(1). Hikers’ Bible
Please make sure everyone in your group reads The Hikers’ Bible before your trip. This reference guide lists our Policies & Procedures, includes information for Planning Your Trip, talks about some things to expect On the Route, what you will find at The Hut & Hut Etiquette, as well as suggested Packing Lists. The Appendix provides suggested lodging and transportation/shuttle contact information. Download the Hikers’ Bible and/or print this guide to bring with you.
(2). Plan Your Travel
Book your hotels for either end of the trip. Basing out of Ouray is usually easier than Telluride as the trip ends in Ouray and we meet you here on the morning you start and shuttle you to the trailhead above Telluride. We recommend that you make your lodging arrangements well in advance, as the summer season can be busy in these small towns. Find out about Parking Options in Ouray HERE. There is more information on the Travel Resources Page of our website.
(3). Route Descriptions
Print out the Sneffels Traverse Route Description to bring with you on your hike. These include detailed turn-by-turn directions, where good water collection is, and where the best water collection is closest to each hut. Take a look at these to get an idea of what your hike will be like.
(4). GPS Tracks
Download GPS tracks that provides a ‘breadcrumb’ trail of the routes. You must use a GPS or mapping software to open these and download them onto your device. If you are using a Garmin Device, you must go through Garmin Basecamp or Garmin Explore. Here is a list of Garmin Devices compatible with Garmin Explore and devices not compatible with Garmin Basecamp. If you do not want to bring a GPS, you can use phone apps like Gaia, but beware, this drains your phone battery. We recommend using the GPS as a backup to the Maps and Route Descriptions, and suggest that you keep phones turned off most of the time. Remember to keep your eyes on the terrain and not just follow your screen.
(5). Maps
Check out the Geo Referenced Sneffels Traverse Map. Feel free to print out as many copies as you like for your group. Your shuttle driver will also provide one set of paper maps for each group. You can also upload this map into apps like Avenza and the ‘blue location dot’ from your phone or gps will show up on this map.
(6). Elevation Profiles
Download and/ or print the Sneffels Traverse Elevation Profiles to get a better sense of how hard each day’s hike will be. These are mountain trails and some miles are harader than others.
(7). Food Drop
Here’s an info sheet about food drops: Sneffels Traverse Food Drop
If you would like to add on a food drop, we need at least 30 days notice from your start date. We offer food drop options to Blue Lake Hut (night 2) and/or Burn Hut (night 4). Please call the office to add on your food drop(s) over the phone or email us at info@sanjuanhuts.com with which food drop/s you would like and requesting us to charge the card on file.
(8). Dog Friendly
We are dog-friendly! Please make sure you read through our Dog Policy if you are planning to bring your 4 legged best friend.
(9). Make Sure You Have the Keycode
Once each group member has submitted their own Terms and Liability Waiver, and the trip is paid in full; we can email the door lock code. Make sure you have this code before starting your trip. If you have not received this code and your trip is getting near, please contact our office during normal business hours. Everyone in your group should write this code down and bring it with them.
(10). Check the Weather and Adjust Your Kit
The day before the start of your trip, check the weather and adjust your kit accordingly. This is a good time to think hard about every single item you bring and see if you can consolidate group items. Usually less is more.
See the links below for current weather conditions on this route.
(11). 4×4 Shuttle Pickup
Plan to be packed and ready to get on the shuttle in Ouray at 7:30am on the morning you start your hike. The shuttle takes about an hour and finishes on a bumpy 4×4 road up Last Dollar Pass. If you plan on bringing your well-behaved dog, please note they might need to ride in your lap for the shuttle. Plan to meet your shuttle driver at Timberline Deli in Ouray:
803 Main St, Ouray, CO
Note:
If you have booked a trip during the Shoulder Season (last half of October) and you are taking our shuttle, please note that we can’t guarantee where we will be able to drop you off. The shuttle drop-off location will be determined by weather and road conditions. Sleeping bags are not provided during the Shoulder Season.
Questions?
Please feel free to reach out by phone or email with any questions you might have after reviewing this material. We are always happy to talk bikes, routes, gear, and logistics!