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Årestua Hut
September 14, 2024
2024-2025 Season Updates
DO NOT GET LOCKED OUT OF THE HUT THIS WINTER! Hut access has changed substantially in 2024. We installed bearproof shutters and combination locks on the door. See below for access instructions.
Wall repairs at the Årestua hut are complete. The Colorado Mountain Club, Boulder Group, has fronted the $$$ to hire Black Roofing to repair the siding, so that the hut can be opened for public use again, but we desperately need your financial support. Photos from past years are here to inspire your generous donation to the siding replacement project.
The hut has for decades been open for day visitors and overnight use all year long. Drop in daytime visitors are welcome to eat lunch on the deck or warm up by the stove, while being respectful of those staying overnight. With Colorado’s current population, advance coordination of your intended visit will be required. See the information below about the calendar and overnight use. For overnight use multiple party “reservations” (up to seven total overnight) are allowed and expected. All overnight guests must sign a CMC liability waiver prior to their trip.
If you do not reserve the entire hut, you should expect others to spend the night, if you know their plans or not.
Regardless of your “reservation”, if unexpected guests show up injured or even just tired late in the day, be gracious and welcoming. Rocky Mt. Rescue has never needed to save hut visitors from sleeping on the floor. The reservation calendar is intended to manage user numbers, but a crowded night with new friends is always better than having your entitlement result in RMR snowmobiling in after dark during a snowstorm to rescue someone off the trail.
Please respect other groups and be civil to all visitors in this remote and isolated location.
Quiet hours are 10pm - 7am. Please do not use devices or engage in unrestful activities during that time. There is no private space inside the Arestua.
See below for information about parking your car and accessing the hut.
Upcoming Events
Please attend the annual autumn woodcutting party to prepare firewood and ready the hut for use through the following year. Contact the Hut Committee for information.
Each year there are work days dedicated to hut upkeep projects. Check back in early summer for dates, and please join us!
Repairing the siding at the Hut: Completed in September 2024
Annual Woodcutting Party: Split & stack wood for winter, plus other projects.
About the Hut
Årestua hut is owned and administered by the Boulder Group of the Colorado Mountain Club (cabins@cmcboulder.org) under special use permit with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder Ranger District.
The Boulder Group built the Årestua Hut (aka Guinn Mountain Hut) in 1969), a cozy and secluded relative of the better‐known Brainard Lake Cabin. Årestua Hut is located at 11,000 feet on the north side of Guinn Mountain, providing winter shelter for Nordic skiers, backcountry skiers, and snowshoers. The area has breathtaking views of the Front Range and the high plains. For documentation of the history, see “Årestua – a Norwegian style farm cabin ‐‐ situated high in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.”
Donations
The hut is solely maintained and funded by volunteers (— YOU ! —). The suggested donation per day to cover routine maintenance and supplies is: Day Use $TBD per person, Overnight $TBD per person. Hiring a contractor for the siding project, so that the cabin could be open this winter, cost over $64,000. Please consider donating!
Or, you can donate with:
Checks: made out to "Boulder CMC"
Put ‘Årestua Hut' in memo line to ensure your donation goes toward the hut
Cash: use the secure donations box at the hut
Fundraising Campaigns
Replacing the siding at the hut: Ongoing. We are currently fundraising to pay for replacing the siding on the hut. The new siding will improve protection from fire and bear ingress. Please consider donating! https://givebutter.com/6krF0r
New Roof: Complete. The roof and stove pipe were replaced in July 2022 by Black Roofing and Waterproofing, Inc. The cost of re-roofing was covered by a donation campaign. Thanks much to the roofers and donors! A video summary of this project is available here.
Access
Jenny Creek/Guinn Mountain route
During the resort ski season (traditionally late‐November through mid‐April), the hut can be accessed from the Jenny Creek Trail at the Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. The approach for the winter season route is about 4.5 miles and 2,000 feet elevation gain. The route is part of a small systems of trails along Jenny Creek and is marked with reflective blue diamonds nailed to trees. The trail begins near the Eldora Nordic Center, between the downhill and cross‐country trail areas. As a rule of thumb, if there is snow on Eldora’s east runs, flotation (skis or snowshoes) is advised near the hut.
Before using the Jenny Creek Trail, stop at the Eldora Nordic Center during operating hours (9 am‐4 pm) to pick up a complimentary single‐use pass, which will allow access through the front gate into Eldora Ski Resort (adjacent to the base of “Uncle Bob’s” Ski Run. Badge and enter to the right side as you are looking uphill). For overnight parking, use the main lot, adjacent to the Nordic Center. Inform Nordic Center staff that your vehicle is parked overnight. Expect your vehicle to be towed if you park at the lot east of the resort’s stone wall entrance. Access through Eldora Mountain traverses sperate land ownerships, including the resort and private individuals, so it is requested that users travel during the ski resort's hours of operation.
