North Pole Hut

For Colorado locals who live for the thrill of backcountry adventure, solitude, and unparalleled mountain views, the North Pole Hut is more than just a place to stay—it's a gateway to an unforgettable wilderness experience. Tucked away in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains, near Ridgway, this backcountry hut offers a unique and immersive way to explore some of Colorado's most stunning high-alpine terrain. It’s a favorite among seasoned backcountry skiers, snowshoers, and summer hikers who seek a challenging yet rewarding escape from the everyday.

Operated as part of the renowned San Juan Huts system, the North Pole Hut provides a rustic yet comfortable base camp for exploring the vast expanses of the surrounding peaks and wilderness areas. Unlike traditional campgrounds, it’s a destination in itself, requiring planning and self-sufficiency, but promising a deeper connection with Colorado's wild heart. If you're a Colorado resident with a passion for true wilderness adventure, the North Pole Hut should be high on your list.

The North Pole Hut is located in a remote part of Colorado, within the 81435 USA zip code, specifically nestled in the San Juan Mountains near Ridgway. Situated at an elevation of approximately 9,986 feet (or even higher, with some sources listing it near 10,000 feet), it lies on the edge of a meadow, west of beaver ponds, and directly below the imposing North Face of Hayden Peak. This incredibly scenic location offers breathtaking views of North Pole Peak, Hayden, and S-9/Dark Horse peaks.

Accessing the North Pole Hut is an adventure in itself, primarily designed for intermediate to advanced backcountry travelers. During the winter season (typically December through April/early June), the primary approach is via the West Dallas Road. Depending on road conditions (which can vary widely), you might drive 2 to 3 miles up this road from Ridgway (about 10 minutes from town) before parking. From there, it's a significant backcountry journey of approximately 8 to 10 miles (some sources say 10 miles) with an elevation gain of around 2,700 feet. This approach can take anywhere from 5 to 7+ hours and is considered one of the longest but most visually impressive approaches in the San Juan Huts system.

For Colorado locals, it's crucial to understand that this is not a drive-up campground. The "campground" in this context refers to a backcountry hut, accessible only by human power (skis, snowshoes in winter; hiking in summer). While not explicitly a "summer campground" with traditional sites, the hut does serve as a base for summer hiking. The difficulty of route-finding, particularly the final 3 miles, and the potential for complex avalanche terrain (especially when linking with other huts like Last Dollar) mean that proper backcountry skills, avalanche awareness, and appropriate gear (including AT setups for skiing) are essential for safe access.

As a backcountry hut, North Pole Hut offers a specific set of amenities designed to support multi-day wilderness adventures, rather than traditional campground services. These typically include:

• Overnight Accommodation: The hut accommodates eight people via padded bunk-style beds, providing a warm and dry place to sleep in the wilderness.
• Cooking Facilities: Equipped with a propane stove, cookware, and utensils, allowing guests to prepare their own meals.
• Heating: A wood stove is provided, with ample firewood supplied, ensuring the hut remains warm, especially crucial during winter.
• Lighting: Solar-powered lights are available for evening illumination.
• Composting Toilet: An on-site composting toilet offers basic restroom facilities.
• Water Source: During winter, water is obtained by melting snow. Hut users are responsible for treating water (e.g., with iodine, pump & filter, or UV scanner). In summer, water may be sourced from nearby streams and should also be treated.
• Trip Planning Support: San Juan Huts provides in-depth trip planning and individualized insight to help groups prepare for their journey to the hut.
• Custom Maps and GPS Tracks: Detailed maps and turn-by-turn directions are typically provided to aid in route finding.

• Secluded Backcountry Location: One of the most remote huts in the San Juan Huts system, ensuring a truly isolated wilderness experience without day skiers.
• Breathtaking Views: Offers panoramic views of North Pole Peak, Hayden Peak (12,987'), and S-9/Dark Horse (13,134'), making it one of the most visually impressive hut sites in the San Juans.
• Basecamp for Intermediate to Advanced Terrain: Ideal for experienced backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking to access challenging ski mountaineering terrain, including the north ridge of Hayden Peak (under appropriate conditions).
• Link-up Opportunities: Can be linked with other San Juan Huts, such as the Blue Lakes Hut for multi-day traverses, or the Last Dollar Hut (though this traverse involves highly complex avalanche terrain).
• Rustic and Cozy Atmosphere: Described as a rustic, warm, and cozy base camp perfect for exploring the backcountry.
• Equipped for Self-Sufficiency: Provides essential amenities like cooking facilities, heat, and basic sleeping arrangements, minimizing what users need to pack.
• Winter-Specific Access: Primarily known and utilized for winter backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, offering unique access to pristine snow conditions.
• Summer Hiking Access: While primarily a winter hut, it can also serve as a base for challenging summer hiking and backpacking into the surrounding wilderness.
• High-Elevation Environment: Located at a significant elevation (around 10,000 feet), providing a true high-alpine experience.

Address: Colorado 81435, USA

Note: As the North Pole Hut is part of the San Juan Huts System, direct contact for the hut itself is typically not available. All inquiries and bookings are handled through the San Juan Huts central organization.

Phone: (970) 626-3033

Email: info@sanjuanhuts.com

Mailing Address: PO BOX 773, Ridgway, CO 81432

Physical Address: 618 N. Cora Street, Ridgway, CO 81432

It is highly recommended for Colorado locals interested in booking to visit the official San Juan Huts website or contact them directly for current availability, detailed route information, and safety guidelines, especially regarding avalanche conditions.

For Colorado locals who consider themselves experienced outdoor adventurers, particularly those drawn to backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, or challenging summer hikes, the North Pole Hut offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly experience the wild heart of our state. Unlike a traditional drive-up campground, this hut demands a higher level of preparation, self-reliance, and backcountry skill, which resonates deeply with many Coloradans who pride themselves on their outdoor prowess.

The allure for locals lies in its profound seclusion and the access it provides to some of the most breathtaking and challenging terrain in the San Juan Mountains. It's a place where you can escape the crowds, find pristine powder, and push your limits while surrounded by views that are nothing short of spectacular. The provided amenities within the hut—from the wood stove to the cooking facilities—offer a welcome respite after a long day of exertion, allowing for a comfortable night's rest in a truly remote setting. Furthermore, the extensive support from the San Juan Huts organization, including detailed trip planning advice and maps, ensures that even though it's a challenging trip, it's also a well-supported one.

For Colorado residents who embrace the "earn your turns" mentality or who seek a profound connection with the high country, the North Pole Hut is more than just a destination; it's an immersive experience that builds character, creates unforgettable memories, and reinforces the deep appreciation we have for Colorado's wild and magnificent landscapes. It's an essential part of the Colorado backcountry adventure narrative, beckoning those ready for its unique blend of challenge and serene beauty.

North Pole Hut

Colorado 81435, USA