Most people know that Colorado is a great place for skiing and for exploring mountain terrain, but few know that it’s possible to stay overnight in a historic mountain hut or take a family trip to a secluded yurt, a shelter originally designed and used by Mongolian nomads. If you’re reading this, you’re probably not a Mongolian nomad, but if your idea of being in the mountains includes out-there adventure, off-the-beaten-path accommodation, and unrestricted mountain views, then you’ll probably enjoy the excitement of planning a Colorado hut trip with your friends or family.
Here’s what you need to know about how to take a trip to a Colorado backcountry mountain hut:
Many of Colorado’s mountain huts are a part of the 10th Mountain Division Hut System, named after the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who fought mountain warfare in WWII. More than 30 huts are a part of this association, and the 10th Mountain Division Hut System website is your best reference for bookings and logistics. A page on this site also offers links to other hut and backcountry accommodation associations in Colorado, including Hidden Treasure Yurts and the San Juan Hut System. Many of the huts are in remote backcountry locations and require backcountry skiing gear for access, but others, such as Point Breeze Cabin and the Continental Divide Hut are closer to civilization, and may only require snowshoes or sturdy hiking boots for a short hike in.
It’s important to book accommodation for a hut trip several months in advance, especially if it’s your first time to visit a hut. Advance planning will help make your trip more safe and enjoyable, and once you’ve booked the accommodation, then you can move on to other logistics, such as gathering gear, planning meals, and actually getting there and back safely. The huts in 10th Mountain Association Hut System book quickly for weekend stays, and members of the association have access to priority booking early each season. Access the 10th Mountain Division’s reservations page for information about hut availability and booking.
Since most of the huts are in backcountry locations, you’ll likely need essential backcountry skiing gear for safe access. Use this gear list to help you decide what gear you’ll need, and make a list of items to purchase or borrow. Read carefully about avalanche danger in the area of the hut you plan to visit, and take appropriate gear or consider going to a different hut if you are not experienced in avalanche terrain. Going on a hut trip is a lot like going backpacking, but instead of sleeping out in a tent, you’ll be comfy in a mountain hut at night. However, remember that you’ll still want to carry as light of a backpack as possible so that you enjoy your journey without feeling crushed under the weight of an insanely heavy pack.
If you don’t have any backcountry hiking or skiing experience, then consider hiring a local guide to accompany you. If you’re worried about getting lost or about planning gear lists appropriately, then a guide can help you with these details while adding valuable local knowledge to your team.
Email me when Learnist publishes or recommends stories