people of all abilities, this is due not only to the variety of the terrain, but to the views of both the Cimmaron and the Sneffels ranges as well as the La Sals out in Utah.

    Access the Ridgway Hut, 2-3 Hours, Intermediate

    Travel on 4×4 roads and then the Dallas Trail that leads to the Ridgway Hut.

    Ouray, 2.5-4 Hours, Moderate

    Hike east on the Dallas Trail descending through aspen groves, meadows, and along sandstone cliffs down into the mountain town of Ouray where natural hot springs, pubs, and ice cream all await.

  • Biking

    East End Loop, 2 Days/5-6 Hours, Intermediate

    This is hands down our favorite weekend ride! Although this loop can be done in one push, we find it far more enjoyable to make a weekend out of it. You start your climb right from the town of Ridgway and are primarily on single lane dirt and 4×4 roads up to the Burn Hut passing through parks and aspen groves with views of the entire Sneffels Range. The next day’s ride is all on the east end of the Dallas Trail and downhill to the town of Ouray where natural hot springs, pubs and ice cream await. You can either leave a vehicle here, or ride the 20 minutes on dirt road back to Ridgway. Basing out of a B&B in Ridgway or Ouray makes this a real weekend treat. There is additional single track around Ridgway if you want to get a few more miles in on either end of your trip.

Burn Backcountry Ski Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    LAYOUT

    The Burn Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk-style beds. The Hut includes a propane stove, propane lamp, wood stove, firewood, cookware, and utensils.

    WATER

    Water is obtained by melting snow. Hut users are responsible for treating water with iodine, pump & filter or UV scanner.

    LOCATION

    The Burn hut sits at 9,940′ on a slope gladded by an old forest fire with views of the Sneffles Range. The Burn Hut is the farthest east of all our Ski/Destination Huts and closest to the town of Ouray. It is frequently used in conjunction with the Ridgway Hut for multi-day adventures.

    ROUTE MILES ASCENT DESCENT
    Winter Trailhead to Burn 5.4 1,360′ 190′
    Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut 4.2 730′ 1,074′
    Burn Hut to Ouray 4.6 2,660′ 340′

    DATES AND PRICES

    Burn hut is available for winter use from November 25th through June 1st. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people).

  • Activities

    ACTIVITIES

    The information provide on this page is intended to give our guests ideas on potential activities at The Burn Hut, but the possibilities are endless. We provide more detailed route descriptions only for the trails accessing the hut and between huts upon booking. Please note, the times given here are estimates for the total time needed for the outing.

    ACCESS

    A short 5-mile drive on CR5 out of Ridgway takes you to the trailhead for both the Ridgway and Burn huts. A 5.7-mile ski along a summer dirt 4×4 road, with awesome views of the entire Sneffels Range leads you to the Burn Hut.

    SKIING

    ACCESSING THE BURN HUT, 4-6 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    This tour traverses west along the Sneffels Range for 5.7 miles through meadows and forests.

    MOONSHINE PARK, 2-4 HOURS, MODERATE

    This is a gladed area for fun turns at a moderate level that lies northeast of the hut.

    THE BURN, 1-2 HOURS, MODERATE

    This is an open area of about 400′ of vertical drop that lies directly south and above the hut. This area generally has very low avalanche danger.

    WHAT COLORADO HUT TO HUT, BY BRIAN LITZ HAS TO SAY ABOUT SKIING AT THE BURN HUT:

    “The Burn Hut is a fine destination for beginning and intermediate skiers, mixed groups, and aspiring backcountry skiers who may not be ready to cope with serious avalanche hazards and complicated route-finding. The route to the hut is somewhat long for a novice-level tour, but overall it is very moderate. The trail follows a low-gradient road, which is challenging but not overwhelming, and you get the beautiful panoramas associated with harder tours in the area.

    The Burn Hut is just across Coal Creek in a stately stand of aspens. Now all of the high peaks to the south are visible, framed through the pale limbs of the trees. The final mile of the tour to The Burn Hut is the steepest. The hut is surrounded by meadows, forests, and rolling hills that are ideal for all levels of skiers to explore. Moonshine Park lies to the east of the hut and provides for superb skiing. Far below, is Ouray and, further off in the east is the Cimarron Group of the San Juan Mountains. This is the only spot in the San Juan Hut System where this view can be seen. It is truly incredible.”

