10th (Tenth) Mountain Division Huts and Summit Huts Online Guidebook
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Fowler/Hilliard Hut
ELEVATION: 11,500 feet
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see below), Shrine Mtn. Inn
GPS: 389 112 E, 43 72 189 N
Trailheads: Pando, Vail Pass, Red Cliff

USGS 7.5 min map: Pando
10th Mountain Huts map: Resolution Mountain

Fowler/Hilliard Hut
Approaching Fowler/Hilliard from the east.

Please note: Fowler Hillard hut burnt down in 2009 and was subsequently rebuilt in the same location. Most photos in this section feature the older hut.

Fowler/Hilliard Hut sits at timberline about 1/2 mile northeast of the summit of Resolution Mountain. The south windows give you marvelous views towards the Jackal Hut and some of the highest peaks in Colorado.

Up to 16 people can find bed space in the Fowler/Hilliard. It has photo-electric lighting and a roomy kitchen replete with utensils and two gas cooktops. The sleeping area is all upstairs, with communal eating and lounging downstairs. This averts "party angst" for those retiring early. Loud noise still penetrates, however, so remember your earplugs and be courteous to others if you do choose to celebrate.

Fowler/Hilliard Hut was built in 1988 with funds from over 260 people and businesses. It is a memorial to well-known Denver residents Ann Fowler and Ed Hilliard who were killed in a climbing accident on fourteener North Maroon Peak near Aspen.

More than six fine ski routes connect the Fowler/Hilliard Hut to other huts and trailheads. Intermediate level skiers will enjoy the Resolution Creek route, or they can take a slightly more direct climb on the McAllister Gulch route. The route over Shrine Mountain Ridge to Shrine Inn is long, combining forest travel with a short jaunt above timberline. Experts can enjoy a high route over Hornsilver Mountain and a less direct alternate high route that climbs over Ptarmigan Hill. For a ski south to the Jackal Hut take the Pearl Creek route suggested by 10th Mountain.

Map below connects to Shrine Mtn. Inn on the top (north), Jackal Hut on the bottom (south), and Janet's Cabin on the right (east). If you have trouble viewing this map, please try our Fowler/Hilliard Hut PDF.
 

If you love "base skiing" you can't do much better than the Fowler/Hilliard Hut. From the southeast bowl of Resolution Mountain, to the low-angled glades north of the hut, to Ptarmigan Hill — there are turns for everyone. Many groups spend one night at the Fowler/Hilliard, get a ski run the next morning, then ski on to a trailhead or another hut. You can get a few turns this way, especially if you take a more direct line down to your chosen route. But consider staying for at least two nights at the Fowler/Hilliard so you can enjoy a day of "light cruising" around the hut.

Pando Trailhead—Fowler/Hilliard Hut via McAllister Gulch
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above), Jackal Hut
TIME: 5 hours up, 3 1/2 hours down
DISTANCE: 5 1/4 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,500 feet; loss: 200 feet

This is the most direct 10th Mountain suggested route to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut. Since you pass over a high saddle, keep an eye on the weather and make an early start. Begin at the Pando Trailhead. Ski E across a bridge over the Eagle River, then 1/4 mile E and NE across Camp Hale. You'll intersect a snow-covered north/south road at the base of the mountain. Turn left (N) and ski 1/2 mile to a right turn (NE) onto the McAllister Gulch jeep trail. This is where you leave the valley (put your skins on). Follow the road as it makes a climbing traverse N, then swings NE into McAllister Gulch. At about 9,400 feet you'll encounter private property signs. These designate property on the northwest side of the road—skiers should stay on the road.

