PLANNING YOUR VISIT
High Camp is a special place—one that’s hard to describe but unforgettable once you arrive. We hope the information provided will inspire you to book a stay with us.
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Driving
High Camp Hut is just 15 miles southwest of Telluride, Colorado.
Summer Parking:
Turn onto a small dirt road (Forest Service Rd 204.A) on the east side of Highway 145, two miles from Lizard Head Pass going towards Rico. GPS coordinates: 37.7955N 107.93333W. A small dirt pull-off area is available. Please park on the dirt instead of the grass, so the grass can stay green!Winter Parking:
Park at the Cross Mountain Trailhead pull-off on Lizard Head Pass, just past the summer parking road. GPS coordinates: 37.79639N 107.9361W From there, cross the road to access the packed snow trail leading to the cabin.Flying
Nearest Airports:
The most convenient (and usually least expensive) airport to fly into is Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). Located 78 miles away, it is about a two hour drive to the parking area for High Camp Hut.Other options are Durango- La Plata County Airport (107 miles , 2.25 hour drive), Albuquerque International Airport (300 miles, 5 hour drive) and Denver International Airport (375 miles, 7 hour drive)
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From the parking area, it’s a breathtaking 2.5-mile hike or ski to the cabin, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation. You’ll pass through meadows with stunning mountain views and wander through fragrant spruce forests, arriving at High Camp in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
We welcome you any time after 1:00 p.m. and look forward to showing you around your home away from home. Staying at least two nights is ideal, but three to four nights gives you time to fully settle in, explore the trails that will take you to the high alpine above and to enjoy the amazing beauty of sunrise and sunset on the peaks.
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For those wanting to lighten their load, we offer a gear hauling service:
* This service is especially helpful for groups traveling with small children or staying multiple nights!Gear Haul In: $200 per group (1:00 p.m. meet-up at parking area)
Gear Haul Out: $300 per group (11:00 a.m. departure from the hut)
Please sign up when you make a reservation or let us know at least two weeks advance of your stay. However, if you have additional questions or concerns please contact us directly.
Our Can-Am Defender can typically accommodate all the necessary gear for at least 12 people. Please pack in soft-sided duffle bags or backpacks, keeping individual bags under 40 lbs. Insulated bags and sturdy boxes work well for food storage. -
We’ve compiled a Packing List for both summer and winter visits to ensure you don’t forget anything.
SUMMER
To keep our beds as clean as possible, PLEASE bring your own sleeping bag, sheet, and pillowcase (Mattress cover provided). Please note that if our sheets are used we will need to charge a fee for laundry!
Towel/Swimwear for hot tub
Headlamp or flashlight (for using outhouse at night, etc.)
Diverse range of clothing for sun, rain, and snow (temps can range from 20-75 degrees in the summer). You can expect to see anything from sun to wind, to rain or snow at 12,000 feet.
Toiletries
Proper footwear
Food (Water is provided)
Daypack, Water bottle or hydration pack
Earplugs for sleeping
First Aid Supplies
Bug spray, sunscreen, lip balm
Sat phone or alternative form of communication in case of emergency
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CANDLES (LED Candles are provided)
WINTER
To keep our beds as clean as possible, PLEASE bring your own sleeping bag, sheet, and pillowcase (Mattress cover provided). Please note that our sheets are used we will need to charge a fee for laundry!
Towel/Swimsuit for sauna
Headlamp or flashlight (for using outhouse at night, etc.)
Diverse range of clothing for sun, wind, and snow (temps can range from -40 to 50 degrees in the winter). You can expect to see anything from sun to wind to snow at 12,000 feet. It is also nice to have some loungewear in the cabin. Be sure to bring warm coat, layers, warm hat and gloves/mittens
Toiletries (no running water in winter)
Avalanche gear if exploring beyond the hut (Shovel, beacon, probe)
Proper footwear, including a pair of booties or slippers for inside the cabin
Food (Water is provided)
Daypack, Water bottle or hydration pack
Earplugs for sleeping
First Aid Supplies
Sat phone or alternative form of communication in case of emergency
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CANDLES (LED Candles are provided)
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Our well-equipped kitchen includes a variety of pots, pans, utensils, and both paper and ceramic dishware. A 4-burner stove, oven, and propane grill are available for meal prep. Pre-prepared meals make for easier cleanup, but if you prefer fresh cooking, you’ll find most everything you need to prepare your meals.