Download Map of Burn Ski Hut

Ridgway Backcountry Ski Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    LAYOUT

    The Ridgway Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk style-beds. The hut includes a photovoltaic stove and lamp, wood stove, firewood, cookware, and utensils.

    WATER

    In the winter, water is obtained by melting snow.

    LOCATION

    Ridgway Hut (10,200’) is located under the North Slopes of Reconnoiter Peak (12,980′). This hut sits in the midst of a spruce forest, but don’t let its forested seclusion deceive you. A wealth of high, rugged peaks lie directly above the hut. It is frequently used in conjunction with the Blue Lakes and Burn huts for multi-day adventures.

    ROUTE MILES ASCENT DESCENT
    Winter Trailhead to Ridgway Hut 6.7 1,930′ 430′
    Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut 5.0 1,640′ 1,090′
    Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut 4.2 730′ 1,074′

    DATES AND PRICES

    The Ridgway hut is available for winter use from November 25th through June 1st. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people). View winter availability calendar.

  • Activities

    ACTIVITIES

    The information provided on this page is intended to give our guests ideas on potential activities at The Ridgway Hut, but the possibilities are endless. We provide more detailed route descriptions only for the trails accessing the hut and between huts upon booking. Please note, the times given here are estimates for the total time needed for the outing.

    ACCESS

    A short 5-mile drive on CR5 out of Ridgway takes you to the trailhead for both the Ridgway and Burn Huts. A 6.5-mile ski along a summer dirt road, with awesome views of the entire Sneffels Range, and then the Dallas Trail leads you to the Ridgway Hut.

    SKIING

    Although there is high quality terrain for Moderate to Extreme skiiers at the Ridgway Hut, this is one of the huts we most often recommend to folks looking for big mountains and big lines.

    ACCESSING THE BURN HUT, 3-5 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    This tour traverses eastward along the Sneffles Range for 5.7 miles through meadows and forests.

    ACCESS THE BLUE LAKES HUT, 4-6 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    A 5.5mile ski a short ski up to the top of Wilson Creek Summit/Pass leads you to a long swithcback descent to the creek bottom. From here it is a gentle descent to The Blue Lakes Hut. When traversing over Wilson Creek Summit between Blue Lakes Hut and Ridgway Hut traverse NW out the ridge for 1 to 2 minutes to one of the top 3 views in Colorado!

    RATTLER, COTTON MOUTH, COPPER HEAD, COBRA, SIDE WINDER, MONGOOSE, BLACK MAMBA, AND WHITE MAMBA CHUTES FROM WEST TO EAST (DO YOU THINK THE MONGOOSE IS BUSY UP HERE?), 2-5 HOURS, ADVANCED

    These Chutes, some of them well-known, provide some of the highest quality advanced skiing of all of our huts. All are north facing and usually have excellent snow quality conditions. Decents are 1,000 to 2,000 vertical feet each.

    WILSON TREES, 1-3 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    Intermediate tree skiing is found above and west of the hut across the timbered slope that leads to the Wilson Creek Pass.

    SKI MOUNTAINEERING

    RECONNOITER PEAK (12,980‘), 5-7 HOURS, ADVANCED

    The ridge above the hut leads to a south face scramble to the summit of Reconnoiter Peak and commanding views of the entire Sneffels Range.

    WHAT COLORADO HUT TO HUT, BY BRIAN LITZ HAS THIS TO SAY ABOUT THE SKIING AT RIDGWAY HUT:

    “Ridgway Hut was the second hut erected in the San Juan Hut System. To this day, this premier ski hut remains popular. The route to the hut follows one of the most beautiful and scenic trails in the state, touring past rustic wooden fences and tall aspens up into the forest below Mount Ridgway.

    Backcountry skiing around the Ridgway Hut is like tree skiing at a downhill area – minus the lifts, crowds, and draft beer. The skiing above the huts is best suited to intermediate and expert skiers. To fully enjoy the skiing above the hut, you must have at least intermediate downhill skills, as well as a solid understanding of backcountry safety and avalanche procedures. Be cautious of several large avalanche gullies south of the hut, and bear in mind that you will encounter serious wilderness skiing around this hut – so come prepared with the proper safety equipment and the proper mindset.

