What is a yurt?
Yurts are portable shelters, historically used by nomads in central Asia.
The modern, western version is made of a wooden frame with canvas
covering, built on a wooden deck. When furnished with a wood stove,
they are comfortable and warm. Read more about yurts and their history
here.
What are yurt accommodations like?
All of the yurts are carpeted and insulated. Each is furnished with a wood
stove, firewood, propane cook stoves and lanterns, counter space with a
sink, and cooking and washing utensils, plus tables, chairs, beds, cots, and
foam sleeping pads. There is a comfortable out-yurt at each location.
The Rambouillet Yurt and the Colorado Trail Friends Yurt are 20 feet in
diameter and sleep up to 8 skiers. The Jon Wilson Memorial Yurt and the
Fawn Lakes Yurt are 16 feet in diameter and sleep up to 6 skiers.
Can I arrange for a guide or for sherpa services?
The Hinsdale Haute Route provides guide services to all our yurts. Please
call us to reserve the use of these services and for current availability.
Other local guide services are available from San Juan Mountain Bikes,
located in Lake City. They call be reached at 970-944-2274.
How safe are the routes?
Though generally free of major avalanche dangers, avalanche safety skills
are necessary. The skills and judgment of experienced, advanced to expert
back county skiers are required for safe travel to our more remote yurts.
You should come prepared to bivouac in case of emergency conditions.
Rescue, as in all remote mountain areas, is many hours away.
For the most current avalanche conditions visit the Colorado Avalanche
Information Center and for the current local conditions contact Hinsdale
For Medical emergencies or Search and Rescue contact the Hinsdale
County Sheriff (24 hours) at 911.
Who are you?
The Hinsdale Haute Route operates in cooperation with and under special
use permits from Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison District, and the Rio
Grande National Forest, Divide District and the BLM Montrose District.
Hinsdale Haute Route is an Equal Opportunity Provider.
Hinsdale Haute Route is a grassroots all volunteer organization and a
Colorado Nonprofit Corporation.
