Eiseman Hut

Eiseman Hut winter
©Craig Hoffman Photography

The rugged peaks of Colorado's Gore Range backdrop the Eiseman Hut, 10th Mountain's most alpine hostel. Indeed, terrain rules this amazing location: out of the hut door is arguably the best skiing of any 10th hut, and farther afield, tall Colorado alps entice with glistening faces and snow filled couloirs. On top of that, the hut boasts a stunning and unique view of the Vail resort ski slopes.

Built in summer of 1996, Eiseman Hut was funded by Dr. Ben Eiseman and a number of charitable foundations.

Layout and capacity: Single-level hut with five distinct sleeping areas. 2 private bedrooms with double beds, 10 single beds and 1 double bed in a communal sleeping area, and seating cushions around the heat stove can accommodate five people Capacity 16.

Hut Location: The Eiseman Hut is north of Interstate Highway 70, about 7 miles north of Vail resort at 11,180'.[locator map]

  • More Info
  • Winter Routes & Trailheads
  • Summer Routes & Trailheads

Maps:

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

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

The main winter route into the Eiseman Hut follows Spraddle Creek and the Middle Creek into the hut. It is one of the more challenging routes in the system because of length and elevation gain but it more than makes up for it with its seclusion and beauty.

Snowmobile Restrictions: The White River National Forest Travel Management Plan is now being implemented and includes snowmobile restrictions on the Red Sandstone Creek Road, commonly used to get to the Eiseman Hut. Please review the restrictions (that may include substantial fines) in that area prior to your trip by visiting the WRNF Travel Management Implementation website. On the website you can download a Winter Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUMs). These free maps and other information about motorized restrictions in the area are also available at the following location:

  • Holy Cross Forest Service Ranger District, 970-827-5715
    24747 US Highway 24,Minturn CO 81645
The non-motorized boundary now starts about 5 miles from the hut, where you will be able to turn your snowmobile around and park, before skiing or snowshoeing to the hut. There may or may not currently be a sign at this location, but restrictions apply regardless of the absence or presence of signs. Please pack accordingly and thanks in advance for your compliance.

Winter Trail Access

The main summer access to the Eiseman Hut is via Red Sandstone Creek road. Motorized vehicle parking is approximately 1/4 mile from the hut. There are no established summer hiking trails to this hut.Vehicle access is never guaranteed to any hut at any time.

For day trips you can hike up the ridge behind the hut or bring a mountain bike and explore the countless FS roads in the area.

Click here for summer water source information

Summer Trail Access

  • Trailhead: Red Sandstone Creek, Elevation: 8,620' Route: Via F.S. road 700, F.S. road 786, F.S. road 719 to the hut Total Mileage: 9.5
  • Trailhead: Eiseman Hut Elevation: 11,180' Route: Downhill Biking or Hiking Route: F.S. road 719, F.S. road 786, F.S. road 700, F.S. road 734, F.S. road 787 to Bueffer Creek Trailhead Total Mileage: 15.3