For travel outside operation hours, closely follow the day route (including “Little Hawk” or “Uncle Bob’s” Ski Runs) to avoid ski maintenance equipment, including snow cats using winch‐operated metal cables. The Jenny Creek route is usually well‐tracked and passes minimal avalanche terrain, making it the preferred winter route (especially during/after a big storm). Take the trail’s right fork up from Jenny Creek as you approach Guinn Mountain, at a trail sign. The Guinn mountain trail features a bend with a steep south facing slope 0.2 miles before arriving at the ruined hut at N39.93881° W105.63330° at 10548'. If you have snowshoes or are pulling a sled, you may prefer to descend into the drainage at N39.93702° W105.63217° at 10467' to avoid the slope. However, sixty feet west of the ruined hut you can go north and loop around left to find a gentler slope for easier travel and to avoid risk of a slide at the crux‐steep‐hill at N39.93951° W105.63458°.
Here is a GPS track of the Jenny creek route in .gpx format.
This basic map shows the topography along the route.
Additional information about the Jenny Creek Trail (National Forest trail #808) can be obtained from the USFS webpage (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=28286&actid=91).
A significant rerouting of the spur from Eldora Mountain Ski Resort to the Jenny Creek Trail is eventually expected to accommodate the expansion of the ski resort (new Jolly Jug lift). A more southerly route through the Nordic Ski Area then joining the Jenny Creek road starting at the Jenny Creek Loop Nordic trail is anticipated.
Lost Lake-Pipeline route
The hut may be accessed year‐round via the Lost Lake‐Pipeline route in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. From the bridge at Nork Fork Middle Boulder Creek, the Lost Lake‐Pipeline route is 4 miles distance and 2,000 feet elevation gain. Winter road closures between Eldora township and the Hessie trailhead add 1 mile distance. Users should be aware that the area north above Lost Lake is known avalanche terrain during the winter season. The road is not plowed in winter, but has been accessible in recent winters by 4WD based on the popular use of the Hessie Trailhead. In recent years, a shuttle service runs during the summer season from Nederland/Nederland High School to the Hessie trailhead. To park at the trailhead, arrive early before it fills up. Unfortunately, no web camera or online information is available for the road. To access Bryan Mountain, follow the old mining trail above the southeast corner of Lost Lake. Avalanche risk may be reduced by ascending to the left of the drainage (towards Bryan mountain) above N39.94592° W105.61506° at 10050’. Expect some bushwhacking through the forest in the middle part of the route ‐ the pipeline cutout has regrown since its original construction. The latter part of the route is relatively level and follows the cutout through the forest above the natural gas pipeline. The pipeline is often trafficked from the backcountry gate at Eldora’s Corona lift at N39.94173° W105.60952° at 10619’.
Here is a GPS track of the Lost Lake-Pipeline route in .gpx format. A device is highly recommended – parts of the route are not obvious.
This basic map shows the topography along the route.
Calendar Notifications for Overnight Use
While policies are currently being reviewed and may change over time, at present our Operating Agreement with the Forest Service requires that the hut is open to the public every day of the year for both day and overnight use. Bear issues required the hut to be closed temporarily, and if future the overall structure of the Agreement will likely accommodate a more formal access and user management system.
The Årestua Hut is not day‐hosted, but is open to day visitors dropping by to snack, recover, or warm up. The hut is also available for overnight use. The hut nominally accommodates up to seven people (five in the main level plus two in the loft) and gear. There are sleeping mats at the hut, on the benches and in the loft.
Groups larger than seven should bring additional sleeping mats for the floor. It is a crowded night or a long trip out when too many visitors show up to stay at the hut. To avoid being the person who sleeps on the floor, please use the Reservation Calendar to coordinate overnight use. Groups staying overnight should expect day visitors or extra visitors in the event of an emergency. We ask that you honor the community shared‐use shelter tradition established throughout the hut's 55 year history.
Please keep in mind:
It is the responsibility of each visitor to research the trip and determine whether you have the skills necessary to attempt to visit the hut and operate its facilities.
Submit your registration on the Calendar before you head in. You’ll be asked to identify the name of the trip leader, your group size, and the night(s) you would like to stay at the hut.
The trip leader will be contacted in the event of emergency and any essential notification(s).
