29 Mile Hike!! San Juan Hut Systems

                      What the heck is this out here in the middle of nowhere on a mountaintop!?

We came across this hut on a previous trip over Bolam Pass. It seemed out of place in the middle of the forest where there aren't any cabins for miles.   

This is how we learned about the "San Juan Hut Systems"...  Game on! 

 

We called and booked our 5-day/4-night, 29 mile trek across the Sneffels Wilderness - so named for the 14,158' signature peak Mt. Sneffels (which Rick wants to climb). 

Below is a map of the traverse. The starting point and where the outfitters dropped us off is on the left, Alder Creek trailhead. We left our vehicle at trail's end. 

Taken from a book: A picture of the traverse from nearby Ridgway, Colorado. We began on the far right and ended on the far left. Unlike this picture, there was very little snow left on the peaks.

As soon as our outfitter dropped us off things were looking good. This friendly dog (Great Pyrenees?) greeted us. We nicknamed him "Duke".

                                                                                   

              

                     We were also treated to these sheep scrambling atop a ridge in front of us.

                                                                                     

                                                                                 

                                                               

                                                                            

There are four huts along the route and the plan is to stay at a different hut each night which accommodates 8 hikers. The huts are totally off grid, using solar for lighting power, and propane for cooking and back up lighting.

 The first day's hike was 8.3 miles to reach the first hut. Thunderstorms and rain slowed us down and took 8 hours to reach the "North Pole" hut. 

The elation of arriving at this first hut was quite the relief. 

                                                                                         

Night one: Looking southeast (over the hut) with the Sneffels range in the background.

We were fully aware we'd be sharing the huts with 6 other hikers. We were responsible for all of our food and clothing, but each hut is fully equipped with many kitchen supplies...even some condiments. Crum's hot sauce anyone?  DELICIOUS.

We were not necessarily thrilled of sharing four nights in a small hut with total strangers but, the adventure of the hike compelled us to participate. The first two nights were shared with six other hikers. On the second night, the other hikers discussed skipping a hut to shorten their trip. YES!! We had the last two huts (on night three and four) all to ourselves! It couldn't have worked out better. 

                                                              The "Blue Lakes" hut (night two).

               We took a little side spur trail from the summit of Wilson pass to an overlook of Mt. Sneffels.

Day-three was a five mile hike that had significant elevation gain and a couple of stream crossings that presented some risk of injury. We felt favored when we found shelter, during a thunderstorm, with a makeshift lean-to and two sturdy stools. 

Wild raspberries were plentiful on day-three and the Martha Stewart of-the-wilderness "Noreen", made a lunch of fresh raspberry jam to go with (reconstituted) powdered peanut butter on rice crackers. Delicioso!!

  

The "Ridgway" hut (below) was a favorite for night-three; there was plenty of open space surrounding it. It also required a little walk (to a spring) to fetch water.

Our last night was spent at the "Burn" hut. It was especially nice. We took a walk around the hills and in nearby meadows. There were great views of Corbett Peak and, the aspens surrounding the area were majestic.

Having the hut to ourselves gave us the opportunity to rig up this shower setup. We heated up a large pot of water on the propane stove to get it comfy warm. After four days of hiking, a shower felt really good!

Of course, after an outdoor shower, the fire was glorious.

Each hut has an outhouse: "Bottom floor for rent...cheap!"

 

Last day: the mountainsides and homes around Ouray were a welcome sight on the five-mile hike out.

                                                                                  

                                                                                  

                                                                                 

Since day-three, we had been talking about spoiling ourselves with a steak dinner when we completed the traverse. The True Grit cafe in Ridgway did not disappoint!  The cafe is built around honoring 

"The Duke" and commemorating the film "True Grit" which, was filmed in the surrounding area.

                     The pictures below are of random scenery, fungi and other interesting views.

Colorado is an absolutely, beautiful state!