Put your head down and work a long 2 mile climb to the head of McAllister Gulch. At 10,440 feet take a right turn SE and continue slugging it out to 11,300 feet on the southwest ridge of Resolution Mountain (intersection with route 9.2). Climb the ridge crest for a short distance to 11,400 feet. Next, take a 3/4-mile climbing traverse NE then N across the west face of Resolution Mountain, ending at the 11,700-foot saddle (Resolution Saddle) on the northwest ridge. On a clear day you can see the hut from here—a welcome sight after all the work. Ski down E from the saddle and cut a short traverse that leads you to a distinct east/west cleft called the Resolution Narrows. Take care to not ski N downhill from the saddle. Continue E down Resolution Narrows to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut in a clearing at 11,500 feet. For "bonus turns," experts should consider ascending Resolution Mountain from the southwest ridge, then cutting turns down to the hut.

REVERSE ROUTE: Before you leave the hut, identify the distinct east/west cleft of Resolution Narrows climbing up the north side of Resolution Mountain. Start with climbing skins. Ski the Resolution Narrows to the 11,700-foot Resolution Saddle. Remove your skins at the saddle. Take a left (S) here and glide across the west face of Resolution Mountain to 11,400 feet on the southwest ridge. Drop down the southwest ridge 100 vertical feet, then turn right (NW), drop into McAllister Gulch, and follow the McAllister Gulch jeep trail to the Eagle River valley and Camp Hale. Ski 1/2 mile S in Camp Hale, then turn W, ski across the flats, and cross a bridge over the Eagle River to the Pando Trailhead at Highway 24.

If visibility is poor in Camp Hale you may have trouble finding the exact trailhead and bridge. In this case you can strike cross country to Highway 24, your only obstacles being the Eagle River and up to a mile of trail to break out. In midwinter you can usually find a snow bridge over the river.

SAFETY NOTES: There may be avalanche danger on the open slopes of Resolution Mountain. Beware of cornices on all the ridges. The trails out of Camp Hale are often used by snowmobilers.

SUMMER: The McAllister Gulch jeep trail is a fine hike, bike, and horse route. It connects to the Hornsilver Mountain jeep trail (see route 9.4), but does not connect to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut. To get to the hut with a bike you can portage from the 11,700-foot saddle, then down Resolution Narrows.

Pando Trailhead—Fowler/Hilliard Hut via Resolution Creek
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see below), Jackal Hut
TIME: 5 1/2 hours up, 4 hours down
DISTANCE: 6 1/2 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,500 feet; loss: 200 feet

This route to Fowler/Hilliard might have slightly easier downhill skiing than the McAllister Gulch trip detailed above. The two routes join together for the climb around Resolution Mountain. You'd have to toss a coin to decide between the Pando or Camp Hale trailheads as "best trailhead" for this route. Today we'll pick the Pando Trailhead. Park there and ski E across the main north/south Camp Hale Road, across a bridge over the Eagle River, then E and NE to intersect a snow-covered road running north/south at the base of the mountain.

To avoid snowmobile traffic do the following: Ski the north/south road at the base of the mountain N a short distance, then turn right and ski SE up through a gulch east of point 9,540 (again, this is not the main Camp Hale Road). One mile from Pando you intersect the distinct Resolution Road. Take a left (NE) and ski 2 1/2 miles up the Resolution Road to 9,960 feet.

Leave the Resolution Road here and take a left (NW) onto a marked 10th Mountain trail. The blue diamonds take you up 980 vertical feet to a 10,940-foot saddle on the southwest ridge of Resolution Mountain. Most of this trail follows a distinct trail-cut through forest. In the occasional clearing take the time to zero in on the route with your map. Climb the southwest ridge of Resolution Mountain 3/4 mile to 11,400 feet (you'll pass the intersection of route 9.1 at 11,300 feet). Next, take a 3/4-mile climbing traverse NE then N across the west face of Resolution Mountain, ending at 11,700-foot Resolution Saddle on the northwest ridge of Resolution Mountain. Ski down E from the saddle and cut a short traverse that leads you to a distinct east/west cleft called Resolution Narrows. Continue E down Resolution Narrows to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut in a clearing at 11,500 feet. In clear weather the hut is visible from Resolution Saddle. For "bonus turns" consider ascending Resolution Mountain, then cutting turns down to the hut.