Winter use calendar requests will not be tracked until two weekends after the fall woodcutting party, see Upcoming Events section above. Those who volunteer at the wood cutting party have first dibs on reserving spots.
Hut stays are limited to three consecutive nights as per the Forest Service operating permit.
Please limit your reservations to once per month, to allow everyone opportunity to stay at the hut.
If your group size or travel plans change, email the Hut Committee to help keep the calendar accurate.
CMC has a “nobody needs rescued” policy. If there is any doubt about any visitor’s ability to make it to safety, invite them to stay overnight. Be gracious. Be a nice human.
Snow & Weather Reports
Snow grooming report for Eldora Ski Resort, the nearest winter trailhead
The South Arapaho Peak weather report (Mountain‐Forecast nearest the hut, at similar elevation)
A localized avalanche forecast (CAIC, in winter season only)
Dogs
Because the area near the hut is commonly sourced for the snow melted for drinking water, it is requested that visitors not bring their dogs to the hut during the winter season, which runs from November 1 through May 31. Dogs are prohibited on the Jenny Creek Trail #808 or Guinn Mountain Trail #820 from December 1 through April 30, per 36 CFR 261.58(s).
During your Stay
Rules of Use
The rules of use listed here are also posted at the hut. Visitors are additionally reminded to act as good stewards of the hut.
Do not leave a fire in the wood stove unattended
Portable cook stoves shall only be used on the metal kitchen countertop
Only split or chop firewood in the hut using the Kindling Cracker (no axes or hatchets)
Summer users may not use firewood; it is provided for winter use
Use the outhouse: do not pollute the snow (source for drinking water in the winter)
Do not dispose of trash in the outhouse
Do not leave food, because of bears and mice. Pack out what you pack in
Before you leave, clean and tidy up for the next group (and to prevent bears and mice)
Please shovel snow off of the east deck to limit its weight and prevent damage to the deck
Requested donations per person, per day: Daytime visits $2, Overnight: $15
Door & Latch
Access to the hut has been changed substantially because of the bear break-ins. We installed bearproof shutters.
Do NOT close the bearproof shutters in the winter. We don’t want them to freeze shut and lock people out in the winter.
In the summer and shoulder seasons: Open the shutters by pushing down firmly on the bottom of the shutter, and turning the knob clockwise. After your stay, make sure to close the shutters fully. Ensure they latch on both sides of the mechanism before leaving, or a bear might be able to defeat the shutters. Too little downpressure, or uneven pressure, makes only one side of the shutter mechanism to latch.
Combination locks: we installed hasps and combination locks on the door. The codes to those locks will be emailed to you when you book your stay. Make sure to write this number down, so you aren’t locked out of the hut when you get there!
Amenities
Wood stove
The hut has a Jøtul 602 stove, proven to warm the hut on the coldest winter nights (where the outside temperature on windy Guinn Mountain can get below ‐20°F), even though the walls are not insulated. A supply of wood is cut to 14” in length and split each autumn for the winter season. While a roll of newsprint paper, disposable lighters, and bellows are provided, overnight visitors are advised to bring any other fire‐starting essentials they might need for the stove. It helps to keep the stove door slightly open when lighting and on early use of the stove. The door (including the front panel) should be shut soon after a fire is burning, so that the stove will operate efficiently. Once started, the stove will NOT operate well with the door open or if the front panel on the door becomes broken. Once the door is shut, the slider on the bottom of the door may be adjusted to control the burn rate. A magnetic thermometer at the hut may be placed on the stove (before starting or if it gets too hot) to monitor its operation. For reference, pine burns at nearly 650 °F (343 °C).
If there is substantial snow accumulation on the roof, the chimney may need to be unblocked to prevent smoking out the hut.
Kindling
Guests can use the Kindling Cracker to split firewood into kindling to help with fire‐starting and better maintain the wood stove. To use the fixture, drive a hammer (provided at the hut) or second piece of wood into the original firewood, as shown below. The Kindling Cracker is the preferred method to make kindling, since it’s safely operational in a crowded hut.
Fires
Please do not create fires or construct a fire ring near the hut as this goes against the permit with the Forest Service. A fire extinguisher is provided at the hut in the event of issues with the wood stove, cooking of food, or should you encounter a nearby fire. Let us know if you use the fire extinguisher, so we can promptly replace it to keep the hut safe.
Additional information is provided here for those that may be traveling through the nearby wilderness areas. Note that Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions do not apply the hut (which uses an indoor wood stove). Those camping in the nearby Indian Peaks or James Peak Wilderness Areas may wish to consult the USDA Forest Service website regarding fire restriction orders and maps by clicking: Forest Service. Active advisories will be listed in the “Alerts and Warnings" box on the right or click here.
