Copyright: Brian Litz-San Juan Hut System
San Juan Hut System
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The San Juan Hut System is owned and operated by Joe Ryan and Mike Turrin out of Telluride, Colorado. There are five huts in the system that lie on the northern slope of the Mt. Sneffels Range of the San Juan Mountains. Trails and forest service roads connect the five cabins that lead through the backcountry between Ouray and Telluride, Colorado.The cabins are of wood construction and accommodate up to eight people. (If your group is smaller that eight individuals expect the hut to be filled by other groups.) Amenities include padded bunks, a wood stove, propane cooking stove, lamp, kitchen and cooking utensils, fire wood and an outhouse. Water is available through melting snow. The terrain surrounding the winter San Juan Hut System is rugged and reaches heights of 14,000 feet. The route is designed for intermediate skiers, but beginners and experts will find appropriate terrain within the system. The huts range in elevation from 9,300 - 11,000 feet with novice level approaches and inter-hut travel at the intermediate level.
Directions from Ridgway: Access to the eastern huts in the San Juan winter system can be gain from Colorado Road 5.
Directions from Highway 62: Access to the North Pole Hut, Blue Lakes Hut and Ridgway Hut can be gained via Highway 62. To the North Pole Hut turn southward on to Colorado Road 9, which is West Dallas Creek Road, to reach the winter trailhead. Colorado Road 7, which is east of road 9, will provide access to the Blue Lakes and Ridgway Huts.
Directions from Highway 145: Approximately eight miles northwest of Telluride on Highway 145 turn northward on to Forest Road 639. Follow this to Forest Road 638 and turn westward. Follow this to the winter trailhead for the Last Dollar Hut.
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