SKINNER HUT

Skinner hut is one of the hardest 10th huts to reach.

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.

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. 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.

Hut Elevation: 11,620'

Layout and capacity: 3 small rooms with double beds, additional 10 beds in communal sleeping area. Capacity 16 people.

Hut Location: Perched at timberline on the east side of Hagerman Pass near the town of Leadville, Skinner Hut is the second highest 10th Mountain hut. [locator map]

Maps:
Official 10th Mountain, Winter: Continental Divide, also on Upper Fryingpan [example]
Official 10th Mountain, Summer: Leadville, also shown on Aspen
USGS Map: Homestake Reservoir Quadrangle
USFS Forest Visitor's Map: San Isabel National Forest

Dates Open: Summer, 1 July through 30 September. Winter, Thanksgiving through 30 April.

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

Winter Trail Access

• Trailhead: Turquoise Lake, elevation 9,760' Route: F.S. road 104, Glacier Creek Trail to the hut, Total Mileage 10.6

• Trailhead: Betty Bear Hut, elevation 11,100' Route: Via Hagerman Pass, Total Mileage 4.4

• Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, elevation 11,380' Route: Via Colorado Trail, Glacier Creek Trail to the hut, Total Mileage 7

Summer Trail Access         [click here for summer water source information]

• Trailhead: South Turquoise Lake, elevation 10,220' Route: F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 6.9

• Trailhead: Turquoise Lake, elevation 9,760' Route: F.S. road 104, F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 14.5

• Trailhead: West Turquoise Lake, elevation 10,030' Route: F.S. road 104, F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 9.2

• Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, elevation 11,380' Route: Colorado Trail, F.S. road 104, F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 13.2

• Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, elevation 11,380' Route: F.S. road 107, F.S. road 104, F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 17.7

• Trailhead: Betty Bear Hut, elevation 11,100' Route: F.S. road 527, F.S. road 105 to the hut, Total Mileage 10.9

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