From the Ski Cooper parking lot, find the start of the Nordic trail system at the northeast corner of the lot next to the Nordic Center building. Follow the maintained Nordic trail NE along a water ditch that traverses into Piney Gulch. At 3/4 mile from the Nordic Center the gulch splits (10,520 feet). Leave the Nordic trail system here and ski up the left fork of the gulch for 1/4 mile to a large clearing (10,660 feet).
Climb NW up through the clearing to the north end of the saddle north of point 10,963. At the saddle use your map and compass to identify the slopes of Taylor Hill. Climb E for a short distance, then swing back N and make a long 1/2-mile traverse along the west face of Taylor Hill. At 11,160 feet, just to the east of the hut, you enter an open area. Turn left here and descend 1/4 mile to Vance's Cabin. Some structures around the cabin are visible from several hundred yards.