BENEDICT HUTS: Fritz & Fabi's

Fritz Benedict hut is aesthetic and inviting.

Fabi's Hut is located next to the Fritz.

Tucked into the wilderness above Aspen, the Benedict Huts are two beautifully crafted cabins built in 1997 to honor the late Fritz Benedict and his wife Fabi, the spiritual parents of the 10th Mountain Hut System.

It was Fritz, along with a small group of Aspenites, who first conceived of the hut system and then started it.

The Benedict Huts form a pleasing link between the McNamara Hut and Aspen, as well as providing access to a vast area of virtually untouched winter wilderness to the east of the huts.

Hut Elevation: 10,970 feet

Layout and capacity: Fritz Hut has 3 small bedrooms with double beds, 3 single beds in the main room, and 1 daybed that doubles as a couch. Capacity is 10. Fabi's has single daybeds that double as couches, a double bed in the main room, and 1 separate bedroom with a double bed. Capacity is 6 and hut must be booked by a single party.

Hut Location: Benedict Huts are located in a vast backcountry area about 5 miles southeast of Aspen, Colorado.
[locator map]

The late Fritz Benedict circa 1980.

Maps:
Official 10th Mountain, Winter: Smuggler Mountain [example]
Official 10th Mountain, Summer: hut closed
USGS Maps: Aspen and Thimble Rock Quadrangles
USFS Forest Visitor's Map: White River National Forest

Dates Open: Thanksgiving through 30 April.

Owned By: 10th Mountain Division Hut Association  Oven: Propane   Sauna: No

• Trailhead: McNamara Hut, elevation 10,360' Not a 10th Mountain suggested route. Due to Forest Service Primitive Wilderness designation, no cleared trail or trail markings are allowed in the No Name Creek drainage. The route between the McNamara and Benedict Huts is very difficult and is rarely skied in either direction. Total Mileage 8.

Summer Trail Access

• Closed in Summer

(For trailhead details, please see left-hand menu at top of page.)