Water
During the winter season, water is obtained by melting the snow collected just outside the hut. Snow melting does not require additional treating of the water, if brought to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. Some visitors may prefer to bring a water filter to treat water more rapidly and remove contamination (e.g., pine needles from the forest or soot from the chimney that falls on the snow near the cabin).
During the summer season, the closest water source is roughly one half-mile east along the Guinn Mountain trail at the springs near the base of the steep hill on to Guinn Mountain (look near N39.93955, W105.63489 at 10,665 ft elevation). Visitors are advised raw water in the vicinity of the hut is unsuitable for human consumption without adequate treatment. Visitors should either boil or filter water with commercially available backpacking water filters, prior to human consumption. Additional information on water and its treatment in the Rocky Mountain backcountry is available here: CDC.
Food and cooking
While the wood stove works well for warming the hut and melting snow, it is not sufficient for cooking. A Coleman gas stove is available at the hut for visitor use. Please bring a propane canister to use the stove (stock photo from REI.com). 16 oz propane canisters are commonly available. We recommend that you disconnect your tank to prevent leaking when the stove is not being used. Overnight visitors are advised to always bring a separate backpacking stove for meals as a backup. Used propane canisters may be recycled at Jax or Neptune Mountaineering stores (do not leave them at the hut).
A basic supply of cookware (pans, dishes, and mugs) and eating utensils is stored at the hut. Please clean the cookware and utensils you use before leaving the hut. Do not leave dirty dishes for the next group. Please do not leave any food or trash at the hut because it attracts bears and mice.
Solar Panel, LED Lights & USB charger
The Arestua Hut has an LED light system, supported by a solar panel and battery. To be prepared for travel to a remote wilderness location, and because prolonged winter weather can drain the light system, all visitors are advised to bring an emergency light (headlamp).
PLEASE DO NOT BRING CANDLES TO THE HUT!
The electrical system may also be used to charge small devices from the dual USB-A outlet. Remember to bring a charger cord for your device - do not count on a cord being at the hut. To prevent draining the battery during extended bad weather, the 120V AC outlet is normally disabled.
Please always leave the two big red switches “on”. They are designed to separately disconnect the solar panel or battery for maintenance or in the event of an emergency.
The system will automatically shut down at low voltage (11.5V DC) to prevent damage to the battery. Please email the Hut Committee if you see this happen.
The solar panel will not work if it is covered by snow or shaded by a snow drift. The effectiveness of the panel is greatly reduced even when it is partly covered by snow - for example, just the bottom row of cells.
Please remember to clean the entire panel (use a broom) and create an adequate cutout in the drift (shovel is OK) on the roof (free from shadows through the day) before you leave. Small amounts of remaining ice typically melt off if snow is removed from the panel.
If there is substantial snow accumulation, the chimney may also need to be unblocked to prevent smoking out the hut.
Outhouse
A primitive outhouse is located southeast of the hut in a separate building. Two signs that can be seen from the east deck of the hut indicating the location of the outhouse. As a reminder please do not pee elsewhere near the hut, because that area is the source of the snow to melt for drinking water.
After each use, each user should remember to add a scoop of sawdust to the pit to aid the composting process. Toilet paper is stocked at the start of the season, but overnight visitors are advised to bring their own toilet paper as a backup. Improved outhouse systems, such as Toilet Tech, are being considered now. If you’d like to help with this project, please contact the Hut Committee.
Check-out Checklist
After your trip, please make sure to:
Sweep floors and clean dishes
Leave hot ashes in the stove
Pack out all trash
Empty water buckets
Refill TP in outhouse if needed, and latch outhouse door
Shovel snow off the deck to limit its weight and prevent damage
Lock padlocks
(In the winter) Leave bearproof shutters open
(In the summer) Close bearproof shutters, and make sure they're secure
Skiing and Recreation
Day visits
In the winter, the hut is often used as a day destination for skiers using the Jenny Creek and Guinn Mountain trail systems. The trails are marked (blue diamonds and signs) and you will typically find the trail tracked by hut visitors. Recent snowstorms or snow drifts may, however, require trail breaking. Even a day visit can be a worthy and rewarding trip. Day users can enjoy trail highlights, including views of the mountains along the downhill section from Eldora, the icy (in winter) section along Jenny creek, the natural tunnel of trees at the end of one the biggest uphill sections (also the Boulder County line), and the ruins of the miner's hut near the crux uphill onto Guinn Mountain.
