The Huts > 10th Mountain Division Hut Association > Skinner Hut

Skinner Hut

Owned by 10th Mountain, Skinner Hut breaks from common design by having only one story. The Continental Divide is close by, as are plenty of other options for high routes and ski descents. A superb view from the hut’s east windows includes the 14,036-foot summit of Mount Sherman in the Mosquito Mountains east of Leadville. Skinner Hut is named in honor of William Wood Skinner, 10th Mountain Division veteran. Funding was donated by Skinner’s sister Elizabeth Guenzel, with construction completed in 1990.

Hut Information

Owned By

10th Mountain Division Hut Association

Open

Summer / Winter

Winter Mileage^*

10.8

Closest Town

Leadville

Hut Elevation

11,620 '

Cumulative Elevation Gain ^*

2,678'

Layout

3 small rooms with double beds, additional 10 beds in communal sleeping area.

^*from Turquoise Lake Trailhead

Amenities

Heat

Wood

Oven

Wood

Refrigeration

Water

Cistern, Stream^*, Snow Melt^**

Toilet

Outhouse

Ada Accessible

Yes^†

Sauna

Fire Ring

Yes^*

Grill

Dogs

Charging

None

Gear Cart

Yes^*

^* Summer only
^** Winter only
^† Applies to the hut structure, not to route considerations

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)
Hand pump in kitchen sink dispenses water from roof-top cistern (suggested use of cistern water is for cleaning only)
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

39.266018, -106.463356

copied!

Official 10th Mountain Division Map

Winter Summer

CalTopo

Winter Map : Continental Divide E/W + Betty Bear Map

View / Print

National Geographic

Map : Eagles Nest/Holy Cross; Holy Cross/Ruedi Reservoir

USFS

Map : San Isabel National Forest

Trailheads/Routes

Because of steep terrain and possible avalanche danger, no route to the Skinner Hut is moderate. Indeed, more than one party has realized that the hut’s name comes close to that of an essential piece of equipment for every route to the hut: climbing skins. The Glacier Creek route is the most popular ascent to the Skinner Hut, but involves an extremely steep climb and descent. Busk Creek has easier skiing, but involves more route-finding and distance. These are the longest ski in to any of our huts and much of the climbing comes in the last 3 miles. Hut users should start early and be prepared for a long day. Narrow, short skins or Nordic kick wax is recommended for the ski around Turquoise Lake. Skiing from the Skinner Hut to Betty Bear Hut via Hagerman Pass is relatively benign, but does involve plenty of travel above treeline where wind and whiteouts can foil the best mountaineers.

Winter Hut Information PDF

Routes

Skinner Hut from Turquoise Lake Trailhead via Glacier Creek/Standard Winter Route

Total Mileage

10.8

Trailhead Elevation

9,760'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

2,678'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

816'

Route Description

Download .GPX

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Betty Bear Hut

Total Mileage

4.2

Trailhead Elevation

11,100'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

475'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

1,000'

Route Description

Download .GPX

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Uncle Bud's Hut

Total Mileage

6.3

Trailhead Elevation

11,620'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

1,823'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

2,082'

Route Description

Download .GPX

The Skinner Hut sits just off Hagerman Pass Road (FS 105) and that is the most common access during the summer. There are no established hiking trails connecting this hut. Vehicle access is never guaranteed to any hut at any time.

There is not a lot of hiking around the Skinner Hut but there are some old railroad tunnels and remnants of the old Basalt/Midland Railroad south of the hut. For a long day trip you could attempt a high alpine hike all the way to the summit of Mt. Massive.

Summer Water Source Information
Summer Hut Information PDF

Routes

Extreme 4WD High Clearance to Skinner Hut from Basalt via FS Rd 105 (aka Hagerman Pass Rd)

Route Description

Download .GPX

Extreme 4WD High Clearance to Skinner Hut from Leadville via FS Rd 105 (aka Hagerman Pass Rd)

Route Description

Download .GPX

Skinner Hut from Turquoise Lake Trailhead via Glacier Creek/Standard Winter Route

Total Mileage

10.8

Trailhead Elevation

9,760'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

2,678'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

816'

Route

Download .GPX File

Route Description

Begin at the Turquoise Lake Trailhead. Ski or walk west up the main Turquoise Lake road and continue on the main road around the lake. This well defined road gradually climbs while paralleling the north shore of the lake. At 5 miles from the trailhead you’ll hit the road’s nondescript high point (10,680 feet). Continue on the road for another 2 1/2 miles of level sections and gradual downhills past the west end of Turquoise Lake. Here you must find the start of the Glacier Creek route for Skinner Hut (which begins at the same point as the trail to Timberline Lake). For positive identification of the Glacier Creek trail, remember that the trail leaves the road at the upper north end of a curve that turns from west to south. The Glacier Creek trail is marked with blue diamonds. You’ll see a Forest Service trailhead marker after you start up the trail that indicates Timberline Lake Trail, but the marker can’t be seen from the road.

