Snow continues to fall. The very untypical, safe (for the San Juans), and very skiable snow-pack continues to build and get better and better. For those of you who know the terrain above Ridgway Hut, we skied the Cobra Chute, top-to-bottom, right down the middle, 2,000 vertical feet. The quality of the snow has never been better. It has snowed about a foot since we were there yesterday. The new solar lights at Ridgway Hut made hut living luxurious! The new sink, counters, drains, and stovetops did not hurt either. Come ski and check it all out.
The San Juan snowpack is happening! We’ve experienced a unique condition not seen since the 1996/1997 season. Due to warmer and wetter than normal snowfall conditions, an almost “Maritime/Intermountain” snowpack is developing. This means that early season snow is very skiable without the normal ski diving through TG (temperature gradient) snow. It’s also a safer pack than what is normally seen at this time of year due to the “densification” of the snowpack, which is a result of warmer temperatures and higher moisture content in the snowfalls. So come out and ski. Today starts another 4-day cycle of new snow, another couple of feet!
Our South Route, Durango – to – Moab has over 100 miles of single track and alternate routes. These trails have some of the most spectacular landscapes that is hardly captured by the photos you will bring home. This spring we will be clearing more trails and making the trails easier to find from the standard route. Check out this great link of last season’s wild riders.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=334557
Buy 3 trips at $750 and get the 4th rider for FREE for the 2008 season.
Telluride -to-Moab and Durango-to-Moab Routes.
Call or Email us and join one of the greatest adventures in Colorado.
Alright, there isn’t much snow to speak of quite yet, some in the high country and various couloirs, if you want turns they are there for those who seek them. In order to remedy this we have sacrificed a goat and a pair of skis to satisfy La Nina in hopes for a dump of snow. If you are still itchin’ to get out the huts are available for hiking and exploration. All of the hiking trails are open, accessible, and safe for late fall adventures. All ski huts have fresh paint, counters, kitchen sinks, chopped wood, and are ready for you to warm up the stove.
SJHS has installed solar panels for lighting in the Ridgway hut and plan to install two more systems this winter. We look forward to transfering all of our power usage to solar in the next few years. Colorado receives 300 days of sunshine a year which makes our hut system an ideal place to convert to solar. We feel it is important to change our fuel consumption to a renewable resource to make a difference and save the place we like to play.
Telluride Vs. Durango How are they different?
Published September 10, 2007 Uncategorized Leave a CommentHopefully this will help you figure out which ride is best for you. This is a pretty basic daily description of both trips, obviously there is a lot more than stated below. Great views abound on both rides and fun will be had by all at some point. Map and compass skills are necessary on both routes because there are not SJHS directional signs anywhere only landmarks and old road signs.
Telluride – Mostly gravel roads, some dirt roads and alternate single track options on most days. Elevation gains and drops are more moderate compared to Durango route. There is a bit more traffic on this route and less remote than Durango however still ‘out-there’. Gradual climb out of T-ride and then steep switch backs up to hut. Second day: There is a good down hill to start off and then rolling up and down hills to hut. Third day: Similar rolly ups and downs, no serious climbs. Fourth day: Again the rolly plateau roads and a descent to the hut; great views of western CO. Fifth day: A bit of a back track to get to the right road and then rolling down hills and then a seriously huge down hill into Gateway. Sixth day: Climb up canyon which is about a 1/3 of the ride and then ups and downs to the hut. Last day: Down hill all the way to Moab good alternate options. Great views.
Durango – Gravel and dirt roads which are less maintained and more rocky. Single track and double track options on most days. First day: Starting at the ski resort the roads climb up for a good 1/3 of the trip, mellows out the next 1/3 and then the last 1/3 is a steep and rocky road that switchbacks and climbs to hut. About a 3000 ft climb. Sweet view. Second day: 10 mile down hill on a rocky 4wd road then a longer gradual climb. A few switchback climbs and some rolly areas. A little less elevation gain than first day. Third day: Ups and downs to start then a good down hill and a rough 2 track road to a smoother gravel road. Mellow ups and downs to the hut. Forth day: Easier day comparatively no big climbs but now you are in the desert, it can get really hot and muddy if it rains. Fifth day: No major climbs but you are still in the desert climate, good down hill into Bedrock and then a few miles on pavement if you choose into Paradox. Sixth day: Moderate sustained climb into the La Sals not much down hill but some. Last day: Drop into Moab mostly down hill alternate options recommended. Great views.
For further questions feel free to email us. Thanks.
