Ridgway Backcountry Hiking Hut
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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.
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 and Prices
The Ridgway is available for summer use from May 1st through November 30th. It costs $30/person/night (maximum of 8 people). View hiking availability calendar.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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, Advanced/Intermediate
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.
