North Pole Backcountry Hiking Hut
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Layout
The North Pole 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.
Water
There is a stream and beaver pond nearby and five gallon jugs at the hut to haul it in. Hut users are responsible for treating water with Iodine, Pump/Filter, or UV Scanner.
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 Summer Trailhead to North Pole Hut 3.1 970' 260' Last Dollar Pass to North Pole Hut 8.6 1,548' 2,271' North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut 7.3 1,166' 1,697' Dates and Prices
The North Pole hut is available for summer use from May 1st through November 30th. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people). View hiking availability calendar. Please call us to make a reservation.
The information provided on this page is intended to give our guests ideas on potential activities at The North Pole 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 of the total time needed for the outing.
Access
This is a 2-4 hours intermediate hike. Park at Box Factory Park (4x4 vehicle recommended) about 12 miles from Ridgway on West Dallas Creek/ CR 9 Hike west on the Dallas Trail for 3.1 miles to the North Pole Hut. This is an Intermediate hike with the north faces of the Sneffels Range directly above, all towering over 13,000 feet.
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Hiking
Hayden Basin, 2-5 hours, Intermediate
Intermediate hiking into the basin below the north face of Dark Horse/S-9 and Hayden peaks is a great day’s hike.
Access the Last Dollar Hut, 4-6 hours, Intermediate/Advanced
A beautiful 8.2-mile traverse through aspen and spruce with many small streams, parks, and meadows through the Sneffels Wilderness Area.
Access the Blue Lakes Hut, 3.5-5 hours, Intermediate
A spectacular 7.3 mile walk with phenomenal parks, meadows, and aspen groves.
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Wildlife Viewing
Many sightings of the resident Big Horn sheep herd are possible in the environs of the connecting ridge lines of the access described by Han Shan (12,311′), Hayden (12,987′), and Dark Horse/S-9 (13,134′) peaks.
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Mountaineering
Hayden Peak (12,987′), 5-8 hours, Advanced
Ascend the North Ridge of Hayden Peak to the summit of and views of the Island Ranges of Utah including the La Sals, The Abajos, and the Henrys (190 miles line of sight).
The Hayden Traverse
Traverse from the summit of Hayden (12,987′) to the summit of Dark Horse/S-9 (13,134′) with descent down “The Ramp” into the headwaters basin of West Dallas Creek underneath the towering north face of Mears Peak (13,496′).