    The telemark skiing above the hut is absolutely incredible. Climb directly south from the hut into thicker forest to the ridge. The skiing off this timbered ridge is superb and safe with telemark runs of up to 1,400 vertical feet. With a full day you can make several runs through this area, exploring the great snow. Expert skiers can continue up the ridge, past a high, rocky outcrop and up the wind-scoured ramp that gives access to the highest, above-tree-line ridge. This west-facing massive rock buttress that tops out at Elevation Point 11,786’ on the topo maps. In addition to the great telemark skiing, those willing to climb to the ridge will be treated to intimate views of Blaine Basin and the north faces of Mount Sneffels and Cirque Mountain. Skiers can explore above the hut to the south as far as tree line and spend hours, if not days, telemark skiing. Extreme skiing is available in the avalanche gullies, chutes, and basins above the hut near treeline.”

Download Map of Ridgway Hut

Ridgway Backcountry Hiking Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    Layout

    The Ridgway Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk style-beds, sleeping bags* (guests who use SJHS sleeping bags need to bring their own sleeping bag liner), and Crazy Creek Chairs. The hut includes a propane cook stove and lamp, wood stove, cookware, and utensils.

    *Sleeping bags are not provided for part of October, all of November, and May. 

    Water

    Water is available from a nearby spring. Hut users are responsible for treating water with Iodine, Pump/Filter, or UV Scanner.

    Location

    Ridgway Hut (10,200’) is located under the North Slopes of Reconnoiter Peak (12,980′). This hut sits in the midst of a spruce forest, but don’t let its forested seclusion deceive you. A wealth of high, rugged peaks lie directly above the hut. It is frequently used in conjunction with the Blue Lakes and Burn huts for multi-day adventures.

    Route Miles Ascent Descent
    Summer Trailhead to Ridgway Hut 2.7 1,670′ 261′
    Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut 5.0 1,637′ 1,093′
    Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut 4.2 732′ 1,074′

    Dates & Prices

    From June 1 through November, we only book the Ridgway Hut in the 4-night/5-day Sneffels Traverse. The Sneffels Traverse is $275 per person and includes your shuttle to the start of the hike.

    *We will open up the month of November for custom bookings on November 1st. 

    During “Off-Season” or the months of May and November, we allow custom bookings in the Hiking Huts. During these months, the huts are $30 per person per night and SLEEPING BAGS AREN’T PROVIDED!

    Please call or email the office with any specific questions!

    Approach

    The summer trailhead is located about 9 miles up CR5 southwest of Ridgway and the hike in is 2.7 miles west on the Dallas Trail through forests and crossing two streams.

  • Hiking

    Reconnoiter Peak (12,980′), 4-6 Hours, Intermediate/Advanced

    A short 1-hour hike leads to the ridge directly south and above the hut. This ridge leads to commanding views of the north faces of Mount Sneffels, Cirque Mountain, and Tea Kettle. The ridge continues to a relatively easy walk up to Reconnoiter Peak from the south.

    Accessing the Burn Hut, 3-5 Hours, Intermediate

    This tour traverses eastward along the Sneffles Range for 4.2 miles through meadows and forests.

    Access the Blue Lakes Hut, 4-6 Hours, Intermediate

    This is a 5 mile hike. It starts up a short hill to the top of Wilson Creek Summit/Pass, and then leads you to a long swithcback descent to the creek bottom. From here it is a gentle descent to The Blue Lakes Hut.

  • Mountaineering

    Ridgway Peak (13468′), 7-9 Hours, Advanced

    After summiting Reconnoiter Peak described above, continue eastward along the ridge that connects to Ridgway Peak. After summiting Ridgway Peak, it is even possible to continue on to Whitehouse Peak.

    Whitehouse Peak (13,492′), 8-10 Hours, Advanced

    Follow the ridge-line directly south and above the hut summiting first Reconnoiter, then Ridgway, and finally Whitehouse peaks. This is a long day, but quite doable for strong parties.

  • Biking

    The Ridgway Hut is accessed by bike either from the Blue Lakes Hut and/or Trail Head, the Burn Hut, or the town of Ridgway. All these options travel primarily on the Dallas Trail.

