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Viewing Scenery: Colorado > Colorado Backcountry Huts

Quick Facts

Alfred A. Braun Hut System

Advanced Terrain:	Elk Mountain Range
Capacity:	7 to 14 individuals People depending on site
Difficulty:	Difficult
Elevation:	varies between 10,400 and 11,680 ft.
Number of Sites:	20 shelters in system
Reservation Contact:	970.925.5775 Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association
Reservation Status:	Required
Usage:	Heavy
Vehicle Accessibility:	varies The huts are accessible only by cross-country skiis or snowshoes during winter months.

		Satellite and Topo Map

General Description

The Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System includes six huts in the Elk Mountain range between Crested Butte and Aspen. It was Colorado's first backcountry hut system with the first shelters constructed in the 1940s. This system is operated by the Tenth Mountain Division Association in Aspen.

These huts vary dramatically from A-frame to log structures each having their own distinct character. They are generally rented to one group per night, with a four person minimum. The shelters house from seven to 14 people. Amenities in each hut include a wood-burning stove, propane burners, cooking and eating utensils, cleaning supplies, mattresses, lighting, toilet paper and matches.

The Braun system huts lie between 10,440 feet and 11,680 feet in elevation. The terrain that surrounds them requires knowledge of avalanche safety measures. Although some of the approaches to the Braun System huts may appear rather mild, it is recommended that skiers who enter into the Elk Mountain backcountry have at least an intermediate level of skill. These huts are open only in winter and spring.

Directions from Aspen: The Braun System huts are accessible from Castle Creek Road at Ashcroft. Drive west on Highway 82 to Castle Creek Road, Forest Road 102. Follow Castle Creek Road eleven miles to Ashcroft.

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Recreation Opportunities

Activity		Remarks	On Site
	Cross-country Skiing	Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System	Yes
	Lodging	Alfred A. Braun Hut System	Yes
	Backcountry Skiing	Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System	Yes
	Snowshoeing	Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System	Yes
	Viewing Scenery	Alfred A. Braun Memorial Hut System	Yes

Related Activities

Friends Hut, Elkton Cabins, Forrest Queen Cabin - Five backcountry cabins are accessible from the Crested Butte area. The backcountry in this region is particularly prone to avalanches, due to the steepness of the terrain.

Hinsdale Haute Route - This yurt system lies south of Lake City in the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. It provides opportunities for beginner, intermediate and advanced backcountry skiers.

Never Summer Yurts - This hut system is open through all seasons for biking, backpacking, snowshoeing and skiing. It lies within Colorado State Forest State Park.

San Juan Hut System - This hut system consists of five huts in the northern San Juan Mountains. Terrain includes appropriate beginner, intermediate and expert slopes.

San Juan Hut System - This route lead 206 miles from Telluride, Colorado, to Moab, Utah, through diverse and changing terrain.

Summit Hut System - This hut association maintains four backcountry cabins (and growing) in Summit County, Colorado. Reservations can be made through the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association in Aspen.

Tenth Mountain Division Hut System - This hut system is the most popular in the state and consists of 20 backcountry cabins. The terrain surrounding these shelters is some of the highest in the state.