Vance's Cabin is located on a timbered mountainside near Tennessee Pass at 10,980' about 10 miles north of the town of Leadville, and about 4 miles north of Ski Cooper ski area. Construction of the cabin began in 1981 and was completed in 1988. The hut is named in honor of one of the original owner's father Vance Faulkenberg, who was involved in building the cabin using timber from the site.
Uncle Bud's Hut, owned by 10th Mountain, is similar in aspect and construction to the 10th Mountain Division Hut. Views from the south window-wall include a panorama of 14,421-foot Mount Massive and the bare pate of Bald Eagle Mountain. The hut was built as a memorial to 10th Mountain Division veteran Bud Winter (1925-1945), who was killed in action in Italy during World War II, and was one of 33 soldiers who completed the legendary "trooper traverse" winter ski crossing from Leadville to Aspen in February of 1944. Funds for the hut were given by Bud's brother, Dr. Fred Winter. His sister Laura contributed the proceeds from her poetry book Laura's Lines.
This hut, combined with the Skinner Hut and BettyBear Hut, allows travel over Hagerman Pass to the Frying Pan drainage, thus forming a huge loop that strong skiers can enjoy. Uncle Bud's Hut is is another of 10th Mountain's more alpine hostels. It sits just under the Continental Divide, about 10 miles northwest of the town of Leadville, in central Colorado at 11,380'. Uncle Bud's Hut is very accessible from Leadville via a moderate trailhead-to-hut route from Turquoise Lake. Use this route to reach the hut quickly, then spend a few days base skiing. Or if you're learning backcountry skiing, use this route as a step on your ladder of learning.
Owned by 10th Mountain, Skinner Hut breaks from common design by having only one story. The Continental Divide is close by, as are plenty of other options for high routes and ski descents. Perched at timberline on the east side of Hagerman Pass near the town of Leadville, Skinner Hut is the second highest 10th Mountain hut at 11,620'. A superb view from the hut's east windows includes the 14,036-foot summit of Mount Sherman in the Mosquito Mountains east of Leadville. Skinner Hut is named in honor of William Wood Skinner, 10th Mountain Division veteran. Funding was donated by Skinner's sister Elizabeth Guenzel, with construction completed in 1990.
Shrine Mountain Inn huts and cabins are good for novice backcountry skiers.
Shrine Mountain Inn consists of three separate cabins (Jay's, Chuck's, Walter's) that sleep a total of 36 people. A shared sauna is located between Chuck's and Jay's, and propane grills are provided at each cabin. Shrine Mountain Inn is privately owned and booked through 10th Mountain. Located far enough from paved roads to keep a backcountry mood at 11,209', the cabins of Shrine Mountain Inn are perhaps the least difficult 10th Mountain "ski in" huts to access. An ideal first hut trip, these cabins are 2.7 miles from Interstate Highway 70, Vail Pass Trailhead.
Continue reading "SHRINE MOUNTAIN INN: Jay's, Chuck's & Walter's cabins" »
Carl's cabin is one of the more intimate huts. Carl's is a small cabin located near Polar Star Inn (see menu above). It is under the same ownership as Polar Star, but booked separately. The cabin was built in 1993. This information is the same as the Polar Star, except closed in summer.
Capacity: 2 private rooms with double beds, 2 single day beds in the main room. Capacity 6 (all 6 spots must be booked by the same party).
For more information on the Hut System go to www.huts.org
Polar Star Inn is a privately owned backcountry lodge, booked by 10th Mountain. (Another nearby structure, Carl's Cabin, is part of Polar Star but booked separately). Both sit just below timberline on the west side of New York Mountain at 11,040', in central Colorado. Polar Star Inn is a tall-standing structure with a big deck that looks west over the Colorado Plateau: a sunset watcher's paradise. There are five private bedrooms and running water (summer only) that makes kitchen work a snap. The Inn was built in 1987.
Built in 1982, McNamara hut was one of the original two huts in the 10th Mountain system (the other is Margy's, built during the same summer). The hut is a memorial to Margy McNamara (as Margy's Hut is as well). Funds to build the hut were donated by Margy's husband Robert, who served as secretary of defense. The hut is owned by 10th Mountain and is only open during the winter season due to a nearby elk herd. Located in Burnt Hole at 10,360' deep in the forest on the north side of Bald Knob (11,092 feet), the McNamara Hut has a cozy secluded feeling that lends itself to sipping tea by the wood burner or exploring the nearby forest. You'll find good intermediate ski touring on Bald Knob, and experts can strike out on long tours east towards the Continental Divide.