REVERSE ROUTE: Before you leave the hut identify the distinct east/west cleft of Resolution Narrows climbing up the north side of Resolution Mountain. Put on your skins. Ski the Resolution Narrows to 11,700-foot Resolution Saddle. Remove your skins at the saddle. Take a left (S) here and glide across the west face of Resolution Mountain to 11,400 feet on the southwest ridge. Drop down the southwest ridge 560 vertical feet (at 11,300 feet you'll pass the right turn onto route 9.1) to a saddle at 10,950 feet. Turn left (SE) and drop down switchbacks 980 vertical feet to the distinct Resolution Road. Ski the Resolution Road SW 2 miles to Camp Hale.
For the Pando Trailhead, take a right just before you make a final short drop into the flats of Camp Hale and ski N on a road tucked in behind point 9,540. Just N of point 9,540 you'll intersect a main north/south snow-covered road. Take a left (S) here, turn W, and ski across the flats to a bridge over the Eagle River. The Pando Trailhead is several hundred feet west of the bridge.

If visibility is poor in Camp Hale you may have trouble finding the Pando Trailhead and bridge. In this event consider skiing directly across the Camp Hale flats to Highway 24: your only obstacles to this are the Eagle River and up to a mile of trail to break out. In midwinter you can usually find a snow bridge over the Eagle River.

SAFETY NOTES: There may be avalanche danger on the open slopes of Resolution Mountain. Be aware of cornices on all the ridges. The trails out of Camp Hale are used by snowmobilers.

SUMMER: This route is fine for hiking. The section of trail from Resolution Creek climbing to Resolution Mountain is a marked ski route with no path for horse or bike travel. The Resolution Road is a good bicycle route.

It's so beautiful in this area that even the outhouse becomes part of the scenery -- especially with a good sunset.



Pando Trailhead—Fowler/Hilliard Hut via Ptarmigan Hill Traverse
DIFFICULTY: Advanced
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above), Jackal Hut
TIME: 8 hours up, 6 hours down
DISTANCE: 9 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,983 feet; loss: 683 feet

This alternate route is long but quite rewarding. It includes a grand 2 mile alpine traverse with a 12,143 foot summit. From the Pando Trailhead follow the Resolution Road (see routes described above) to Ptarmigan Pass, and ascend the east ridge of Ptarmigan Hill. At the summit of Ptarmigan Hill you'll find a good view and several wooden shacks with radio and television repeaters. Descend the west face of Ptarmigan Hill to a distinct saddle at 11,580 feet. This can be a fun little ski run, but it may have difficult snow.

From the saddle follow a road-cut that contours through sparse timber around the south side of point 11,683, then leads to the 11,480-foot saddle where you converge with the Wearyman Creek route to Fowler/Hilliard Hut. Continue 1/3 mile W and SW along the ridge to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut. The hut is not visible until you top a small 40-foot high mound several hundred feet east of the hut.

One worthy variation to this trail is called the Ptarmigan Shoulder route. Instead of skiing all the way to Ptarmigan Pass, turn off the Resolution Road at 10,704 feet and ski N up the east side of an intermittent stream in a gulch. At 11,000 feet take a climbing traverse W to the ridge leading up to point 11,683. Ascend the ridge to the road that contours the southwest side of 11,683. This road is the last leg of the Ptarmigan Hill Traverse described above. The Ptarmigan Shoulder is also a fine descent route.

REVERSE ROUTE: The Ptarmigan Hill Traverse is a nice way to ski from the Fowler/Hilliard Hut back to the Pando Trailhead. From the hut follow the 10th Mountain suggested route 1/3 mile E and NE to the 11,480-foot saddle. Leave the 10th Mountain suggested route and continue on a distinct road-cut that traverses the southwest face of point 11,683, leading to the 11,580-foot saddle below the west face of Ptarmigan Hill. Ascend the west face to the summit of Ptarmigan Hill, then descend the east ridge to Ptarmigan Pass. From Ptarmigan Pass ski the Resolution Road 6 1/2 miles down Resolution Creek to Camp Hale.

