Western Wanderlust Chronicles

Celebrating Christmas with strangers might sound unusual, but deep in the Colorado Rockies, it became an unforgettable experience. We spent our holiday at a 10th Mountain Division Hut—a part of Colorado’s iconic hut system that lets adventurers ski or snowshoe to remote, rustic cabins for a taste of “backcountry luxury.” Nestled between Aspen, Leadville, and Vail, these huts are connected by over 350 miles of trails and sit at elevations between 9,700 and 11,700 feet. It’s a true winter wonderland.

On Christmas Eve, Bill and I set out from the Tennessee Pass Trailhead, opting for the longer, more scenic route along the Colorado Trail (CT) and the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). As we snowshoed through dense evergreen forests, we meandered along trails that wove through quiet glades and over snow-covered slopes, feeling like stepping into a snow-globe scene. Though the uphill trek was slow and steady, each step brought us closer to the hut at 11,370 feet, just below the Continental Divide. When it finally appeared, nestled among the snowy landscape like a scene from a postcard, all the effort felt worthwhile.

Inside, a warm fire crackled, with hot drinks and friendly faces awaiting us. In the spirit of the season, we had carried a small evergreen to decorate, adding a festive touch that delighted our newfound friends. We shared laughter, stories, and even holiday treats—a true community spirit among strangers, gathered to celebrate in a cozy cabin under the stars.

Christmas morning, we woke to clear views of Homestake Peak, a stunning sight framed by the winter landscape. Bill and I set out on snowshoes again, this time to explore Slide Lake. The lake, with the snowy expanse of Homestake Peak above, was breathtaking. However, as we trekked, snow began to blow sideways, and we soon lost sight of the peak. Playing in the falling snow, we decided it was time to head back and warm up.

Back at the cabin, Bill and I prepared a fondue lunch that truly hit the spot. We relaxed by the fire, reading through the cabin’s logbook filled with memories from past visitors. With the afternoon sun shining, we couldn’t resist heading out again, this time reaching the lake with views that stretched over the mountains, all aglow in the sunset. We made snow angels, tumbled in the snow, and enjoyed the pure, simple joy of the season.

That evening, Christmas cheer continued with a makeshift feast. One group brought homemade ice cream they’d managed to create right there in the cabin, and another baked a batch of brownies. Together, we shared this sweet, impromptu holiday feast, laughing and trading stories late into the night. We celebrated Christmas not with gifts or lavish meals, but with warm connections and shared moments in the wilderness.

The next morning, as we snowshoed back to the trailhead, we paused at Lily Lake, soaking in the last moments of our snowy adventure. We couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experience. Spending Christmas in the solitude of the mountains, surrounded by nature’s beauty and newfound friends, made the holiday feel more meaningful. Without the usual distractions of gifts and gatherings, we were reminded of the simple joys of connection, laughter, and being fully present. This Christmas was about the spirit of adventure and the magic of shared moments, and it’s one that will stay with us for years to come.