Built in 1982, Margy's Hut (along with the McNamara Hut) was one of the first two huts in the 10th Mountain system. The building of these two huts represented a major step for the fledgling organization, which had to promise the Forest Service that the huts would be razed if they were not used. Hut construction was funded by Robert McNamara (former secretary of defense) and friends, in memorial to Robert's wife Margy. Margy's Hut is located on a lightly treed hillside just below timberline, about 10 miles northeast of the city of Aspen, Colorado. The hut has beautiful views of the Elk Mountains to the south and sits at 11,300'.
Located near timberline in an area used by 10th Mountain troops during their World War II training in the 1940s at Camp Hale, Jackal Hut is the eastern most hut owned by 10th Mountain Divison Hut Association. It is located in central Colorado, on the western slope of the Continental Divide about 15 miles north of the city of Leadville and sits at 11,660'. Jackal Hut has good nearby skiing and terrific views of several stunning 14,000-foot peaks. The hut was built with money donated by Jack Schuss and Al Zesiger, two strong supporters of 10th Mountain (the name is an eponymous combo of Jack-Al).
Built in 1986, Harry Gates Hut was the fourth structure added to the 10th Mountain system. It is located in the Sawatch Mountain foothills of central Colorado at 9,700', about 15 miles northeast of Aspen, and about 17 miles south of Interstate Highway 70. Nearby peaks rise above 12,000 feet.It is the largest of the 10th Mountain owned huts, with two floors that can sleeps 16. Gates Hut windows look out on sunsets and spectacular Avalanche Ridge. The hut was built with funds from the Gates Foundation in memorial to the late Harry F. Gates, who was an outdoorsman with deep love for the mountains.
The rugged peaks of Colorado's Gore Range backdrop the Eiseman Hut at 11,180', 10th Mountain's most alpine hostel. located north of Interstate Highway 70, about 7 miles north of Vail resort. Indeed, terrain rules this amazing location: out of the hut door is arguably the best sking of any 10th hut, and farther afield, tall Colorado alps entice with glistening faces and snow filled couloirs. On top of that, the hut boasts a stunning and unique view of the Vail resort ski slopes.
Betty Bear Hut is located in central Colorado, between the cities of Leadville and Aspen, on the western slope of the Continental Divide near Hagerman Pass. Betty Bear Hut is a terrific destination for intermediate backcountry skiers, although the steep section from Road 505 to the hut can be challenging for skiers with less than strong intermediate skiing skills on the ascent and descent. THis hut sits at 11,100' and the trail may not be accessible in April due to snow plowing. It's located near the Continental Divide, surrounded by a variety of terrain, and accessed via a long, snow-covered road that's a beautiful run on light touring equipment (albeit with the aforementioned short, steeper climb as the final test before reaching the hut).
Fritz Benedict hut is More aesthetic and inviting than Fabi's Hut nextdoor. Tucked into the wilderness about 5 miles southeast of Aspen at 10,970 feet, the Benedict Huts are two beautifully crafted cabins built in 1997. The Benedict Huts form a pleasing link between the McNamara Hut and Aspen, as well as providing access to a vast area of virtually untouched winter wilderness to the east of the huts.
Nestled at timberline, a few miles east of the majestic peaks of the Colorado Continental Divide, at elevation: 11,370'. The 10th Mountain Division Hut forms a perfect destination for a single hut trip or ski-through using other nearby huts. In summer, dozens of hiking and cycling routes start or end just outside the doorfrom or to Leadville. Completed during the summer of 1989, the hut was built in honor of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, using funds donated by 10th Mountain Division Veterans Bill Boddington, Col. Pete Peterson, Maury Kuper, and Bill Bowerman.
Thompson Creek Road provides access for many hiking and biking trails including the following: South Thompson, Lake Ridge Lakes, Mid Thompson, South Branch of Mid Thompson and Dexter Park. This area is primarily used by bicyclists, horseback riders and hunters. It passes through aspen groves and crosses many small streams. In the lower region there is an extensive system of Cross country ski trails in the winter.
The road is accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles until reaching the stream crossing at Middle Thompson unless it is raining. Impassable when wet. Users will need a high-clearance four-wheel drive to cross the stream and for the road afterward. Continue driving 3.9 miles on road #305 until you reach a fork in the road. Take the right fork to access road #306 and Mid Thompson, the South Branch of Mid Thompson, Dexter Park and Lake Ridge Lake Trails. Take the left fork to stay on road #305 to access South Thompson.
Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale follow road #108 west past the stoplight. Follow road #108 for 7.5 miles and turn left on to Mid Thompson Creek Road #305.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail during the Spring, Winter and Fall months.) .
