The Huts > 10th Mountain Division Hut Association > McNamara Hut
McNamara Hut
Built in 1982, McNamara hut was one of the original two huts in the 10th Mountain system (the other is Margy’s, built during the same summer). The hut is a memorial to Margy McNamara (as Margy’s Hut is as well). Funds to build the hut were donated by Margy’s husband Robert, who served as secretary of defense. The hut is only open during the winter season.
Hut Information
Owned By
10th Mountain Division Hut Association
Open
Winter
Winter Mileage*
6.2
Closest Town
Aspen
Hut Elevation
10,360 '
Cumulative Elevation Gain *
2,285'
Layout
Main Level: Bunk room that sleeps 4. Upstairs: 1 private room with a double bed plus 10 single beds in a communal sleeping area.
*from Hunter Creek Trailhead
Amenities
Heat
Wood
Oven
Wood
Refrigeration
No
Water
Snow Melt**
Toilet
Outhouse, Covered Walkway
Ada Accessible
No
Sauna
No
Fire Ring
No
Grill
No
Dogs
No
Charging
None
Gear Cart
No
** Winter only
Details
- Firewood, starter paper, matches, axes
- Propane for kitchen burners
- Cupboard or closet for cold food storage
- Snow collection buckets and large pot for melting snow on wood-burning heat stove (suggested use of snowmelt water is for drinking, cooking and cleaning)
- Pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, percolator, salt & pepper
- Paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, trash bags, toilet paper
- Solar powered lights
- Mattresses, pillows
Book This Hut
Visit our Online Booking Platform to search for availability and book this hut.
Location
Official 10th Mountain Division Map
CalTopo
Winter Map : Mt. Yeckel N/S Map
View / PrintNational Geographic
Map : Aspen/Independence Pass
USFS
Map : White River National Forest
Trailheads/Routes
The main winter route into the McNamara Hut follows a jeep trail up to the hut. The lower sections of the trail are crossed by other popular day use trails so be mindful of signs and blue diamonds at the different intersections. For a more adventurous journey, consider connecting from Margy’s Hut or the Benedict Huts. Note that much of the trail from the Benedict Huts is in Primitive Wilderness and trail markers are not allowed. Abilities to navigate and break trail are strongly recommended.
Routes
McNamara Hut from Hunter Creek Trailhead/Standard Winter Route
Total Mileage
6.2
Trailhead Elevation
8,380'
Cumulative Elevation Gain
2,285'
McNamara Hut from Upper Hunter Creek Skier Drop-Off Limited Parking
Total Mileage
4.6
Trailhead Elevation
8,691'
Cumulative Elevation Gain
1,839'
Hut to Hut/McNamara Hut to Margy's Hut
Total Mileage
7.9
Trailhead Elevation
10,360'
Cumulative Elevation Gain
2,087'
Cumulative Elevation Loss
1,153'
Hut-Specific Weather
Tonight : Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Southeast wind around 5 mph.
Thursday : Sunny, with a high near 45. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Thursday Night : Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. South southeast wind around 5 mph.
Friday : Mostly sunny, with a high near 49. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Friday Night : Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday : Partly sunny, with a high near 47.
Saturday Night : A chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Sunday : Snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Sunday Night : Snow showers before 5am, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Monday : A chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Monday Night : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 22. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tuesday : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Tuesday Night : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
Wednesday : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.
Contents
Notices
Avalanche Hazard Information
Colorado is known for its avalanche prone snowpack. A number of the suggested routes to 10th Mountain Division Huts pass through or are next to terrain that may be prone to avalanches. Accordingly, pick the suggested route that most suits your group and its abilities, carry appropriate equipment, and always exercise prudent backcountry travel techniques when passing through avalanche prone terrain. Remember, avalanches can occur in forested areas and can run into forested areas from open slopes. Moreover, a number of huts booked are situated in the midst of extreme avalanche terrain. Many other huts, while located in more modest terrain, still have access routes that cross avalanche paths.
We strongly suggest that someone in every group be experienced in evaluating avalanche and snow stability hazards and practicing prudent backcountry and winter mountain travel techniques. For up-to-date avalanche information for all of Colorado, visit the website for the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). Another excellent resource is the Forest Service National Avalanche Center website. While this site doesn’t have local forecasts, it does have a wealth of information on backcountry travel in avalanche terrain and snow science, as well as tutorials on some basic skills and snow science.
We recommend that you start checking the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) website regularly before your trip to see how conditions are evolving. Study your maps to see what type of terrain you will be traveling through to see if there are alternative routes that might be feasible if snow stability conditions deteriorate. During most of the winter, travel to the huts, other than those in the Braun Hut System and the Friends’ Hut, is possible with a relatively minor degree of risk. However, if your trip falls within a period or cycle of high or extreme instability, you must make the decision of whether or not to go. The huts are not closed for avalanche hazard reasons.