    Access the Blue Lakes Hut or Trail Head, 3-5 Hours, Intermediate/Advanced

    Follow the Dallas Trail up to Wilson Creek Pass/Summit and then descend the, at times tight and winding trail, down to the Blue Lakes Trail Head or Hut.

    Access the Burn Hut, 2-3 HOURS, Intermediate

    Travel primarily downhill east on the Dallas Trail to 4×4 roads that lead to the Burn Hut.

    Ridgway Hut to Ouray, 4-7 Hours, Intermediate/Advanced

    These are excellent single-track trails with phenomenal views of the Sneffels Range and the Cimmarons. The single-track leads down into the City of Ouray where riders have the option of ending up at the hot springs, the pub, or their vehicle.

Blue Lakes Backcountry Hiking Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    Layout

    The Blue Lakes Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk-style beds, sleeping bags* (guests who use SJHS sleeping bags need to bring their own sleeping bag liner), and Crazy Creek Chairs. The hut includes a propane stove, propane lamp, wood stove, cookware, and utensils.

    *Sleeping bags are not provided for part of October, all of November, and May. 

    Water

    There is a culvert with a stream running through it down the road from the hut (North). The distance from the hut is approximately 250 yards. Hut users are responsible for treating water with iodine, pump/filter, or UV scanner.

    Location

    The Blue Lakes Hut (9,380′) sits 1/4 mile up hill and west of summer trailhead for Blue Lakes and Mount Sneffels. The hut sits at the base of an old logging cut and the summit of Mount Sneffels towers above. It is frequently used in conjunction with the North Pole and Ridgway huts for multi-day adventures.

    Route Miles Ascent Descent
    Summer Trailhead to Blue Lakes Hut 0 0′ 0′
    North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut 7.3 1,166′ 1,697′
    Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut 5.0 1,637′ 1,093′

    Dates & Prices

    From June 1 through November, we only book the Blue Lakes Hut in the 4-night/5-day Sneffels Traverse. The Sneffels Traverse is $275 per person and includes your shuttle to the start of the hike.

    *We will open up the month of November for custom bookins on November 1. 

    During “Off-Season” or the months of May and November, we allow custom bookings in the Hiking Huts. During these months, the huts are $30 per person per night and SLEEPING BAGS AREN’T PROVIDED!

    Please call or email the office with any specific questions!

    Approach

    Drive 9.5 miles on CR7 to the hut. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

  • Hiking

    Blue Lakes Hut has something for everyone, from young kids to the most avid mountain adventurers.

    Blue Lakes, 3-4 Hours, Moderate/Intermediate

    3.5 Miles and 1,600 feet of vertical elevation gain.

    Blaine Basin Alpine Cirque, 4-6 Hours, Intermediate

    An enjoyable day hike up the Wilson Creek/Blaine Basin Trail to the Alpine Cirque of Blaine Basin under the 2,000’ face of Mt. Sneffels.

    For The ‘Wee-Ones’, .5-2 Hours, Moderate

    Gentle hikes through meadows and aspen groves on old trails and mining roads to the west of the hut

    Water Play Area, 1-3 Hours, Moderate

    One mile up the Blue Lakes Trail a tributary stream that flows into the East Dallas Creek provides a great place for Kids to play in the water on a hot summer afternoon with big views of the rocky peaks surrounding.

  • Mountaineering

    Mt. Sneffels (14,150′), Advanced/Expert

    A circumnavigation of Mt. Sneffels, with or without a summit are done from Blue Lakes Hut. A classic big day in the mountains entails hiking the Blue Lakes Trail past all three of the lakes to the top of Blue Lakes Pass (13,100′). From the pass there are two choices to climb mount Sneffles. The Big Day Route would be to ascend the southwest ridge directly from the pass to the summit. This is 4th class climbing with real exposure. NOT a route for a day with lightning potential. The less exposed route to the summit descends the east side of Blue Lakes Pass into the flower laden Yankee Boy Basin above the town of Ouray. Ascent of the peak is achieved from the east up the Lavender Couloir. Descent from both of these routes travels down the Lavender Couloir, dropping into upper Blaine Basin, and takes climbers into the north side environs of Mt. Sneffels and into the alpine cirque of Blaine Basin. Return to Blue Lakes Hut via the Wilson Creek Trail.

