The San Juan Hut System is a popular outdoor adventure in Telluride that offers year-round skiing and riding. It consists of five backcountry huts located between Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray, connected by trails in the Mount Sneffels Range of the San Juan Mountains. Skiers of intermediate level can access each hut on their own, or experienced skiers can travel hut to hut in the European tradition.
The routes to and between the huts are designed for intermediate skiers and riders, with additional skiable terrain for advanced and extreme skiers and riders located above each hut. Each wooden hut has a capacity of eight and is equipped with padded bunks, a propane cook stove, propane lamp, wood stove, firewood, and all necessary kitchen equipment. Water is obtained by melting snow, and reservations are required.
One of the huts in the San Juan Hut System is the High Camp Hut, located high up in the mountains of Colorado. The lodge is situated at over 11,000 feet and is nestled into 320 acres of privately held land within 2 million acres of San Juan National Forest. The hut is accessible via a 2-mile hike, ski, jog, or bike in from Hwy 145, just 15 miles from Telluride.
The High Camp Hut offers a range of amenities, including a provided sauna (available in both summer and winter), an equipped kitchen, a wood-fire hot tub (summer only), and sleeping accommodations for up to 12 guests. The hut is “unplugged,” with solar power for lights and propane for cooking, leaving plenty of room for interpretation and adventure. Visitors need only bring provisions and people, as High Camp takes care of the rest. The location is perfect for those who want to explore and enjoy the wildness of the area.
