Best Backcountry Huts in Colorado — 2026
Colorado has 15 notable backcountry huts for 2026. Huts are managed by 7 different operators. 10th Mountain Division Hut ranks highest based on available information and amenities.
Last updated: February 2026
Top Backcountry Huts in Colorado
- 1.10th Mountain Division Hut
10th Mountain Division
The namesake hut of the 10th Mountain Division sits within the Holy Cross Wilderness, high in the alpine within a cirque beneath Homestake Peak.
Backcountry HutSleeps 16Kitchen - 2.Aladdin's Lamp Hut
Silverton Ski Huts
Nestled below the Grand Turk with spectacular views of the Weminuche Wilderness, Aladdin's Lamp Hut offers mellow glade skiing in old-growth forest as well as options for steep chutes and more technical riding.
Backcountry HutSleeps 8Kitchen - 3.Arestua Hut (Guinn Mountain Hut)
CMC Boulder
Årestua Hut is located on the north side of Guinn Mountain and provides a winter shelter for Nordic & backcountry skiers. The area has breathtaking views of the Front Range and the high plains, and it's open to day visitors and to overnight users on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Backcountry HutSleeps 7Kitchen - 4.Barnard Hut
Alfred A. Braun Hut System
The Barnard Hut straddles a timbered and gladed ridge with easterly views of the Continental Divide and the Sawatch Range. While snowmachines aren't allowed near the Braun Huts, this hut sits near the Richmond Ridge Road, which is open to snowmobile use from the Aspen Mountain Ski Area.
Backcountry HutSleeps 8Kitchen - 5.Betty Bear Hut
10th Mountain Division
The Betty Bear Hut provides plenty of options for intermediate backcountry touring, but certain sections of the route to/from the hut can prove challenging for beginners.
Backcountry HutSleeps 16Kitchen - 6.Brainard Cabin
CMC Boulder
Built in 1928, Brainard Cabin is located in Brainard Lake Recreation Area of Roosevelt National Forest. The cabin provides an easy access to the eastern portion of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, including Long, Isabelle, Mitchell, and Blue Lakes, as well as Mt. Audubon, Mt. Toll, Pawnee and several other peaks.
CabinKitchen - 7.Broome Hut
10th Mountain Division
Operated by the Grand Huts Association, The Broome Hut sits on the west side of Berthoud Pass – an area with great access and exceptional alpine recreation opportunities.
Backcountry HutSleeps 16Kitchen - 8.Carner's Cabin
Private
Carner’s Cabin is located just outside of Leadville, CO, positioned on the Continental Divide and surrounded by thousands of acres of the San Isabel National Forest.
CabinSleeps 8Kitchen - 9.Chuck's Cabin (Shrine Mountain Inn)
10th Mountain Division
Chuck's Cabin is one of three accommodations making up the Shrine Mountain Inn. Split across two stories, Chuck's can be reserved by two separate groups (upstairs & downstairs). Be sure to check the amenities for each, as they differ slightly.
CabinSleeps 12Kitchen - 10.Continental Divide Cabin
10th Mountain Division
The Continental Divide Cabin connects the 10th Mountain Division Hut, Sangree's Hut, and Vance's Cabin, but also provides opportunities for beginner-to-intermediate cross-country skiing.
CabinSleeps 8Kitchen - 11.Crystal Cabin
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
Located in the town of Gothic, CO, the Crystal Cabin accommodates scientists as much as it does skiers.
CabinSleeps 8Kitchen - 12.Eiseman Hut
10th Mountain Division
Eiseman Hut is the most alpine hut in the 10th Mountain Division. In addition to its beautiful woodwork and spacious construction, there's a host of intermediate-to-advanced day tours and approachable tree skiing right out the front door.
Backcountry HutSleeps 16Kitchen - 13.Fabi's Hut (Benedict Huts)
10th Mountain Division
Fabi's Hut – one of the Benedict Huts – is modeled on European mountain refuges witnessed by the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. Though booked separately, Fabi's is adjoined to the Fritz Hut by boardwalks on a remote, wooded hilltop.