After leaving the Turquoise Lake Road, follow the Glacier Creek route as it stays in the valley for a short distance, then bears left and follows a distinct cut through the forest. Soon you’ll be on a steep climb through small clearings and timber, then break into a large clearing at 10,760 feet. This is called the Lunch Spot. Take a rest so you’re ready for the next section of trail— steep climbing ahead! Continue upvalley from the Lunch Spot across open flats. Enter the woods again at the upper end of the last clearing. From here the trail climbs steeply up the apex of the drainage, eventually reaching a small clearing at 11,400 feet. This is where the real challenge begins.

Cross the bottom end of the clearing (one at a time for possible avalanche danger), then follow a series of steep sidehill switchbacks that climb through forest to the Hagerman Pass Road at 11,600 feet. Turn left (E), ski the road a short distance, then follow a well-marked blue diamond trail a short distance to the hut. If you miss the blue diamonds the road-cut is obvious, but skiing the road will take you past the hut if you’re not careful. The Skinner Hut is located a few hundred feet north of Hagerman Pass Road at 11,620 feet. You can not see the hut from the road.

Locations of Observed or Reported Avalanche Activity: No avalanche activity has been reported along this suggested route.

Trailhead Directions

From Hwy 24 and Mountain View Drive on the north end of Leadville, drive 2.8 miles west on Mtn. View Drive to a “T” intersection. Turn north (right) and cross the East Fork of the Arkansas River. Continue N 0.5 miles to the large parking area on the right.

Transportation

Leadville Hostel/Shuttle Service

(719) 427 4888

Epic Mountain Express

(970)-754-7433

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Betty Bear Hut

Total Mileage

4.2

Trailhead Elevation

11,100'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

475'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

1,000'

Route

Download .GPX File

Route Description

HUT TO HUT distances are usually longer than from trailhead to hut. Use winter specific topographic maps. Routes between huts are not often used so may not be tracked; navigation and breaking trail may be particularly challenging.

This is the standard connection between the Skinner Hut and Betty Bear Hut. Travel the suggested route west along the ridge for 1/4 mile until you get onto Hagerman pass road and follow it as it climbs to the summit of Hagerman Pass. Take the road down the west side of the pass for 1/4 mile to 11,800 feet. Leave the road here and take a dropping traverse southest to the Hagerman Tunnel portal (11,520 feet). Follow a snow-covered road southwest then west from the portal as it traverses around the head of the drainage to an open saddle at 11,400 feet. Continue west from the saddle downhill 1 mile to Lily Pad Lake. Ski northwest along the west side of the lake, then swing west for 1/8 mile through timber to Betty Bear Hut at 11,100 feet.

Much of this route is at or above timberline. Be ready for limited visibility due to storm and wind.

Locations of Observed or Reported Avalanche Activity: No avalanche activity has been reported along this suggested route.

Transportation

Leadville Hostel/Shuttle Service

(719) 427 4888

Epic Mountain Express

(970)-754-7433

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Uncle Bud's Hut

Total Mileage

6.3

Trailhead Elevation

11,620'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

1,823'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

2,082'

Route

Download .GPX File

Route Description

For the Colorado Trail route: Follow the recommended and marked route down Glacier Creek (see above). At the 10,040-foot level in lower Glacier Creek take extra care to stick with the marked 10th Mountain route (blue diamonds). As the trail nears the creek, find the intersection of the Main Range/Colorado Trail with the Glacier Creek trail. This intersection is well marked, but many parties miss it because they don’t pay attention to map and altimeter.

Follow the Main Range/Colorado Trail as it climbs out of Glacier Creek via an easterly traverse, then climbs N and NE through timber to timberline at 11,400 feet on the south ridge of Galena Mountain. The trail descends through glades from here to 11,200 feet, then takes a more gradual descent for 1/4 mile past the south edge of a small lake. Pass this lake and climb a short hill to pass between the two Galena Lakes. From Galena Lakes ski the Main Range/Colorado Trail through a flat marshy area and climb for 1/4 mile to 11,240 feet. Swing E here through timber and make a short drop into Bud’s Gulch, the watered drainage just west of Uncle Bud’s Hut. Climb E up a short hill several hundred yards to the hut at 11,380 feet.

