Ridgway Hut

For those of us who live in Colorado, the San Juan Mountains represent a profound connection to wild, untamed beauty. If your passion lies in exploring remote trails, experiencing breathtaking alpine vistas, and embracing the self-sufficient spirit of backcountry adventure, then the Ridgway Hut is a destination that perfectly embodies these aspirations. It's not a traditional campground with individual car-accessible sites, but rather a vital part of the renowned San Juan Huts System, offering a unique and deeply immersive way to experience the high country.

The Ridgway Hut serves as a strategic basecamp for a variety of human-powered adventures, from multi-day summer treks to challenging winter ski tours. It's designed for the independent and self-reliant outdoors enthusiast, providing essential shelter and amenities in some of Colorado's most spectacular and remote terrain. As part of a network of huts, it facilitates incredible "hut-to-hut" journeys, allowing you to traverse vast distances through diverse landscapes without the burden of a full pack. Visitors often comment on the sheer beauty of "these mountains," emphasizing the primary draw of this incredible location. The Ridgway Hut offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the majestic San Juan wilderness.

The Ridgway Hut is located near Ridgway, CO 81432, USA. Specifically, it sits under the north slopes of Reconnoiter Peak (12,980'), at an elevation of approximately 10,257 feet. It's crucial for Colorado locals to understand that this is a backcountry hut, meaning it's not accessible directly by vehicle. Access involves a significant journey, making the experience itself part of the adventure.

For summer access, the hut is typically reached via a hike or mountain bike ride. One common route is a 6.7-mile trail from a trailhead accessible via a 5-mile drive on County Road 5 out of Ridgway. This trail offers awesome views of the entire Sneffels Range. In winter, the hut becomes a prime destination for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Winter access often involves a 6.7-mile ski from a plowed trailhead, traversing along a summer dirt road. The inherent remoteness ensures that those who make the journey are truly committed to an immersive mountain experience, rewarding their effort with solitude and unparalleled natural beauty. While Ridgway itself offers amenities for resupply, the hut's location ensures a deep dive into the wilderness.

As a backcountry hut within the San Juan Huts System, Ridgway Hut provides essential amenities designed for self-sufficient adventurers rather than the extensive services of a typical front-country campground. The focus is on providing a comfortable and safe shelter in a remote setting:

• Padded Bunk Beds: The hut accommodates eight people, featuring padded bunk-style beds for overnight stays. Guests typically bring their own sleeping bags.
• Propane Stove and Lighting: A propane stove is provided for cooking meals, and a propane lamp offers interior lighting, crucial for evening comfort in the wilderness.
• Wood Stove and Firewood: A wood stove is available for warmth, especially vital during colder months. Firewood is often stocked, though users may sometimes be encouraged to gather dead wood from the surrounding forest.
• Basic Kitchen Supplies: The hut is equipped with essential kitchen items, including pots, pans, cups, plates, and cutlery, reducing the gear hikers need to carry.
• Basic Cooking Supplies: Simple cooking essentials like salt, pepper, and cooking oil are usually provided.
• Water Source: During winter, water is typically obtained by melting snow. In other seasons, a stream is usually accessible near the hut. Guests are responsible for treating all water (e.g., with a filter, iodine, or UV light). As one review notes, "Bring a good water filter if you go in the Summer."
• Composting Toilet: A composting toilet is usually available, offering a more comfortable and environmentally responsible option for waste disposal in the backcountry.
• Cleaning Supplies: Basic cleaning supplies are provided to ensure the hut remains tidy for subsequent users.

Bookings are required year-round for the Ridgway Hut, typically through the San Juan Huts System website, and there is a per-person per-night fee.

The Ridgway Hut stands out due to its incredible location and the unique experiences it enables for Colorado's outdoor enthusiasts:

• Stunning Mountain Views: Located beneath Reconnoiter Peak, the hut offers "incredible views" of the rugged San Juan Mountains. While set within a spruce forest, clearings and higher elevations reveal expansive vistas of the high, jagged peaks.
• Backcountry Skiing Access: The Ridgway Hut is a premier destination for winter backcountry skiing, offering access to over 60 miles of Nordic trails and phenomenal remote backcountry turns. It's often recommended for those seeking "big mountains and big lines," with superb telemark skiing opportunities.
• Hut-to-Hut System: As part of the San Juan Huts System, it allows for multi-day, hut-to-hut traverses, connecting with other huts like Blue Lakes Hut and Burn Hut. This provides a unique opportunity for extended adventures without carrying heavy overnight gear.
• Remote and Wild Experience: For over thirty years, the San Juan Huts have specialized in offering adventures into the "most remote and wild regions" of the Southwest. This ensures a true escape from crowds and a deep immersion in nature.
• Minimalist and Self-Reliant Adventure: The system is designed for the "independent and self-reliant outdoors enthusiast," promoting a low-impact, human-powered approach to exploring the wilderness.
• Variety of Terrain: The surrounding area offers terrain suitable for various skill levels, from moderate to extreme backcountry skiing, as well as diverse hiking and mountain biking trails in summer.
• Experienced Management: The San Juan Huts System is run by passionate individuals who offer valuable trip planning advice and insights, enhancing the safety and enjoyment of your adventure.

To learn more about the Ridgway Hut, check availability, or make a reservation, the best way to contact them is through the San Juan Huts Systems, which manages the hut network.

Address: Ridgway, CO 81432, USA (General area of the San Juan Huts headquarters; the hut itself is in the backcountry)

Phone: (970) 626-3033

Mobile Phone: +1 970-626-3033

Email: info@sanjuanhuts.com (as typically provided on their official website)

It is highly recommended to visit the official San Juan Huts Systems website (sanjuanhuts.com) for detailed route descriptions, current conditions, booking calendars, and essential packing information. Reservations are crucial, especially for winter trips and peak season weekends.

For us Coloradans, the Ridgway Hut is an essential part of our state's outdoor heritage, offering an unparalleled backcountry experience right in our backyard. We understand that this isn't a casual drive-up spot; it's a destination for those who crave the challenge and profound reward of deep wilderness immersion. The consistent positive feedback about the "incredible views" and the overall experience of "these mountains" speaks directly to the heart of what we seek in our adventures.

The fact that it's part of the well-established San Juan Huts System, known for facilitating safe and incredible hut-to-hut journeys, makes it particularly appealing. Whether you're an avid winter sports enthusiast looking for uncrowded powder, a summer hiker aiming to traverse spectacular alpine terrain, or a mountain biker seeking remote singletrack, the Ridgway Hut serves as an ideal base. Its self-sufficient nature encourages a deeper connection with the environment, while the provided amenities ensure a level of comfort that makes these challenging trips more accessible. For a truly authentic, remote, and breathtaking Colorado adventure, the Ridgway Hut is a local treasure that promises unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for our state's majestic San Juan Mountains.

Ridgway Hut

Ridgway, CO 81432, USA