The Skinner Hut

Skinner Hut winter

Owned by 10th Mountain, Skinner Hut breaks from common design by having only one story. The Continental Divide is close by, as are plenty of other options for high routes and ski descents. A superb view from the hut's east windows includes the 14,036-foot summit of Mount Sherman in the Mosquito Mountains east of Leadville. Skinner Hut is named in honor of William Wood Skinner, 10th Mountain Division veteran. Funding was donated by Skinner's sister Elizabeth Guenzel, with construction completed in 1990.

Because of steep terrain and possible avalanche danger, no route to the Skinner Hut is moderate. Indeed, more than one party has realized that the hut's name comes close to that of an essential piece of equipment for every route to the hut: climbing skins. The Glacier Creek route is the most popular ascent to the Skinner Hut, but involves an extremely steep climb and descent. Busk Creek has easier skiing, but involves more route-finding and distance. Skiing from the Skinner Hut to Betty Bear Hut via Hagerman Pass is relatively benign, but does involve plenty of travel above treeline where wind and whiteouts can foil the best mountaineers.

Layout and capacity: Single-level hut with five distinct sleeping areas. 3 small rooms with double beds, additional 10 beds in communal sleeping area and seating cushions adjacent to heat stove can accommodate up to four people. Capacity 16 people. The Skinner Hut is handicap accessible during the summer season, please call for more details.

Hut Location: Perched at 11,620' on the east side of Hagerman Pass near the town of Leadville, Skinner Hut is the second highest 10th Mountain Division Hut. [locator map]

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

Maps:

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

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

The main winter route into the Skinner Hut follows FS 104 all the way around Turquoise Lake to its west end. From there it follows a marked ski trail up Glacier Creek to the hut. This is the longest ski in to any of our huts and much of the climbing comes in the last 3 miles. Hut users should start early and be prepared for a long day.

Winter Trail Access

  • Trailhead: Turquoise Lake, Elevation: 9,760' Route: Via FS 104 and 10th Mountain marked ski trail. Full Route Description Total Mileage: 10.6
  • Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, Elevation: 11,380' Route: The Colorado Trail and 10th Mountain marked ski trail Full Route Description Total Mileage: 7
  • Trailhead: Betty Bear Hut, Elevation: 11,100' Route: 10th Mountain marked ski trail and Hagerman Pass Full Route Description Total Mileage: 4.4

The Skinner Hut sits just off Hagerman Pass Road (FS 105) and that is the most common access during the summer. There are no established hiking trails connecting this hut. Vehicle access is never guaranteed to any hut at any time.

There is not a lot of hiking around the Skinner Hut but there are some old railroad tunnels and remnants of the old Basalt/Midland Railroad south of the hut. For a long day trip you could attempt a high alpine hike all the way to the summit of Mt. Massive.

Click here for summer water source information

Summer Trail Access

  • Trailhead: Turquoise Lake,, Elevation: 9,760' Route: Via FS 104 and FS 105, Total Mileage: 14.5
  • Trailhead: South Turquoise Lake, Elevation: 10,220' Route: Via FS 105, Total Mileage: 6.9
  • Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, Elevation: 11,380' Route: Via FS 107, FS 104 and FS 105 Total Mileage: 17.7
  • Trailhead: Uncle Bud's Hut, Elevation: 11,380' Route: Via Colorado Trail, FS 104 and FS 105 Total Mileage: 13.2
  • Trailhead: Betty Bear Hut, Elevation: 11,100' Route: Via FS 527 and FS 105 Total Mileage: 10.1