This is an extension of the Smuggler Mountain Road. At the bridge at the 3 1/2 mile mark, cross and turn left. This trail will intersect with the 4 WD road to Van Horn Park and Lenado. For the other option, follow the trail along the river, past several old buildings. The road climbs steeply, at approximately the 5-1/2 mile mark, the road branches. Keep straight to reach Lenado, right goes to Van Horn Park. The road levels at the intersection known as 'Four Corners'. The left leads to Red Mountain, the Sunnyside Trail can also be picked up from this direction. The right leads to Van Horn Park along a single track, continue straight to reach Lenado. The trail comes out on the main road in Lenado. There is a sign in the grass saying 'Bike Trail to Aspen'. Turn left onto the gravel road and ride another 8 miles to the junction of Woody Creek Road and Road 18. Turn left to reach Woody Creek and return to Aspen. The McLain Flats Road or Rio Grande Trail will take you back to Aspen.
Length: 5 1/2 miles one way.
This trail is an extension of the Smuggler Mountain Trail, and will provide longer adventures for those who want them. Smuggler Road is a fairly well maintained 4 WD road and immediately begins a steep ascent. The switchbacks get longer and in about 1-1/2 miles the road curves behind Smuggler Mountain. There is a short steep path on the right, leading to a platform which is good for viewing Aspen. To continue to Hunter Creek, take the left just after the platform. (Continuing straight will take you to Warren Lakes). There are several side roads, please stay on the main route. The road has some moderate up and down hills. At about the 2 mile mark, there is a gate, go around the gate and continue up the hill. At about the 3-1/2 mile mark there is an old bridge, from here there are several options: 1)You can cross the bridge and turn left, following the trail along the west side of the river and cross back over the Tenth Mountain Bridge. 2)Turn left (don't cross the bridge) and follow the single track on the east side of the river. 3)Cross the bridge, turn left and follow the river along the west side and continue right along the fence line to access Van Horn Park, Sunnyside Trail or Lenado. 4)Cross the bridge, turn left follow the trail along the west side of the river and turn right onto the single track Hunter Creek Trail which leads to the Sunnyside Trail, Van Horn Park, and Lenado. These directions are for options (1) and (2), which converge above the Tenth Mountain Bridge. The single track continues through the meadow and descends steeply through the trees and crosses Benedict Bridge. Keep straight, the trail soon reaches the paved road of Hunter Creek. Take a left and follow Hunter Creek Road to the intersection of Red Mountain Road. Take another left and follow Red Mountain Road back to Aspen.
This a good trail for a challenging snowshoe in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer with fine views across Snowmass Village, the ski areas and surrounding mountains. The easiest direction to travel this trail is from south to north as described here.
From Deerfield Drive the trail climbs steeply for just over a mile to the ridge via a number of switch backs. It then follows the fence line keeping generally along the ridge with great views off each side and a number of steep ups and downs along the way. Some sections are very steep for riding and although an expert rider can get down; to avoid further erosion these sections should not be ridden. There are two choices down to the midpoint at Sinclair Road the easier contouring down round the side of the hill the harder following a steep narrow ridge down. It is 3 miles from the start to this point.
The trail crosses the road and continues gently climbing along the ridge above Horse Ranch for a further 1.5 miles and from there it is 2 miles downhill to the Horse Ranch Road. This section includes some fun high speed singletrack and switchbacks.
To return to the start you can either retrace your steps (7.5 miles) or follow the paved Brush Creek Trail (2.5 miles) along the east side of Brush Creek Road back up to the start
The section north of the Sinclair Road is closed from 9/15 to 6/21 as the trail crosses a wildlife sensitive area. From Sinclair Road to return to the start you can retrace your steps if you enjoyed the ridge (3 miles) or alternatively walk down Sinclair Road to Brush Creek Road and turn right to join the paved Brush Creek trail (2.5 miles) which will take you back up to the mall through Snowmass Village.
3 miles round-trip
Smuggler is Aspen’s most popular trail, for athletes from the casual to the near elite, because it is accessible and usable year-round. Snow shows in the winter. The vertical climb is about 800 feet, and getting up it in 20 minutes or less is considered good time on foot or mountain bike (fast bikers can do it under 12 minutes, and local lore has some runners doing it in under 12 minutes too). The trail follows a wide dirt road as it switchbacks and curves up the lower flanks of Smuggler Mountain. Most people’s turnaround point is a viewing platform in a small clearing off to the right, about 1.5 miles up; from here the view down into Aspen and across to Mount Sopris is excellent. Dogs are allowed on this trail. The section of trail through Hunter Creek is not open to motorized vehicles and is not as heavily used.
Head east on Hwy. 82, turn left at Park Avenue (look for the Smuggler Mine sign). At the stop sign, veer right onto Park Circle and head to the base of the mountain. There's parking on the left as Park Circle curves to the left at an intersection. Straight ahead at this corner is Smuggler Mountain Road on the right. It's .3 miles from the highway to the parking.