High Lonesome Hut from Meadow Creek Trailhead/Standard Winter Route

Total Mileage

2.5

Trailhead Elevation

9,128'

Cumulative Elevation Gain

337'

Cumulative Elevation Loss

310'

Route

Download .GPX File

Route Description

Pass around the gate beside the “High Lonesome Hut” sign and descend through the woods on the Strawberry trail to a series of meadows. After this meadow, head into the woods to a fork where the Strawberry Trail continues to the left and the Spruce Meadow Trail (no trail signage) is on the right. Take the left fork and begin a long steady climb. Follow the creek bed on the left that is filled with willows. The creek bed parallels the route and then disappears into the woods. Ascend to a fence which denotes the USFS/private property boundary. This is also the high point of the inbound trail (9302′). Pass around the fence and descend through the woods to a fork. The Strawberry Trail continues straight and Woody Hill Top is to the right (Woody Hill Top is the home of the Huck Forest mountain bike park). Continue straight on the Strawberry Trail to the next fork. The Strawberry Trail continues straight and the High Lonesome Hut is to the right. Turn right and follow the trail a short distance to the hut. (Route description from Backcountry Bound: Trail of the Week By Deborah Carr and Lou Ladrigan.)

Locations of Observed or Reported Avalanche Activity: No avalanche activity has been reported along this suggested route.

Trailhead Directions

From the I-70 Winter Park exit (exit # 232) travel approximately 42.5 miles north through Fraser to the turn off for CR 83, approximately 2.5 miles north of downtown Fraser. From Granby, travel approximately 12 miles south on US Highway 40 to the turn off for CR 83. Travel .5 miles on CR 83 before veering to the left at a Y intersection on to CR 84. Continue approximately 4 miles on CR 84 to a well signed trailhead on your left.

Parking

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle when parked at trailheads. High Lonesome Hut is not responsible for theft or vandalism to vehicles.