About the San Juan Haute Route

 This route links all 5 of the San Juan Huts in one impressive “high” route traversing the Sneffels Range over 6 days of remote backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering.  It is best done in the spring when snow conditions stabilize. The terrain is remote, not seen by day skiers, and the views are off the charts. Skiing through the Sneffels Wilderness area in winter is colorado backcountry skiing at it’s best. Every day includes options to ski big lines, from ski mountaineering, to couloirs, to steep open faces. Make no mistake, this route is not for everyone, big days and steep lines mean this route is best suited for strong skiers that are fit and experienced route finders with expert avalanche knowledge. Sections of the ridges are exposed with fall potential and both fitness and previous ski mountaineering experience are essential.  Packs can be kept light by having San Juan Huts drop your food rations at Blue Lakes and Burn hut. Should the weather or avalanche conditions dictate, a backup plan exists via the standard route between huts known as the Sneffels Traverse. This means you don't get trapped at a hut or have to take a shuttle.  Guides are available, please contact San Juan Huts for a list of recommended guides services.  

 Once the snow has melted, this route links 4 of the San Juan Huts in one impressive “high” route from Last Dollar Pass above Telluride, CO to Ouray in 5 days of scrambling and hiking. There are many sections of loose scree with some 3rd and 4th class scrambling with fall potential. The majority of the route is off trail and initials lots scree walking and bushwacking with challenging route finding. A helmet is highly recommended on this route and many parties may even want to take a short rope along. Every day is long and can be committing.  Injury along most of this route will require long evacuation times due to the steep and remote nature of the terrain. Early starts are often necessary to beat afternoon thunderstorms which are most prevalent in July and August.  Packs can be kept light by having San Juan Huts drop your food rations at Blue Lakes and Burn huts and sleeping bags and cookware is provided at the huts . The Summer San Juan Haute Route is best for those with extensive mountaineering and hiking experience who have successfully summited many of the CO 14ners. Even for experienced mountaineers, hiring a guide is highly recommended. If the weather does not cooperate, or you want to skip sections of the Haute Route, you can still continue to the next hut using the lower elevation Sneffels Traverse trails which also provide very enjoyable hiking with some lower elevation benefits such as shorter safer days and wildflowers. The Summer San Juan Haute Route traverses exposed ridgelines, summits a 14er, and goes through the heart of the Sneffels Wilderness Area. It is as spectacular as it is challenging.