SAFETY NOTES: The road that traverses around the south ridge of Ptarmigan Hill (as shown on the USGS map) is tempting, but it crosses several slide paths on the south face of Ptarmigan Hill. These paths sometimes run over the road lower down. Use proper precautions. Beware of cornices on the Ptarmigan Hill summit.

SUMMER: This is a good hike or horse ride. Super fit cyclists might enjoy it as well, but the climb to Ptarmigan Hill from Ptarmigan Pass would be a portage.

Red Cliff Trailhead—Fowler/Hilliard Hut via Hornsilver Mountain
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above)
TIME: 10 hours up, 7 hours down
DISTANCE: 9 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 3,180 feet; loss: 360 feet

This 10th Mountain suggested route includes a scenic alpine ridge run. It is long and arduous, but rewarding. Begin at the Red Cliff Trailhead. Ski up the distinct snow-covered Shrine Pass Road 2 1/2 miles to 9,000 feet. You can wax to here, but put on your skins for the climb ahead. Leave the Shrine Pass Road and turn right (S) on the well-marked and heavily traveled Wearyman Creek Road. Ski up the Wearyman Creek Road 3/4 mile to 9,280 feet. Leave the Wearyman Creek drainage here and take a hard right on a westerly climbing traverse on the Hornsilver Mountain jeep trail. This turn is fairly obvious, but take care with your map reading.

Now the real push begins. Stay on the marked 10th Mountain suggested route as it winds through timber, climbing 2 1/2 miles SW to where you intersect the west ridge of Hornsilver Mountain at 11,200 feet near timberline. From here climb the ridge E to the summit of Hornsilver Mountain, then stick to the crest of Hornsilver Ridge as you ski 1 mile SE over one small bump to a major saddle at 11,450 feet. Stay on the ridge and continue climbing SE towards the summit of Resolution Mountain. After 1/2 mile and 242 feet of climbing, you'll reach another smaller saddle at 11,700 feet (Resolution Saddle), a short distance below the summit of Resolution Mountain.

Leave the ridge here by skiing from the north side of the saddle on a short traverse E that leads you to a distinct east/west cleft (Resolution Narrows) that leads downhill E to the hut. Take care to not ski N downhill from the saddle—if you do this you'll miss Resolution Narrows and have to camp in Wearyman Creek. Ski E down Resolution Narrows to the Fowler/Hilliard Hut in a clearing at 11,500 feet. The hut is visible from Resolution Saddle and from the east slopes of Resolution Mountain. To get some "bonus turns" experts should consider ascending Resolution Mountain from the southwest ridge, then cutting turns down to the hut.

REVERSE ROUTE: To ski this route from the hut, use your map to identify the distinct east/west cleft of Resolution Narrows which climbs up the north side of Resolution Mountain. Ski Resolution Narrows to the 11,700-foot saddle on the northwest ridge of Resolution Mountain. From the saddle descend the ridge 250 vertical to another more defined saddle at 11,450 feet. Stay on the ridge and ski to the summit of Hornsilver Mountain. Drop down the west ridge of Hornsilver Mountain to 11,200 feet, then turn N and descend through forest into the Wearyman Creek drainage (you may find good downhill skiing here). At Wearyman Creek you intersect the distinct, well-used Wearyman Creek jeep trail. Ski this road downvalley 3/4 mile to the snow-covered Shrine Pass Road, which you than ski downvalley 2 1/2 miles to the Red Cliff Trailhead.

SAFETY NOTES: Take care with cornices on the Hornsilver and Resolution ridges. This is a long route with several miles of skiing near or above timberline. Thus, get an early start and be prepared for wind chill.

