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Ski or Snowshoe to the Weston Pass Hut

Leadville, Colorado

5.0/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

13.4 miles

Elevation Gain

2400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Kyle Frost

Overnight at an amazing backcountry hut outside of Leadville. Great for groups! For more info and booking, visit westonpasshut.com.

Your trip starts at the winter trailhead for Weston Pass, approximately 6.7 miles from the hut. Depending on road conditions, you may be able to cut off a few miles by driving further up the road.

In the summer, you can drive all the way to the hut, and enjoy a great basecamp for hiking and trail running.

Snowshoes or skis are the recommended winter mode of transportation, although a snowmobile will definitely shave time and effort off your approach. Conditions can get windy and cold here, so be prepared for a solid day, and dress accordingly.

You'll follow the snow covered 4x4 road up the canyon, which eventually meanders to the right heading up the valley to the pass and the hut. The hut itself sits almost atop Weston Pass, with spectacular views of the entire valley below. It sleeps 20 people comfortably, and includes a full kitchen (with gas), a wood burning stove, tables, board games, and 2 surprisingly nice outhouses.

If you're into backcountry skiing, there are some fun trees to skiers left as you look out of the cabin (dependent on snow conditions), and possibly more up off the the ridgeline. If you're planning to backcountry ski or board, make sure you have the proper avalanche gear and training. The ridges can be very susceptible to wind slab.

On the way back, enjoy the ride down on skis or boards, with pretty minimal flat sections. Just a fair warning, that road at the bottom gets icy and fast. And fun :)

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Features

Skiing
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Bathrooms
Groups
Scenic

Ski or Snowshoe to the Weston Pass Hut Reviews

Best kept secret in Colorado. We had such a great trip up there - a storm blew in but it was no problem. An easy hike in with no snowshoes, just hiking boots on 3/12/16 but wore snowshoes out after the storm had brought some fresh pow and blown snow on 3/13/16. Totally recommend a trip there. Fully stocked and comfortable. Cell service can be reached on the bald behind the hit, if need be. Careful not to drive too far in on county road 7 with the soft, spring snow - no places to turn around. But still go!!

First off, the views from this hut at almost 12,000 ft are incredible. Sitting just above treeline you can see down the whole valley, as well as distant peaks. The hut is newer and has some quirks to work out but is one of the best stocked I've been to. The separate sleeping rooms are nice and the main area layout with the big winds is beautiful. The winds get pretty intense up here so unless there's a recent snow, skiing opportunities are limited to the trees a half mile down the valley. A nice bonus for this hut is you can take a snowmobile up if you want to bring family members or friends that can't make the trek.

The was my first backcountry experience in Colorado and I have to say the bar was set pretty high. Even more than the unbeatable views of the valley below, this hut was equipped with amenities that I would not have expected to be here! Even though I'm not a backcountry skier I still had an amazing time and had plenty to do! Definitely recommend this hut!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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