Colorado San Juan Hut Adventure

No doubt, this is a "bucket list" type of event.

This 9-day intermediate/advanced trip entails an adventure from start to finish as we explore deep in the San Juan mountains of Colorado while staying in a cozy backcountry hut beneath 14,150' Mt. Sneffels. We will also spend a few days in Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, in a luxurious and private cabin on the banks of the Uncompahgre River while we enjoy Ouray's charm and world class hot springs and ice climbing park.

PLEASE NOTE: For the sake and sanity of other members, if you snore, even occasionally, please pass on this event.

After arriving in Grand Junction Colorado via an overnight Amtrak train and picking up AWD vehicle rentals, we will head to Ouray for one night. Next day we head to the T/H and snowshoe or ski into the hut. After 3 nights we return to Ouray for two additional nights before returning home via Amtrak.

Months ago, this was originally planned as a private event for 6. Two participants had to recently drop, and the remaining members agreed to expand to 8 participants and invite RTA members.

The estimated cost is $900-$1,100 depending on the final number of participants and one's appetite and beverage consumption!

A participants individual expenses include a train ticket (very inexpensive compared to driving/flying) and all food / refreshments for the entire trip. Shared expenses include the vehicle rental, backcountry hut and Ouray cabin. There is also a minimal cost for the hot springs.

The hut sleeps 8 on padded bunks and includes a woodburning stove, firewood, and propane for cooking and lighting. A compost outhouse is nearby. BTW, though small, the hut is nicer than any of the Sierra Club huts around Tahoe. The riverfront Ouray cabin is new, sleeps 10 on 5 queen beds, where one can share and spoon or sleep alone on an air mattress! It also has a full kitchen, dining area, two full bathrooms, washer/dryer, private balcony with grill, and a private hot tub. What's not to like.......!!!

I am familiar with the area and have stayed in the huts and cabins on previous climbing & mountain bike trips.

The route to the hut, which sits at 9,380' elevation, is apprx. 5 miles with 1,260' of gain. After arriving, depending on weather and avy conditions, the following days plans are to day hike to the alpine Blue Lakes and a shorter day trip to a promontory overlook of Mt. Sneffel. Those skiing, will have ample opportunity to cut fresh tracks on nearby slopes.

In Ouray, the town is a delight to walk around while the hot springs are just phenomenal. Those interested can also arrange to top-rope some pitches in the world-famous Ouray Ice Climbing Park.

Participants should be in excellent condition and have winter backcountry experience. All members are strongly advised to carry avy gear and a bivy sac or similar emergency shelter. A tent is not necessary, and a 3-season bag should be adequate though a 4-season is recommended.

Trip cancellation insurance is available. Also, all members winter backcountry experience will be vetted for this event.
Cabins @ Ouray Riverside Resort
Blue Lakes Backcountry Ski Hut - San Juan Hut Systems

If seriously interested, please message me asap for additional trip information, cost and payment details.

Elcap