SUMMER: This route is a good hike or horse ride. Most cyclists will find good riding on the roads in the Wearyman Creek drainage. If you are a fit expert cyclist, explore the Hornsilver Mountain section of the route.

Fowler/Hilliard Hut to Shrine Mountain Inn via Shrine Mountain Ridge
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above), Shrine Mtn. Inn
TIME: 5 1/2 hours
DISTANCE: 6 3/4 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 930 feet; loss: 1,221 feet

This is the shortest 10th Mountain suggested route from the Fowler/Hilliard Hut to the Shrine Mountain Inn. It's a scenic challenge for those who have just reached "intermediate status" with wilderness skiing.

From the front steps of the Fowler/Hilliard Hut ski several hundred feet NE through sparse timber, then drop a short distance to a timbered saddle at 11,480 feet. From here follow a distinct snow-covered logging road down into the Wearyman Creek drainage. Novice downhillers can relax on the low-angled switchbacks of this road. Experts can ski the glades between the switchbacks. In either case, be sure you are on the road when it makes a last switchback at 11,240 feet, then heads E and NE on a low-angled traverse 1 1/2 miles to road's end at 10,880 feet. Leave the road here and continue NE on a marked 10th Mountain trail that descends through dense timber to a small clearing in the creek bottom at 10,830 feet. Continue NE through the clearing, then climb a steep 150 vertical foot hill up into the elongated park at 11,000 feet.

Cross to the north side of the park, put your skins on, and climb E then NW to 11,700 feet (timberline) on the west face of Shrine Mountain Ridge. Next, take a strict traverse 1 1/2 miles across the west face to Shrine Mountain Saddle (11,740 feet, the saddle just southeast of Shrine Mountain). This traverse passes through sparse timber and clearings at timberline. At the north end of Shrine Mountain Saddle, use your map and compass to get your exact travel direction. Next, you should look at the cornices and develop a safe strategy for egress from the saddle. Drop down the northeast side of the saddle, and immediately you'll find an obvious trough. On the east side of this trough you'll find the marked 10th Mountain suggested route. The blue diamonds take you along the east side of the trough for several hundred yards, then 1 mile NE to the Shrine Mountain Inn.

SAFETY NOTES: This route includes almost 2 miles of timberline travel, where wind chill can make you wish for the sauna at the Inn, and poor visibility can break the best navigator. On the northeast side of Shrine Mountain Saddle take care to avoid any threatening wind-loaded slopes under the cornices. This is done by remaining on the small ridge east of the aforementioned trough.

SUMMER: Enjoy this as a fine hike. A short section of trail connecting Wearyman Creek with the logging road to the southwest is just a marked route through the forest with no real path. Cyclists will enjoy all the roads in the area. Shrine Mountain Ridge is too high and rough for equestrian traffic, but the roads and "real" trails in the area are fine horse routes.

Fowler/Hilliard Hut to Shrine Mountain Inn via Wearyman Creek Jeep Trail and Shrine Pass Road
DIFFICULTY: Advanced
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above), Shrine Mtn. Inn
TIME: 13 hours
DISTANCE: 14 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 2,379 feet; loss: 2,670 feet

A storm howls at the Fowler/Hilliard Hut—you must ski to the Shrine Mountain Inn. The bleak option of timberline travel on Hornsilver Mountain or Shrine Ridge is pushing you into a funk. What do you do? Use this alternate route. It's long and indirect, but safe in a storm (it's rated Advanced because of it's length).

