Route Description

Begin at the Turquoise Lake Trailhead. Ski west up a main snow-covered road. At about 3 1/2 miles from the trailhead (exact distance depending on where you parked) leave the main road by turning right (N) onto a well-defined road-cut. There is a stake here with the road number 107, but this may be covered by snow. All the following mileages are measured from this turn.

Put your skins on and follow Road 107 as it climbs N through conifer. If you notice, just 1/4 mile after turning from the main road you’ll pass an intersection at 10,570 feet. Be sure to stay north on Road 107 here. It can be all too easy, especially on an overcast day, to lose your bearings. At 1/2 mile from the main road you’ll pass under a power line at 10,730 feet. This is a good landmark and altimeter calibration point. After the power line the road climbs N a short distance, swings W for about 1/3 mile, then makes a short steep climb N several hundred feet to a mining area in some flats (11,000 feet). Stay on the road in this area, as several dangerous open shafts may be hidden by snow. Though most mine evidence will be obscured by snow, you’ll see lots of unnatural looking mounds and some wood ruins.

Ski W on Road 107 through the mining area, then begin a climb NW for 1/2 mile (still on the road) to a clearing at 11,280 feet. The road to this point follows the ridge between St. Kevin Creek and Turquoise Lake, so as long as you’re climbing you’re on the route. At the 11,280-foot clearing the 10th Mountain suggested route leaves Road 107 and takes a climbing traverse another 1/4 mile NW to Uncle Bud’s Hut (11,380 feet) at the top end of the clearing. The hut is visible from several hundred yards below. The possible mistake here would be to stay on Road 107 and traverse below the hut. You can see the hut from Road 107, so keep looking uphill for it. If in doubt use your GPS as you get close.

Trailhead Directions

Transportation