10th (Tenth) Mountain Division Huts and Summit Huts Online Guidebook
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West Lake Creek Trailhead
8,220 feet
Hutski.com map: Polar Star Inn
USGS 7.5 min map: Grouse Mountain
10th Mountain Huts map: New York Mountain
GPS: 361 590 E, 43 83 621 N
Hut accessed: Polar Star Inn

Because of poor signage the drive to the West Lake Creek Trailhead is more intricate than most. Drive I-70 13 miles W from Vail or about 46 miles E from Glenwood Springs, and turn off at the Edwards Exit (Exit 163).

From the Edwards exit continue for a short distance across the Eagle River to a stop sign and T intersection with Highway 6. Turn right (W) and drive .7 miles to Lake Creek Road on the left. Drive the Lake Creek Road 1.8 miles to a well-signed Y intersection. Take a right (W) on the West Lake Creek Road and follow it 2.8 miles to a parking area where a switchback in the road makes a hard left. The Card Creek drainage trail follows a distinct snow-covered road southerly from the parking area. Four-wheel drive may be necessary to reach this trailhead.

In summer you can drive farther up this road, parking is not an issue.

 
 
 
 
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.