Blue Lakes Hut

For those of us who live in Colorado, the call of the high country, with its dramatic peaks and pristine alpine lakes, is often irresistible. If your idea of an ultimate escape involves challenging hikes, breathtaking vistas, and a true immersion in the wilderness, then the Blue Lakes Hut near Telluride is a destination that perfectly embodies the spirit of our state. It's not just a place to sleep; it's a strategic basecamp for some of the most iconic and rewarding adventures the San Juan Mountains have to offer.

The Blue Lakes Hut, typically managed by the San Juan Huts Systems, is a rustic yet essential facility designed to support both summer hiking and winter backcountry skiing expeditions. Nestled below the iconic 14er Mount Sneffels, it serves as a critical point of access to the famous Blue Lakes and the summit of Mount Sneffels itself. While it provides basic shelter and amenities, its true value lies in its prime location, which minimizes the logistical challenges of embarking on multi-day treks or tackling significant peaks. Many who have visited describe it as a "great place to hike out to the blue lakes or Mt Sneffels summit," highlighting its primary purpose as a launchpad for unparalleled mountain experiences. Whether you're an avid hiker, a peak bagger, or simply seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Colorado backcountry, Blue Lakes Hut offers a unique and unforgettable way to do it.

The Blue Lakes Hut is located near Telluride, CO, with an address of Co Rd 7, Telluride, CO 81435, USA. However, it's crucial for locals to understand that "hut" in this context refers to a backcountry shelter, not a drive-up campground. While the summer trailhead for Blue Lakes and Mount Sneffels is accessible via County Road 7, the hut itself sits approximately 0.25 miles uphill and west of this trailhead, at an elevation of 9,380 feet. For winter access, visitors typically park about 5 miles up CR 7, depending on snow and road conditions, and then ski or snowshoe a gentle 5.5 miles to the hut.

For Colorado residents, accessibility means preparing for a backcountry journey. While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the summer trailhead, accessing the hut often involves a significant hike or ski. This inherent remoteness is part of its charm, ensuring that those who reach it are truly seeking an immersive mountain experience. Its proximity to Telluride provides a convenient starting point for supplies and pre/post-trip logistics, but the journey to the hut itself is a key part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a sense of accomplishment as you approach this alpine sanctuary. It's a place that rewards effort with unparalleled beauty.

The Blue Lakes Hut, as part of the San Juan Huts System, offers essential amenities designed to provide comfortable, yet rustic, backcountry accommodation. It is important to note that this is a hut, not a traditional campground with individual campsites. Services are focused on communal living and supporting self-sufficient adventurers:

• Padded Bunk-Style Beds: The hut accommodates eight people, providing padded bunk beds for overnight stays. Guests are typically required to bring their own sleeping bags.
• Propane Stove and Lamp: A propane stove is available for cooking, and a propane lamp provides lighting, crucial for evening comfort in the backcountry.
• Wood Stove and Firewood: A wood stove provides warmth, and firewood is supplied (though users may be asked to gather dead wood from surrounding forests during certain seasons).
• Cookware and Utensils: Basic cookware and utensils are provided, reducing the amount of gear hikers need to carry.
• Composting Toilet: A composting toilet facility is available at the hut, offering a more environmentally friendly and comfortable option than primitive backcountry catholes.
• Water Source: During winter, water is obtained by melting snow. In other seasons, a stream runs near the hut. Hut users are responsible for treating water with iodine, a pump/filter, or a UV scanner.
• Trip Planning and Advice: The San Juan Huts staff are often available to offer in-depth trip planning advice and individualized insights, which is invaluable for navigating the complex mountain terrain.
• Custom Maps: Some bookings may include custom maps, aiding in route finding and exploration around the hut.

Bookings are required year-round, and there are fees per person per night. During winter months (typically November 25th through June 1st), the hut costs $30 per person per night, with an 8-person minimum for weekend and holiday bookings.

The Blue Lakes Hut's allure lies in its strategic location and the incredible outdoor experiences it facilitates. These features make it a truly unique and highly sought-after destination for Colorado outdoor enthusiasts:

• Gateway to Iconic Peaks and Lakes: The hut serves as an unparalleled basecamp for reaching the stunning Blue Lakes and ascending Mount Sneffels, a majestic Colorado 14er. This direct access significantly enhances the adventure for hikers and mountaineers.
• Unforgettable Views: Nestled below Mount Sneffels, the hut offers "incredible views" of the surrounding alpine landscape. The beauty of the area is consistently highlighted by visitors, making every moment at the hut a scenic delight.
• Ideal for Backcountry Skiing (Winter): During winter, the hut is accessible via cross-country skis, AT setups, or snowshoes. It provides access to beginner-to-intermediate backcountry terrain and excellent Nordic trails, making it a prime destination for winter adventurers.
• Part of a Hut System: The Blue Lakes Hut is frequently used in conjunction with other San Juan Huts (like North Pole and Ridgway Huts) for multi-day traverses, offering extensive opportunities for hut-to-hut adventures.
• Family-Friendly for Backcountry: It is noted as being one of the best huts for families and young skiers, with opportunities for sliding around on skis or sleds near the hut, making backcountry experiences accessible to a wider audience.
• Water Play Area (Summer): One mile up the Blue Lakes Trail, a tributary stream provides a great place for kids to play in the water on a hot summer afternoon, with big views of the surrounding rocky peaks.
• Secluded and Immersive Experience: Despite its popularity, the nature of a backcountry hut means visitors get a deep immersion in nature, far from the conveniences and crowds of front-country camping.
• Well-Equipped Hut: With a propane stove, wood stove, cooking utensils, and composting toilet, the hut provides essential comforts that enhance the backcountry experience.

To learn more about Blue Lakes Hut, check availability, or make a reservation, the primary contact method is through the San Juan Huts Systems, which manages this and other backcountry huts in the region.

Address: Co Rd 7, Telluride, CO 81435, USA (Note: This is the general area; direct access to the hut requires a hike or ski as detailed above).

Phone: (970) 626-3033

Mobile Phone: +1 970-626-3033

Email: info@sanjuanhuts.com (as often listed on their official website).

It is highly recommended to visit the official San Juan Huts Systems website to view availability calendars, detailed route information, booking policies, and essential packing lists before planning your trip. Bookings are often required well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

For us Coloradans, the Blue Lakes Hut represents the epitome of a true high-country adventure. It’s a place where the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains is not just observed but experienced intimately. We understand that "camping" here is a commitment to a backcountry experience, and the reward is immeasurable: unparalleled views, the challenge of a strenuous hike or ski, and the profound quiet that only true wilderness can offer.

The hut's strategic location as a base for scaling Mount Sneffels or exploring the breathtaking Blue Lakes is a significant draw for any local looking to push their limits and immerse themselves in iconic Colorado landscapes. While it requires self-sufficiency and preparation, the provided amenities like bunks, stoves, and composting toilets elevate the experience beyond raw primitive camping, making it accessible to those willing to venture out. The support from knowledgeable hosts and the option for multi-day hut-to-hut trips further enhance its appeal. Blue Lakes Hut is not just a destination; it's an integral part of the Colorado outdoor experience, offering a deep connection to the mountains that define our identity as locals. It truly is one of our favorite places to camp and explore the incredible beauty of our state.

Blue Lakes Hut

Co Rd 7, Telluride, CO 81435, USA