Take 10th Mountain suggested route northeast to the elongated park (11,000 feet) at the head of Wearyman Creek. Leave the comforting blue diamonds here and ski to the far west end of the elongated park, where you'll find the distinct cut of the Wearyman Creek Road. Ski this road 4 miles down the valley to the Shrine Pass Road (9,000 feet). In general, you turn E on the Shrine Pass Road and ski the road 5 miles upvalley to Shrine Pass. In detail: At 4 miles (from 9,000 feet) in a large clear area (10,320 feet) you hit the only switchback on the road. In poor weather it is possible to lose the road here, especially with high winds. Just remember that the road leaves the gut of the drainage and climbs E through the clearing (staying on the north side of the drainage). The important thing is to find the road as it re-enters timber at the east end of the clearing.

Just 1/4 mile into the timber (10,660 feet) you'll pass the left turnoff of the Lime Creek Road. Stay on the Shrine Pass Road and continue E then SE through light timber to Shrine Pass, a nondescript flat clearing that forms the divide between Turkey Creek and West Tenmile Creek. Ski to the east end of the Shrine Pass clearing. Look for a White River National Forest sign facing east. Ski W from this sign several hundred yards across a clear area and enter a conifer forest at a red stock gate. Follow an obvious road-cut through the forest 1/4 mile S to the Shrine Mountain Inn. The large inn is visible from several hundred feet down the road. You cannot see it from Shrine Pass.

SAFETY NOTES: Don't let the ease of following this road lull you into complacent route-finding—use your skills. The Shrine Pass Road is heavily used by snowmobiles, so keep your eyes and ears open, and be courteous.

SUMMER: This route is a fine horse ride or hike. Cyclists will enjoy the Wearyman Creek Road. To do the whole route on a bike, you'd have to portage the short section of 10th Mountain marked trail that connects SW from the elongated park to the upper road.

Fowler/Hilliard Hut to Janet's Cabin via Wilder Gulch and upper Stafford Creek
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAPS: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above), Janet's Cabin
TIME: 9 hours
DISTANCE: 8 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 968 feet; loss: 858 feet

Use this route for the most direct trip to Janet's Cabin from the Fowler/Hilliard. It's a long unmarked trail that passes through several drainages and thus has some tricky navigation. As an alternative, drop to Vail Pass from Wilder Gulch, car shuttle to Copper Mountain Resort, then follow Guller Creek to Janet's.

From Fowler Hilliard Hut ski the snow covered Wearyman Creek Road down to the 11,080-foot level in upper Wearyman Creek (for details see Shrine Ridge route described above). Climb moderate terrain southeast for 1/2 mile to the saddle between Wearyman Creek and Wilder Gulch. Ski down Wilder Gulch to about 10,700 feet, then take an easterly climbing contour out of Wilder Gulch. After a half mile or so of skiing you'll hit the marked 10th Mountain trail that heads in a southerly direction to Janet's cabin. See Janet's Cabin section for the rest of the route, which climbs to timberline at the head of Smith Gulch then skirts timberline for another 3 miles to Janet's cabin.

SAFETY NOTES: Because much of this trail passes through open areas, do not depend on trail markers. Much of the terrain above timberline is exposed to avalanches. The correct trail avoids avalanche hazard by dipping in and out of the trees. But since the exact trail can be hard to find, skiers on this route should know how to identify avalanche hazard. Be prepared for extreme weather and know your escape routes.

SUMMER: This is a good alpine hike. Lack of trail tread makes the route unsuitable for bicycles and horses.

 

Fowler/Hilliard Hut to Jackal Hut via Pearl Creek
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above)
TIME: Long day
DISTANCE: 8 miles
ELEVATION CHANGE: 2,238 feet gain, 2,078 loss

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: From Fowler/Hilliard, reverse the Resolution Creek route described above. At 9,680 feet on the Resolution Road, leave the Resolution road and follow the Pearl Creek route to Jackal Hut. See Jackal Hut webpage (use menus above) and map for details.


