Western Wanderlust Chronicles

The day after Thanksgiving, Greg and I, along with a group of friends, set out on a snowy adventure to Sangree Hut in the San Isabel National Forest for our first hut trip. Sangree Hut is part of Colorado’s renowned 10th Mountain Division Hut Association network, located at an impressive 11,700 feet near Leadville, Colorado. The hut is named in honor of Staff Sergeant Sangree Mitchell Froelicher, a brave soldier of the 86th Mountain Infantry who was killed in Italy during World War II. Built in 1998, this hut holds both historical significance and a cozy retreat vibe — the perfect mix for a winter escape.

A Challenging Journey Through Snow and Detours

Our journey to Sangree Hut got off to a challenging start with an unexpected detour. With I-70 closed, we had to reroute through Highway 285, adding extra time to the trip. After finally arriving at the trailhead, we strapped on our snowshoes and backpacks and began the hike in at 1:30 pm. The blowing snow and freezing temperatures added a layer of challenge, but we made steady progress through the winter wonderland. The fading daylight pushed us, but we managed to reach the hut just before dark. This was the first hut trip for most of us, and the excitement and anticipation kept our spirits high.

Snowshoe Beta Testing

For this trip, I had the chance to beta test a pair of Crescent Moon EVA All-Foam Snowshoes. These snowshoes, made by a local company in Boulder, Colorado, were lightweight, comfortable, and worked well for the varied terrain on our hike to the hut. As an added bonus, they didn’t weigh me down during the uphill climbs!

Settling In: Life at 11,700 Feet

The hut itself was incredible. Nestled in the mountains, Sangree Hut is a multi-story, log cabin masterpiece equipped with all the essentials — wood stoves, propane burners, solar lights, and cozy bedrooms with actual mattresses. It’s hard to put into words how magical these “huts” are; they feel like rustic mountain sanctuaries, blending comfort and backcountry charm. But while the amenities were amazing, life at the hut came with responsibilities too. Wood needed to be split and brought inside, stoves needed to be tended, snow had to be melted for drinking water, and, of course, we all took turns preparing meals, doing dishes, and shoveling snow.

At the hut, Greg and I made a cozy ‘mini fort’ for our sleeping area, making it feel like our own little retreat. Later, we gathered by the fire, where we could relax and warm up. Sitting by the fire with a warm drink, surrounded by friends and the serene beauty of the mountains, was truly one of the highlights of the trip.

A Cozy Dinner with Some Extra Salt!

For dinner, Jackie brought a white bean chicken chili for the group — but with a little twist. She accidentally added three tablespoons of salt instead of three teaspoons! We all laughed about it, and she redeemed herself with a stash of chocolate-dipped Oreos and pretzels, which were a hit. We shared stories, ate together, and enjoyed each other’s company, making for a memorable evening.

Snowfall, Solitude, and a View Like Narnia

The mountains around the hut were blanketed in snow, creating a scene straight out of Narnia. My best memory was sitting with Greg, watching the snow fall softly outside. There’s something magical about being in the quiet, snowy wilderness with close friends, surrounded by the beauty of Colorado’s backcountry. When the snowfall cleared, the views were stunning: snow-covered forests and hills stretching endlessly, with the hut nestled among them.

Exploring Leadville: Melanzana and Cookies with Altitude

Before heading home, Greg, Jackie, and I made a stop in Leadville. We couldn’t pass up a visit to Melanzana, a unique company that manufactures and sells outdoor clothing all under one roof in downtown Leadville. Each of us picked up a little something as a souvenir from the trip. To top it all off, we stopped by Cookies with Altitude for some delicious treats before hitting the road.

Reflections on an Unforgettable Hut Trip

Our Thanksgiving weekend at Sangree Hut was nothing short of amazing. From the challenging trek through blowing snow to the cozy nights by the fire, this hut trip was filled with moments that reminded us of the simple joys of winter. Spending time with friends, sharing meals, and experiencing the peace of the mountains made for an unforgettable adventure. There’s truly something special about embracing the backcountry, even if it means shoveling snow and splitting wood — it’s all part of the experience. This was my first hut trip, but definitely not my last.