For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique backcountry experience, hut trips in Colorado offer a fantastic opportunity to explore remote areas while enjoying the coziness of alpine lodging. Generally reachable by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, the lack of motorized access makes the journey a big part of the trip.
The Vail area is home to several backcountry huts that are part of the renowned 10th Mountain Division Huts Association. Tucked into the beautiful mountainous landscape, they provide an unbeatable combination of adventure and relaxation. Here’s what you should know about these huts, what to bring along and how to be prepared for your hut trip.
Huts Near Vail
While there are multiple hut and yurt networks throughout Colorado, the ones you’ll find around Vail are all bookable through the 10th Mountain Division Huts system (though some are managed by the Summit Huts Association or privately owned), which is named for a division of the U.S. Army that trained in the area during World War II.
Colorado huts are popular, so be sure to plan ahead and book early. Once you reach your destination, you’ll have a home base for heart-pumping activities like mountain biking, backcountry skiing and fat biking, depending on the season. Learn more about the famed 10th Mountain Division at the Colorado Snowsports Museum in Vail Village.
Eiseman Hut
Located in the rugged Gore Range north of Vail, the Eiseman Hut is known for some of the best backcountry skiing in the whole 10th Mountain Division system. Perched at 11,180 feet in elevation, the wintertime route to get to the hut is challenging, but the payoff is seclusion and breathtaking views of Vail Ski Resort. The hut sleeps up to 16 people and is equipped with a wood-fired oven and an outhouse toilet. It’s also stocked with essentials like firewood, matches, axes, pots and pans, dishes and other kitchen utensils.
Shrine Mountain Inn
This privately owned property offers three rustic log-cabin rentals in Colorado for hut trips near Vail Pass. It’s a favorite for first-time hut trippers, thanks to cushy amenities like electricity, running water, indoor bathrooms with flush toilets and even a shared sauna for relaxing after a long day of exploring. Jay’s Cabin accommodates 12 people on its own, while Walter’s Cabin and Chuck’s Cabin are both split into an upstairs and downstairs that each sleep six and can be booked separately. Watch the sunrise over fresh powder from the deck in the winter, and in the summer hike the Shrine Ridge Trail for gorgeous meadows of wildflowers or mountain bike to the old mining town of Red Cliff.
Fowler-Hilliard Hut
One of the most popular 10th Mountain Division huts, Fowler-Hilliard is situated within the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, which encompasses more than 100 miles of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. It’s also a great base for summer day hikes to peaks like Resolution Mountain or Ptarmigan Hill, as well as mountain biking. The hut itself has a capacity of 16 visitors. It features wood heat, an oven and an outhouse toilet, and is stocked with basic supplies.
Janet’s Cabin
Managed by the Summit Huts Association, Janet’s Cabin is an impressive 3,000-square-foot log structure built from Montana pine logs, with a large front deck that looks out to awe-inspiring high-country views. Set along the Colorado Trail, hikers and mountain bikers flock to its location 5 miles south of Vail Pass in the summer, while it’s best suited for intermediate to expert skiers in the winter. Sleeping 20 guests in the winter and 14 in the summer, you’ll find an indoor composting toilet and can take advantage of the wood-fired sauna.
Jackal Hut
Found on the outskirts of Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, a former training site for 10th Mountain troops, Jackal Hut boasts sweeping views of surrounding fourteeners like Mount of the Holy Cross, Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. Explore the snowy timberline on Nordic skis or snowshoes, or take a warm-weather day hike along Chicago Ridge, where you might just spot old relics from the soldiers. With a capacity of 16, the hut is equipped with an outhouse, solar-powered lights and basic cooking and cleaning supplies.
Sangree M. Froelicher Hut
A part of 10th Mountain Division Huts and built to honor soldiers — killed and wounded — during World War II in Italy’s Apennine Mountains, the Sangree M. Froelicher Hut‘s wintry vistas do not disappoint. Follow a mix of ski trails and old roads to get to a rustic one-room hut complete with four beds, an outhouse, a wood-burning stove and oven, a propane stove, snow-collection buckets for water, plus all the pots, pans and dishware you’ll need for an overnight adventure.
Tips & What to Bring
Before making your Colorado hut trip reservations, it’s important to know your group’s abilities. Some routes to the huts require advanced skills due to deep snow or steep terrain. Be sure to study the route to understand the distance, change in elevation and any restrictions. Motorized access, such as snowmobiles, isn’t usually allowed, but you can often drive most of the way to some huts in the summer, leaving a short hike at the end. However, vehicle access is never guaranteed, so always check before leaving. Bring along a topographic map and a compass or GPS device to help navigate the way, too.
You’ll also want to review the amenities provided, which can vary by hut. Though most are stocked with some kitchen supplies, firewood and matches, you’ll typically need to carry your own:
- Bedding (e.g. sleeping bag)
- Towels and toiletries
- Food and beverages
- Water-purification method (many huts don’t have potable water)
Packing as light as possible is the goal when you have to carry everything, but don’t forget about clothing for variable weather, ski or hiking equipment, and an emergency kit. This might include first-aid supplies, an emergency shelter and a communication device.
Lastly, don’t forget to follow hut etiquette. Clean up after yourself, wash dishes, restock firewood and pack out all trash and remaining food. As you venture through Colorado’s pristine backcountry, please also adhere to the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
Guided Colorado Hut Trips
If you’re new to hut trips or looking for extra assistance, there are outfitters that offer guided excursions. Paragon Guides leads seasonal Colorado backcountry hut trips, including a Vail-to-Aspen llama trek or multi-hut outings in the summer, as well as winter ski hut tours and custom trips. You’ll have the benefit of your guide’s expertise for a safer experience, as well as less load to carry (they can stock items at the hut in advance). It’s an excellent way to dip your toe into the world of overnight backcountry exploration.
Make Vail Your Home Base for a Winter Hut Trip
Planning your hut trip near Vail? Extend your stay and explore our villages for indulgent comforts — like MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and luxe lodging near the gondolas. Shop for bespoke mementos at The Golden Bear, sip on locally distilled spirits from 10th Mountain and consider staying a while — Vail is a sweet winter destination for being a digital nomad.
Experience Vail Year-Round
- Get tips for a sustainable winter vacation in Vail
- See 100 things to do in Vail in the summer
- Uncover camping in Colorado near Vail
Hero photo courtesy of 970 Design