Fowler/Hilliard Hut Regional Skiing

Resolution Mountain from Fowler/Hilliard Hut
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate/Expert
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above)
TIME: Several hours or more
DISTANCE: 3/4 mile
ELEVATION GAIN: 405 feet

Rising to the southwest of the Fowler/Hilliard Hut, Resolution Mountain is the only alpine terrain close to the hut. Skiing from the summit, you can find runs at almost all points of the compass. Beware of cornices, especially to the north and east of the summit. The wind can make poor snow conditions in the summit area, so explore lower down if you have trouble making turns.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION: To climb to the summit of Resolution Mountain, simply follow the northeast ridge from the Fowler/Hilliard Hut. Be careful with the cornices. One of the finest expert runs is a 1,000 vertical foot drop into Resolution Bowl (the bowl below the hut). The bottom portion of this bowl has quite a bit of brush, and the snow can be poor. You're better off skiing the bowl part way down, then skinning back up to the hut. If the southeast slopes have breakable crust, move around to the west or north.

SAFETY NOTES: Any of the open slopes on Resolution Mountain are potential slide areas. If you lack avalanche safety skills, stick to the glade skiing north of the hut.

SUMMER: The short walk to the summit of Resolution Mountain is a fine hike. It's a bit steep for all but the "extreme equestrian." Cyclists should leave their rigs at the hut.

Ptarmigan Hill from the Fowler/Hilliard Hut
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above)
TIME: 3 1/2 hours round trip
DISTANCE: 4 miles round trip
ELEVATION GAIN: 683 feet round trip

Many skiers would rather explore the peaks than practice their turns. If you feel that way, do this tour.

The route is simple—it follows the ridge leading E from the hut 2 miles to the summit of Ptarmigan Hill. For details see map, and routes described above

SAFETY NOTES: Remember that this route is mostly at or above timberline. Avalanche danger may be present, as well as difficult snow.

SUMMER: This is a fine hike. Horses and cyclists should stick to the road that traverses along the south side of the ridge and intersects the Resolution Road at 11,360 feet.

Wearyman Glades
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate
HUTSKI.COM FREE MAP: Fowler/Hilliard Hut (see above)
TIME: several hours to half day
DISTANCE: Varies
ELEVATION GAIN: Varies


All abilities will find good powder skiing in the glades down the hill northeast of the Fowler/Hilliard hut. Ski in such a way as to intersect the lower switchback of the logging road and marked 10th Mountain route which ascends to the hut from the Wearyman Creek drainage (routes 9.5 and 8.4), then follow the logging road back up to the hut. You can also find good glade skiing between the switchbacks on the logging road. If you have skins, it is most efficient to cut the switchbacks on the climb back up. Another good bet for intermediate and advanced skiers are the slopes of Ptarmigan Hill (see routes above).

SAFETY NOTES: Though these routes are close to the hut, bring your pack with first-aid, extra clothing, etc. If someone is injured while skiing, you need enough gear to take care of them and yourself.

SUMMER: This is a winter ski route.



 
 
 
 
This book goes great with our maps, highly recommended for any hut skier.
 
   
   
 
 
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Please note: The information in this website is based on the experience and research of the site owners and their sources, may not be accurate, and might not be perceived as accurate by other persons. Therefore, extreme care should be taken when following any of the backcountry skiing 10th Mountain Huts, Summit Huts and Braun Huts routes described in this website. This website is not intended to be instructional but rather is a guide for backcountry users who already have the requisite training, experience, and knowledge for the activities they choose. An advanced level of expertise and physical conditioning is necessary for even the "easiest" of the routes and activities described herein. Proper clothing and equipment is essential. Failure to have the necessary knowledge, equipment, and conditioning will subject you to physical danger, injury, or death. Some backcountry skiing routes for 10th Mountain Huts, Summit Huts and Braun Huts have changed and others will change; avalanche hazards may have expanded or new hazards may have formed since this website's publication.

Mission statement: The mission of HutSki.com is to provide backcountry skiers and other Colorado hut users with a complete set of high quality free topo maps, plentiful how-to information, and brief route descriptions that include alternate routes as well as standard trails.