General Policies
ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE:
Check-in is at 1 pm, and Check out is at 11 am. Most leave before this and the arrivals usually take longer than expected. Winter time to the hut from the parking area is about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. You can make it up in less than 2 hours in the summer at a good hiking pace. Remember to bring navigation or take the road up.
CLEANING UP AND DEPARTING THE HIGH CAMP HUT:
Please leave the Hut clean. Sweep the floors, fold up and put away blankets, wipe down the kitchen and dining area, and clean and put away the dishes. Restock the wood. Turn off the propane stove. Bag up the garbage and carry it out with you. Make sure all the doors are closed. Sweep the outhouses. Leave the hut cleaner than you found it and all furniture in its original state. We rely on you and appreciate the help!
BACKCOUNTRY PREPAREDNESS:
Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. A clear, calm morning at a trailhead can turn quickly and, without warning, into heavy snow and driving winds. Hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude sickness are common problems in the mountains. Be sure you know how to prevent, recognize, and treat these potentially life-threatening conditions. Start early in the day and allow plenty of time to reach the High Camp Hut. Remember, your pace must accommodate the weakest member of your group.
SOS NEEDS:
Be sure your group has the ability to SELF-RESCUE. High Camp has no Cell Service so an Inreach, SPOT Device, or SAT phone is recommended in case of emergency. There is a SAT phone at the Hut - but DO NOT rely on this phone. You must bring your own into the backcountry.
EMERGENCIES AND FIRST AID:
Self-rescue is the responsibility of your group. Communication of any kind, even in an emergency, is not possible from the High Camp Hut. If a member of your group is injured or becomes ill on the trail or at the Hut, you cannot rely on outside help. Plan ahead and be prepared to execute a self-rescue. Your group should be equipped with first-aid supplies and have experience in emergency medical procedures. Before departing for your trip, leave the following information with a responsible friend or relative: Your automobile make and license plate number, the trailhead where you will be parking, and your exact travel plans, including dates, routes, and plans in case of emergency.
SAR CARDS:
Make sure you and at least one person in your party have a SAR card. It’s even better if everyone in your group has one. It’s a handy thing to have when you call a $25,000 helicopter. They’re 12$ for 5 years or 3$ for 1 year. Here’s the link: SARCARD (San Miguel or Dolores County)
ROAD CLOSURES:
On big storms, Lizard Head Pass can close in the winter. Be prepared for this by staying up to date on the weather as your date arrives. If we are predicted to have a big storm, we will communicate with you about how to go about arrival and departure. If in event of closure, be prepared to stay an extra day or arrive a day later depending on the storm. Talk to us with questions. CDOT website HERE
SNOWMOBILES:
We do not allow snowmobile access up to the hut. Above High Camp is the Grizzly Peak Research Natural Area that does not allow mechanized anything. We are trying to promote keeping wild - WILD. We hope you see this as a good thing. Without snow machines, you’ll definitely be alone while at the High Camp Hut and will have fields of fresh untracked snow to ski and snowshoe around :)
AVALANCHE DANGER:
There is no avalanche danger accessing the High Camp Hut. Most terrain around the Hut is easy to moderate and is not prone to avalanches. More extreme skiing is located on the north side of Sheep Mountain. Please check the weather before you depart.
POWER:
High Camp is powered via solar panels into batteries that power lights inside the cabin. We do not have sockets or the ability to charge devices. Please bring additional batteries or charging blocks if you need a battery for pictures or navigation. Turn lights off when not using and conserve power!
COOKING:
Many of the supplies to cook, bake, chop and make most meals are up there. There is a 4-burner propane stove and oven to cook food. Please try to conserve the propane. Read the instructions in the hut for how to operate.
WARMING THE HUT:
If it is necessary to make a fire, keep it small to start. Be sure the stove is getting good oxygen to start. Gradually make a hotter fire and let it burn down before bed. The Hut is well-insulated and stays warm through the night. Cutting, hauling, and stacking firewood is expensive and labor-intensive. Burn judiciously!
TOILETS:
All bathroom needs are taken care of in our beautiful outhouses (two) located just behind the hut. They are fully equipped with TP and wood chips to be put down the hole after each use. Don’t let this scare or deter you - they are very pleasant, smell great, are roomy, and have a great overall outdoor experience. Bring a book and stay awhile. :)
TRASH:
Please take it out with you. This way, we keep the animals out. We cannot take your trash, so do not leave it. We provide trash bags at the hut for your departure.
PETS:
We, unfortunately, do not allow pets. There is a massive Elk migration through our property and around the surrounding areas, and we don’t want to disturb their path with the presence of dogs. Thank you for understanding.
GUEST BOOK:
Reading and writing in the logbook is a tradition. Please share your thoughts and maybe see them as positive reviews for our website or Instagram.
FOOD:
You provide your own food. HCH has a medium-sized propane freezer and refrigerator. If you would like a fully outfitted catered trip, ask about it at reservation booking. We have basic spices up there, along with percolator pots for coffee. Whatever else you need, make sure you bring it with you. Please take everything back down with you unless it is something valuable to eat, like coffee or beer :)
WATER:
There is clean drinking water available at the hut (in jugs). In the summer, use the sink faucet and washing tubs for dishes (please conserve water) in winter, please melt snow. There’s no need to bring extra drinking water to the hut for your trip, just the hike up for personal use.
CELL PHONES:
Cell phones do not work at the cabin. Cell phones will work closer to Rico or Telluride.
FIRE PRECAUTIONS:
There are fire extinguishers and smoke alarms in the cabin. Please familiarize yourself and your group with all possible fire exits. If the fire is uncontrollable, get everybody out, with boots and clothing if possible. Report any damage, and please stay safe!
