San Juan Hut to Hut Traverse
June 26 - June 30
Hike through majestic snow peaked mountains surrounded by wildflowers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes. Leave your tent at home & snuggle up by the wood burning stove in the heated huts as we traverse 5 days of gorgeous hiking through what’s known as the “Switzerland of America.”
Trip Details
Trip Type: 5-day/4-night Guided Backpacking Trip
Trail Section: San Juan Hut Systems, Ouray Colorado
Highlights:
- Hike the “Switzerland of America” and see what’s known as Colorado’s BEST view
- Beautiful blue alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls
- 4 primitive huts with ALL of the primitive comforts
- Day packs ONLY- No need to carry a 30lb pack on this trip
When: June 26th, 2023
Trip difficulty: ★★★★★
Mileage: 32 trail miles with 8 miles of optional side trips
Group Size: 6 guests per hut
Cost: $1900 (payment plans available)
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at East Dallas Trailhead in Ouray. Shuttle will arrive at 7:30am to deliver us to the starting trailhead.
Section:
Hike from Last Dollar Pass
Starting Elevation: 10,610ft. Ending Elevation: 9,960ft. Elevation Gain 1,550ft. Elevation Loss 2,270ft.
Hiking Distance:
8.3 miles
Highlights:
- You can see out to the La Sal Mountains in Utah!
- Sleep at the North Pole Hut nestled below jagged peaks
- You will enjoy spectacular views as you traverse close to the tree line
- Stunning views and remote alpine scenery
Day 2
Section:
North Pole Hut to Blue Lakes Hut
Starting Elevation: 9,960ft. Ending Elevation: 9,430ft. Elevation Gain: 1,160ft. Elevation Loss 1,700ft.
Hiking Distance:
7.5 Miles
Highlights:
- Chill day traversing through meadows and aspen groves
- Wildflowers are plentiful this section
- Views of the Cimarron Mountains
Day 3
Section:
Blue Lakes Hut to Ridgway Hut
Starting Elevation: 9,430ft. Ending Elevation: 10,250ft. Elevation Gain: 1,640ft. Elevation Loss: 1,090ft
Hiking Distance:
5 Miles
OPTIONAL side trip to Lower Blue Lakes
7 miles round trip
Starting Elevation: 9,430 Ending Elevation: 11,030ft
Highlights:
- One of the best views in all of Colorado
- Views of Mount Sneffels all day long
- Side trip to stunning Alpine lakes
- Wildlife sightings
Day 4
Section:
Ridgway Hut to Burn Hut
Starting Elevation: 10,250ft, Ending Elevation: 9,920ft, Elevation Gain: 730ft, Elevation Loss 1,070ft.
Hiking Distance: 5 miles
Highlights:
- Cimmaron and the Sneffels ranges as well as the La Sals out in Utah.
- Free time at the Burn hut to chill
- Cross ‘Last Drink Draw’
Day 5:
Section:
Burn Hut to Eastern Terminus of the Dallas Trail
Starting Elevation: 9,920ft, Ending Elevation 7,600ft: Elevation Gain: 340ft. Elevation Loss: 2,660ft.
Start the day off hiking through steep meadows while taking in spectacular views of the Cimarrons.
Hiking Distance: 4.6 miles
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the Cimarron Mountains
- More views of the “Switzerland of America”
- Red sandstone cliffs.
- Moonshine Park
What’s Included
- 4 nights in primitive huts including sleeping bags, sleeping mats and general cooking gear
- Shuttle from Ouray to the trailhead
- 2 food drops, one drop on day two and one on day four
- Two professional, knowledgeable, backcountry guides who are Certified Wilderness First Responders or Wilderness first Aid Certified
- 2 ZOOM sessio
- Sneffels Wilderness land use fees and permits
- Emergency equipment including trauma kits, satellite communication devices and mountain walkie talkies
What’s Not Included –
- Travel to Ouray, CO
- Hotel Stay in Ouray the night prior to shuttle
- Backpacking Equipment
- Meals
- Guide gratuity – Tipping is optional but customary. (Industry recommends 10-20% of trip cost)
Terms and Conditions-
“Trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to permit or campsite availability, snowpack, river crossings, wildlife, park or land closures, and forest fires. The price of a hiking trip will never change due to itinerary changes. Payments are not refundable for itinerary changes or park or land closures. If a trip is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control and no alternate itinerary is available a trip credit will be issued equal to the full amount paid minus any nonrefundable expenses incurred by the Company.”