Day Destinations from The Hut
It is well worth starting your trip early enough in the day to venture above the hut. Landmarks including James Peak, Needles Eye Tunnel, Yankee Doodle Lake, and South Arapaho Peak can be seen from the summit of Guinn Mountain or the ridge to Hell Hill. The view of the sunset on James Peak is memorable from Guinn Mountain, but don’t forget that the shadow of the Continental Divide is cast early in the winter. Yankee Doodle Lake, Jenny Lake, and Forest Lakes off of Rollins Pass Road are good day destinations for those making an extended stay at the hut. Visitors should expect the infamous winds of Indian Peaks Wilderness to prove a true equalizer relative to the coldest US winter locations, and are reminded to bring plenty of clothing to stay warm and prevent frostbite.
Backcountry Use
Backcountry skiing may be found near the hut, e.g., the southeast side of Guinn Mountain. The south-facing gully between Guinn and Bryan mountains offers a ~1000’ descent from the Pipeline trail to Jenny Creek. Bryan Mountain has recently become a popular backcountry ski destination. Extended visits may facilitate access to the slopes above the Forest Lakes. Expert skiers with avalanche training may wish to consult the Front Range Ski Mountaineering for ideas for day or extended trips in the James Peak Wilderness Area or Indian Peaks Wilderness Area; see www.frontrangeskimo.com
Skiers are reminded that the high-altitude area near the hut contains dangerous avalanche terrain. Beacon Hill is known to slide in winter. Another example: on November 28, 2001 one of two skiers was drowned after being swept under the ice by an avalanche while descending the steep slopes above Yankee Doodle Lake. Recent Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) reports may be accessed at: https://avalanche.org/avalanche‐accidents/ and https://avalanche.state.co.us/.
Eldora-Winter Park/Fraser Traverse
The hut may be used as a base camp or as a resting point for those touring between Eldora and Winter Park. Information on the long ski touring routes crossing the Continental Divide may be obtained here: Touring Information. Visitors should expect to find the infamous winds of Indian Peaks wilderness are a true equalizer relative to the coldest US winter locations, and are reminded to bring plenty of clothing to stay warm and prevent frostbite.
Emergencies
Intermittent cellular phone service (including an internet connection to this webpage) may be achieved at the hut through the tower at nearby Bryan Mountain. The quality of connection typically does not improve higher up on the summit of Guinn Mountain. More consistent reception may be obtained along the Lost Lake-Pipeline Trail at 1/3 mile northeast of the hut and closer to Bryan Mountain at N39.94273 W105.63914 at 10,956 ft.
In the event of an emergency, visitors are advised to have a communications liaison go to the above location and dial 911 to reach the Boulder county or Gilpin County sheriff office, or be forwarded to Search And Rescue.
Information regarding Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue and related membership may be accessed by clicking: CORSAR. Consider a membership or donation as search and rescue receives limited public funds to support its operations.
Guest Books
A series of guest books have historically been kept at the hut. Those books have now been scanned to provide a history of the hut guests and sense of the atmosphere at the hut. The electronic archives provide an exact record of the guest books; they have not been filtered or censored. The contents of these electronic archives is from the hut guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Colorado Mountain Club. Thanks much to Art Roberts and Peter Stout for their help scanning these in!
9/7/2014 to 10/11/2014 Link
Lost and Found
Occasionally there are items that get left at the hut. Inquire about lost and found items with the Hut Committee.
Forest Service Permit
The front matter of the original “conditions of occupancy and use for the Guinn Mountain Hut” are reproduced here to document and summarize the operating agreement:
“In accordance with the special use permit issued to the Colorado Mountain Club on June 24, 1969, and the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture (36 C.F.R. 251.24 and 251.25), the following conditions of occupancy and use for the Guinn Mountain Hut are hereby established:
No person, party, or organization shall occupy said hut for more than three consecutive nights.
The use of said hut shall be available to the general public as well as the Colorado Mountain Club members on a first-come first-served basis. (In 1969 — No reservations are required or permitted. In 2024, policies are being adjusted to better align with current population and usage patterns.)
All non-burnable refuse shall be removed from the national Forest. Garbage or trash shall not be buried.
First Aid and other emergency equipment provided and maintained by the Colorado Mountain Club shall be used only when appropriate and necessary.
Please also note that major incidents at the hut are legally governed by hotel/motel regulations and will be reported to the Boulder County sheriff.
Persons with Disabilities
Alternative formats of this information are available on request to people with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity Act
In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. To file a complaint of alleging discrimination: complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office or write USDA, Director, a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U. S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call; (2) fax: (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.