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.

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