    North Face of Mt. Sneffels (14,150′), 6-11 Hours, Expert

    There are several rock/alpine variations up the north face. All require rock climbing gear and/or crampons and ice-tools, and alpine knowledge.

  • Peak Bagging

    There is great opportunity for peak bagging of seldom visited peaks above Blue Lakes in the high remote basins above the hut such as Wolcott (13,041′), Mears(13,496′), Reconnoitter (12,980), Gilpin(13,694′), and Dallas Peak(13,809′).

Blue Lakes Backcountry Ski Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    Layout

    The Blue Lakes Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk-style beds. The hut includes a propane stove, propane lamp, wood stove, firewood, cookware, and utensils.

    Water

    Water is obtained by melting snow. Hut users are responsible for treating water with iodine, pump & filter or UV scanner.

    Location

    The Blue Lakes Hut (9,380′) sits 1/4 mile up hill and west of the summer trailhead for Blue Lakes and Mount Sneffels. The hut sits at the base of an old logging cut and the summit of Mount Sneffels towers above. It is frequently used in conjunction with the North Pole and Ridgway huts for multi-day adventures.

    ROUTE MILES ASCENT DESCENT
    Winter Trailhead to Blue Lakes Hut 5.1 1,260′ 60′
    North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut 7.3 1,170′ 1,700′
    Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut 5.0 1,640′ 1,090′

    DATES AND PRICES

    The Blue Lakes hut is available for winter use from November 25th through June 1st. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people). View the winter availability calendar.

  • Activities

    ACTIVITIES

    Information provided on this page is intended to give our guests ideas on potential activities at The Blue Lakes Hut, but the possibilities are endless. We provide more detailed route descriptions only for the trails accessing the hut and between huts upon booking. Please note, the times given here are estimates for the total time needed for the outing.

    APPROACH, 3-4 HOURS, MODERATE

    Park about 5 miles up CR 7 depending on road conditions. The ski-in is a gentle 5.5 mile tour up a summer dirt road.

    SKIING

    The Blue Lakes Hut has great cross country trails leading off in 3 directions. It is the best hut in the system for cross country trail skiing and beginner skiers and families. There is also intermediate and advanced skiing above the hut in the alpine zone above tree line.

    FAMILY FUN

    This hut is the best hut for families as it is appropriate for young skiers and pulling kids in toboggans. Once at the hut, there is great opportunity for kids to slide around on skis or sleds.

    ACCESS THE NORTH POLE HUT, 4.5-7 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    7.3 miles of classic cross country trails with spectacular views of the north slopes of the Sneffels Range.

    ACCESS THE RIDGWAY HUT, 5-7 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    A 5.5mile ski with an overall elevation gain of about 2,040 feet leads you to the top of Wilson Creek Summit/Pass. A treed 1.5 mile decent with excellent snow quality brings you to Ridgway Hut.

    NORDIC TRAILS, ANY LENGTH OF TIME IS WORTHWHILE, MODERATE

    The Blue Lakes Hut has great cross country trails leading off in three directions.

    THE ‘LITTLE MATTERHORN’ (12,000′), 4-6 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE-ADVANCED

    Tremendous views from the summit and options to ski all three sides.

    SKI MOUNTAINEERING

    DOGLEG CHUTE FROM THE SUMMIT OF SNEFFELS (14,150′), 7-10 HOURS, EXPERT

    Start from the Camp Bird Mine near Ouray, climb the south side of Sneffels, ski down the renowned Dog Leg Couloir and finish at the Blue Lakes Hut to make your day a little shorter.

    SNOW/FAT BIKING

    The gentle grade makes this a great fat bike destination. Check out this video of our first fat bike trip to Blue Lakes Hut.

    WHAT COLORADO HUT TO HUT, BY BRIAN LITZ HAS TO SAY ABOUT SKIING RIDGWAY HUT:

    “Blue Lakes Hut lies below Mount Sneffels on a small bench above East Dallas Creek. One of the simplest of the San Juan huts to reach, Blue Lakes Hut is a good hut for beginners, intermediate and advance skiers. Nice skiing is available close to the hut; the surrounding hillsides are great for telemarking; and Cocan Flats and the East Fork of Dallas Creek make fine touring areas.