Backcountry HutSleeps 6Kitchen - 14.Fowler/Hilliard Hut
10th Mountain Division
One of the most popular huts in the 10th Mountain Division hut system, the Fowler-Hilliard Hut is located on USFS land six miles west of Vail Pass.
Backcountry HutSleeps 16Kitchen - 15.Francie's Cabin
Summit Huts Association
Francie’s Cabin, built in 1994, is located south of Breckenridge, Colorado in the popular Crystal Lakes drainage.
CabinSleeps 20Kitchen
Backcountry Huts Comparison — Colorado 2026
| Hut | Type | Capacity | Price | Kitchen | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Mountain Division Hut 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 16 | — | Yes | 4.4 miles / 7.1 km |
| Aladdin's Lamp Hut Silverton Ski Huts | Backcountry Hut | 8 | — | Yes | 0.19 miles / 0.3 km |
| Arestua Hut (Guinn Mountain Hut) CMC Boulder | Backcountry Hut | 7 | — | Yes | 4.5 miles / 7.2 km |
| Barnard Hut Alfred A. Braun Hut System | Backcountry Hut | 8 | — | Yes | 9.0 miles / 14.5 km |
| Betty Bear Hut 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 16 | — | Yes | 6.9 miles / 11.1 km |
| Brainard Cabin CMC Boulder | Cabin | — | — | Yes | 2.6 miles / 4.2 km |
| Broome Hut 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 16 | — | Yes | 1.0 miles / 1.6 km |
| Carner's Cabin Private | Cabin | 8 | — | Yes | 1.8 miles / 2.9 km |
| Chuck's Cabin (Shrine Mountain Inn) 10th Mountain Division | Cabin | 12 | — | Yes | 2.7 miles / 4.3 km |
| Continental Divide Cabin 10th Mountain Division | Cabin | 8 | — | Yes | 0.8 miles / 1.3 km |
| Crystal Cabin Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory | Cabin | 8 | — | Yes | 4.0 miles / 6.4 km |
| Eiseman Hut 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 16 | — | Yes | 6.9 miles / 11.1 km |
| Fabi's Hut (Benedict Huts) 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 6 | — | Yes | 5.8 miles / 9.3 km |
| Fowler/Hilliard Hut 10th Mountain Division | Backcountry Hut | 16 | — | Yes | 5.0 miles / 8.0 km |
| Francie's Cabin Summit Huts Association | Cabin | 20 | — | Yes | 2.2 miles / 3.5 km |
How to Choose a Hut in Colorado
- 1.
Consider your fitness level and the approach. Some huts require multi-hour ski tours or hikes with significant elevation gain. Check the access distance and difficulty before booking.
- 2.
Check meals and kitchen availability. Self-catering huts require you to bring all food and fuel. Staffed huts with meal service simplify logistics but may cost more.
- 3.
Match capacity to your group size. Smaller huts offer privacy but limited availability. Larger facilities accommodate groups and often have better amenities.
- 4.
Book early for peak season. Popular huts fill up months in advance, especially for holiday weekends and prime ski/hiking season. Check availability as soon as your dates are firm.
- 5.
Assess winter conditions and safety. For winter hut trips, check avalanche conditions, carry rescue equipment, and consider hiring a certified guide. Many huts in Colorado are located in or near avalanche terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do backcountry huts in Colorado cost per night?
Pricing for backcountry huts in Colorado varies by hut and season. Contact individual operators for current rates.
Do I need to book backcountry huts in Colorado in advance?
Yes, most backcountry huts in Colorado require advance reservations, especially during peak season. Popular huts can book up months ahead for holidays and weekends. Contact operators directly for availability.
What is the capacity of backcountry huts in Colorado?
Backcountry Huts in Colorado range from 6 to 20 guests per night. Smaller huts offer a more intimate experience, while larger facilities can accommodate groups.
Are meals provided at backcountry huts in Colorado?
Most backcountry huts in Colorado are self-catering with kitchen facilities (15 of 15 have kitchens). Bring your own food and cooking supplies.
What gear do I need for backcountry huts in Colorado?
Essential gear includes a sleeping bag, headlamp, layers, and appropriate footwear for the approach. In winter, avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, shovel) is required for backcountry huts. Check individual hut listings for specific gear requirements.