Water:
Summer: Water is sourced from a spring, filtered and stored in 5-gallon jugs.
Winter: Drinking water is hauled in from Rico, and guests should melt snow for dishwashing.
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Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring layers, a wool hat, and gloves even in summer! The high-altitude sun is intense, so sunscreen is a must!
Summer: Be prepared for occasional hail or snow, even in warm months.
Winter: Wind chill can be extreme, so dress warmly for outdoor adventures.
Road Closures: CDOT crews work hard to keep roads open. If a rare closure occurs, we’ll try to contact you before your arrival. If you’re already at the hut, and it has snowed more than 2 feet, relax and stay put until we arrive with updates.
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*Because there is no cell service or internet at High Camp it helps if one person in your group has a backcountry communication device like a SAT phone, InReach or Spot in case of emergency.
* There is a first aid kit in the lodge with basic supplies like band-aids, ointments, and over-the-counter meds like Aspirin or Tylenol. If you plan on skiing or hiking away from The Hut we recommend that you bring your own first aid kit.
* When at altitude, it is good to stay hydrated; bringing electrolyte powder packets helps you drink more. If you feel like you are having altitude sickness, we have a pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen levels. At 11,000 feet it is common to have oxygen levels of 93-92. YOU MUST SEEK LOWER ELEVATIONS IF YOUR OXYGEN LEVEL IS BELOW 87. The easiest way to treat low oxygen levels is to go down to lower elevations immediately! We have small cans of Boost oxygen if you have a slight headache or are having trouble catching your breath.
* To avoid hypothermia or frostbite, you need to make sure you stay dry and hydrated. It is always colder at High Camp than in Telluride or Rico. Bring extra gloves and warm layers.
*Consider buying a Backcountry Search and Rescue Card. (BSAR) When you buy the card, you are helping to support Colorado’s Search and Rescue teams. The Card helps to cover costs in case of an emergency.
We can’t say it enough - Safety First, be careful, and avoid accidents.
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FIRE SAFETY: Fire extinguishers are located throughout the hut and sauna along with fire blankets. A fire ladder can be found on the back deck of the second floor if you can’t get down from the second floor. There are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms and the main cabin.
Liability Waiver: It is extremely important that before you arrive you have signed our liability waiver linked below.
Before you leave for this unique adventure please share with a friend or relative about your trip details, including license plate #, parking lot location and planned routes. You can also give them our phone numbers in case of emergency. Cindy Farny 970-708-3786. Beware that it takes at least 1.5 hours to get to the hut from Telluride to deliver the message.
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We all love our dogs, but we kindly ask that you please leave your dog at home or with a friend. You will enjoy seeing more wildlife if your dog is not with you. Thanks for your understanding.
Due to the possibility of a fire in High Camp Hut, we have battery operated LED candles. This ensures there are no open flames in the lodge. If you need to smoke, please do so outside and deposit the finished butt in our ash can.
Since this is a quiet use area, we request that you leave your motorized toys at home. The stillness you can experience at High Camp will help bring you into the present.
High Camp Hut is an escape from electronics. Please bring only devices that can capture your memories and the beauty of this simply amazing place!
When leaving the cabin your efforts to leave High Camp Hut cleaner than you found it are appreciated. When we have guests leaving and arriving on the same day, turn arounds can be tight. Thank you!
Please don’t forget to tip your gear haulers and cleaners. It puts a smile on their faces!
We can’t wait to welcome you to High Camp, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of the mountains!
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