    Skiing from Blue Lakes Hut to the North Pole Hut or the Ridgway Hut requires much more experience and stamina than is required to reach this hut from the trail head. The large, convoluted slopes and log cuts to the southwest of the hut are loaded with all levels and types of skiing. Many of these runs push up to near tree line. Feel free to explore.”

Download Map of Blue Lakes Hut

North Pole Backcountry Ski Hut

SJHS Articles

  • General Information

    Layout

    The North Pole Hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk style beds. The hut includes a propane stove, propane lamp, wood stove, firewood, cookware, and utensils.

    Water

    In the winter water is obtained by melting snow.

    Location

    Located on the edge of a meadow, west of beaver ponds and below the North Face of Hayden Peak (12,987′). Great views of North Pole (12,208′), Hayden (12,987′), and S-9/Dark Horse (13,134′).

    ROUTE MILES ASCENT DESCENT
    Winter Trailhead to North Pole Hut 10 2,700′ 380′
    Last Dollar Hut to North Pole Hut 8.6 2,550′ 1,550′
    North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut 7.3 1,170′ 1,700′

    DATES AND PRICES

    The North Pole hut is available for winter use from November 25th through June 1st. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people). View winter availability calendar.

  • Activities

    ACTIVITIES

    Approach, 5-7 hours, Intermediate/Advanced. Drive up 2 to 3 miles up the West Dallas Road depending on road conditions (about 10 minutes form Ridgway). From where you park it is 8 to 11 miles to the hut. This is one of the longest but most visually impressive approaches to all of our Ski Huts.

    SKIING

    HAYDEN PEAK (12,987′) SKI, 4-7 HOURS, ADVANCED

    Ski off the top of Hayden Peak (12,987′) to access multiple aspects decent possibilities, ranging from 25-35 degrees, throughout the winter.

    NORTH BUTTRESS OF HAYDEN PEAK (12,987′), 1.5-5 HOURS, MODERATE/INTERMEDIATE

    Logging and mining trails under the north buttress of Hayden Peak provided access into this high alpine basin. This outing is also appropriate for snowshoes.

    ACCESS THE BLUE LAKES HUT, 4.5-7 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE

    Approximately 7.5 miles of classic cross country trails with spectacular views of the north slopes of the Sneffels Range.

    ACCESS THE LAST DOLLAR HUT, 7-12 HOURS, INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED

    The most demanding section of trail on our Telluride to Ouray route exists on the Alder Creek Trail between Last Dollar and North Pole Huts. The difficulty is due to a 10-mile ski, challenging route finding, 8 points of significant avalanche danger, 2 of which must be dealt with great care and concern. A beautiful 10-mile traverse through aspen and spruce with many small streams, parks, and meadows through the Sneffels Wilderness area makes this challenging section of trail well worth it.

    WHAT COLORADO HUT TO HUT BY BRIAN LITZ HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE SKIING AT THE NORTH POLE HUT

    “Of the huts in the San Juan Hut System, the North Pole Hut is the most remote. You will not see day skiers here. The cabin rests in a small, aspen-lined clearing on the western edge of a large meadow, in the shadow of a wall of towering, rocky peaks. This location, with views of the peaks to the south, is one of the most breathtaking hut sites in all of the San Juans.

    The hut makes for a rustic, warm, and cozy base camp for exploring the backcountry. One approaches the hut from the northeast, via West Dallas Creek Road and the Dallas Trail along an 8-10 mile approach. Much of the difficulty in approaching the North Pole Hut lies not in the elevation gain but, rather, in the distance and the complexity of route-finding during the final 3 miles of the approach trail. This challenging stretch of trail comes at the end of what is already a long day. If you dillydally at the trailhead and get a late start, you may end up with the added factor of darkness. Reaching the hut from the Last Dollar Hut is no easier and presents its own set of challenges. For the strong, experienced route finder, though, the powdery reward lying above the hut easily outweighs the high “grunt factor” on the approach. Ski mountaineers can tackle the north ridge of Hayden Peak (under appropriate conditions), while powder hounds can explore the many ridges and slopes found below tree line. Be advised of the large avalanche bowl tucked under the cliffs on the north wall of Hayden Peak’s north ridge. These tempting slopes can be skied, but only by knowledgeable skiers. This is very serious terrain.”

Download Map of North Pole Ski Hut