Use your map, compass, altimeter—and guidebook! Remember that wilderness trails are marked with tree blazes rather than blue plastic diamonds.

Locations of Observed or Reported Avalanche Activity: No avalanche activity has been reported along this suggested route.

Transportation

Leadville Hostel/Shuttle Service

(719) 427 4888

Epic Mountain Express

(970)-754-7433

Extreme 4WD High Clearance to Skinner Hut from Basalt via FS Rd 105 (aka Hagerman Pass Rd)

Route

Download .GPX File

Route Description

Extreme 4WD High Clearance Access/SKINNER HUT FROM BASALT:

Starting from the intersection of Two Rivers Road and Midland Avenue in Basalt, the drive to the Skinner Hut is approximately 47.4 miles via Frying Pan Road (CR 4) and the Hagerman Pass Road (FS Road 105).

Begin by heading northeast on Midland Avenue towards Basalt Center Circle for about 0.3 miles. The road will then continue onto Frying Pan Road (CR 4). Follow Frying Pan Road (CR 4) for approximately 32 miles, at which point the road takes a large turn and the Frying Pan Road becomes the Hagerman Pass Road (FS Road 105). The surface switches from pavement to dirt. Continue on the now dirt Hagerman Pass Road for about 10 more miles until you reach the junction of Hagerman Pass Road (FS Road 105) and Ivanhoe Lake Road (FS Road 527). Make a slight left to stay on the Hagerman Pass Road and continue for another 5.1 miles to the Skinner Hut parking.

Skinner Hut parking will be on your left. The walk from the parking and closure gate to the hut is about 50 yards, gear carts are available. Return after use unless you have booked the whole hut.

Lodging

Hampton Inn Glenwood

970-947-9400

Days Inn Carbondale

(970)963-9111

Comfort Inn Carbondale

(970) 963-8880

Element Basalt

970-340-4040

The Aspenalt

(970) 927-3191

Transportation

Epic Mountain Express

(970)-754-7433

Hut-Specific Weather

Today : Sunny, with a high near 38. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tonight : Mostly clear, with a low around 15. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday : Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night : A chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 18. West wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Monday : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 27. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Monday Night : A chance of snow showers before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. West northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tuesday : Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night : A chance of snow showers after 11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Christmas Day : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28. West wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

Wednesday Night : A chance of snow showers before 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. West northwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Thursday : A chance of snow showers after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 29. West wind around 10 mph.

Thursday Night : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. West wind around 10 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Friday : Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 25. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Friday Night : A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. West northwest wind around 15 mph. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Hide More

Weather.gov

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.

10th Mountain Huts

Privately Owned Huts

Summit Huts

Grand Huts

Alfred A Braun Hut System

Friends’ Hut

Skinner Hut

Hut Information

Owned By

Open

Winter Mileage*

Closest Town

Hut Elevation

Cumulative Elevation Gain *

Layout

Amenities

Heat

Oven

Refrigeration

Water

Toilet

Ada Accessible

Sauna

Fire Ring

Grill

Dogs

Charging

Gear Cart

Details

Book This Hut

Capacity

Price

Location

Official 10th Mountain Division Map

CalTopo

National Geographic

USFS

Trailheads/Routes

Routes

Skinner Hut from Turquoise Lake Trailhead via Glacier Creek/Standard Winter Route

Total Mileage

Trailhead Elevation

Cumulative Elevation Gain

Cumulative Elevation Loss

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Betty Bear Hut

Total Mileage

Trailhead Elevation

Cumulative Elevation Gain

Cumulative Elevation Loss

Hut to Hut/Skinner Hut to Uncle Bud's Hut

Total Mileage

Trailhead Elevation

Cumulative Elevation Gain

Cumulative Elevation Loss

Routes

Extreme 4WD High Clearance to Skinner Hut from Basalt via FS Rd 105 (aka Hagerman Pass Rd)

Extreme 4WD High Clearance to Skinner Hut from Leadville via FS Rd 105 (aka Hagerman Pass Rd)

Hut-Specific Weather

Contents

Notices

Avalanche Hazard Information

Hut Comparison

Compare Huts

Feedback

Winter Mileage^*

Cumulative Elevation Gain ^*