ATTENTION TELLURIDE TO MOAB ROUTE RIDERS: This is a new alternate route description we will put it in huts as soon as we can, but bring a copy just in case, it replaces the one we sent in your packets. Plus if anyone can send in GPS coordinates of the huts via email so we can check, confirm, and post the locations for future riders. THANKS
Alternate Routes
Day 1 – Telluride to Last Dollar Hut
Mill Creek Trail 637, take Trail 418 over to Sheep Creek/ Deep Creek junction with Last Dollar Road, continue on standard route. Consult with Paragon Sports in Telluride for trail info. Advanced Trail.
Day 2 – Last Dollar Hut to Spring Creek Hut
No alt. Be aware of potential mud situation at 62x/60x area.
Day 3 – Spring Creek Hut to Columbine Hut
Look for Runner’s Route. Trail info at hut in the box.
Day 4 – Columbine Hut to Graham Cabin Hut
Alternate Routes do not have great views in comparison to the standard route.
Day 5 – Graham Cabin Hut to Gateway Hut
Consult map on wall in hut. Option #1: Ute Creek Trail-Look for sign post (four-inch by four-inch) with sign for Ute Creek #608. Follow this to Snowshoe Trail #607 for junction with Snowshoe Trail. Go left (west), uphill at this point, and rejoin standard route. Do not continue north down into Ute Creek Canyon. Intermediate with small, short spots of advanced.Option #2: Mule Trail-Approximately 1 ½ miles after Ute Creek Trail option rejoins the standard route (#405), the Mule Trail option will be available. You will now be at the top of Pine Mountain (on the map); here is where you deviate from the Standard Route. The Standard Route goes down Casto Draw (on the map), the Alternate Route to the Mule Trail will head out left, southwest-ish, on Road 405 toward Bull Hill. Follow blue highlighted Alternate Route on your map, described in text as well. Advanced.
Day 6 – Gateway Hut to La Sal Hut
No options UP, UP and AWAY!
Day 7 – La Sal Hut to Moab
Porcupine Rim Trail to 128 (go left). Matrimony Spring on left, head left into Moab.
WARNING: Coordinates found online or from previous years may not be accurate. The huts are moved yearly due to forest service regulations so BE EXTRA CAREFUL!!!! Contact SJHS previous to your trip to find out trail conditions or any specific changes. Here are hut coordinates for the Durango to Moab route, these were acquired and sent in this 2007 season by one of our clients. To the best our knowledge they are correct, but it is wise to also use map and compass skills because you never know. If any one has Telluride-Moab coordinates please send them via email so we can check them and post.
Bolam Pass Hut – N 37* 43.176’ W107*54.479’
Black Mesa Hut – N 37*49.904’ W108*10.789’
Dry Creek Hut – N37*59.803’ W108*28.275’
Wedding Bell Hut – N38*09.591’ W108*51.420’
Top of Ketchem Up Trail – N38*18.238’ W108*52.567’
Paradox Hut –N38*22.754’ W108*56.096’
Geyser Hut – N38*29.226’ W109*12.462’
ATTENTION DURANGO TO MOAB ROUTE RIDERS: There is a bridge at Mill Creek which has been down all summer it is presently under construction. Only a few folks have mentioned the down bridge so it may be passable. However, we don’t know for sure what the situation is but are in the process of checking on the situation. Again call for updates prior to your trip.
UPDATE FROM SJHS August 21, 2007
Greetings bikers! As the hot months of summer are almost at a close The San Juan Hut System would like to thank all riders mustering the courage to experience an alternative adventure! We greatly appreciate your feedback whether gregarious, reasonable, or teetering on moody. We have taken all information and are hard at work trying to improve the experience on all aspects.
Here are some of the great quotes that you all have sent in:
“My father rocked, at 69 years old, and is ready to do it again. Being the nutter that he is, he carried all his gear on his back and was prepared for the apocalypse.” Wendy
“This was a great trip. Some days we complained about the ride, but each new day everyone was ready to ride….Cafe 141 in Gateway was a good break from our cook.” –Richard
“We would not hesitate to recommend the trip to all of our mountain biking friends, and would love the opportunity to do it again some day. We all had a great time.” –Cullen
“The eight days on my hut trip were perhaps the best eight days of my life. For a place to sleep and food for 7 days and 6 nights, the price was totally reasonable…better than lugging a tent.” –unknown Ridgway person“This is definitely not a trip for the leave hotel at 10, eat at a restaurant at 12, ride for 2 hours and then hit the mall and bar crowd. The scenery was fantastic and each hut was peaceful and has exploring you can do on bike or foot.” –unknown Coloradoan
“This is not a ride for your everyday, nonchalant rider, it is demanding and tough, and deserves to be treated as such….we had, overall, a wonderful experience with SJHS.” – Rose
San Juan Hut Systems 