Årestua Hut
Årestua Hut, also called the Guinn Mountain Hut, is a 1969 Norwegian-style cabin at 11,000 feet on the north side of Guinn Mountain, a smaller and more remote relative of the Brainard Lake Cabin. It sleeps seven, has views across the Front Range and the high plains, and is reached only on foot, ski or snowshoe by one of two routes, each roughly four miles with 2,000 feet of gain.
The Boulder Group of the Colorado Mountain Club owns and administers the hut under a special use permit with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder Ranger District. The hut is maintained and funded entirely by volunteers.
Quick facts:
Built
Elevation
Sleeps
Approach
Heat
Cooking
Lighting
Water
Toilet
Cell service
Dogs
1969
11,000 ft
7 (5 on main level, 2 in loft)
~4 miles, 2,000 ft gain
Wood stove, winter only
Coleman gas stove
Solar LED & USB-A charging
Melted snow (winter) or spring water (summer), treat before drinking
Pit latrine
Intermittent
Not during winter season
Woodcutting Day: Saturday September 12, 2026
Volunteers help maintain the hut and split the wood that keeps it warm all winter. Join us and you get early access to booking the hut for the 2026-2027 season.
You get: first access to reservations before the general booking opens.
Want details? Email the Hut Committee to be added to the list.
Each year there are work days dedicated to hut upkeep projects. Please reach out if you’d like to volunteer your time and help maintain this beautiful space.
How to visit the hut
Årestua is open to the public every day of the year for both day and overnight use, as required by our operating agreement with the Forest Service. It is not day-hosted, and there is no private space inside. Please do not bring dogs to the hut during the winter season, November 1 through May 31, because we use the snow immediately around the hut for drinking water.
Drop in during the day
Day visitors are welcome to eat lunch and relax on the deck any time. You are welcome inside only if an overnight group is already there and has unlocked the hut. Please be respectful of anyone staying the night. If the hut is locked, stay on the porch. This is not unfriendliness. The hut takes several hours and several stove-loads to warm from cold, we do not have the firewood to spare, and a day visitor who lights a fire will usually have to leave before it burns dead out, which is an unacceptable fire risk to the hut and the forest.
Stay overnight
The hut nominally sleeps seven, five on the main level and two in the loft, with sleeping mats provided on the benches and in the loft. Larger groups should bring mats for the floor.
More than one party can book the same night. If you have not reserved the whole hut, expect other people to spend the night. If unexpected guests arrive injured or simply tired late in the day, be gracious and welcoming. Rocky Mountain Rescue has never had to save a hut visitor from sleeping on the floor. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Please do not use devices or do anything unrestful during that time.
It is your responsibility to research the trip and decide whether you have the skills to reach the hut and operate its facilities.
Rates to book an overnight stay
2026-2027 rates are:
$15 per person, per night
Payment is taken at the time of booking
No refunds or exchanges. We are a volunteer crew and do not have the capacity to manage refunds. If your group size or plans change, please email the Hut Committee anyway so the calendar stays accurate.
How to book an overnight stay
Book at reservations.cmcboulder.org. After you book, you will be asked for the trip leader's name, your group size and your nights. The trip leader is who we contact in an emergency or with essential notices. The combination to the door locks is emailed to you when you book. Write it down. There is no cell service reliable enough to look it up at the door.
Booking rules
Stays are limited to three consecutive nights, per the Forest Service permit.
Please limit yourself to one reservation per month so everyone gets a turn.
All overnight guests must sign a CMC liability waiver before the trip.
Winter reservations do not open until after the fall woodcutting party. Volunteers who work that day get first choice of dates.
When booking opens for 2026-2027
We run a simple lottery to slow down bookings and make them more equitable.
Re-register. Starting October 1, every user re-registers each season. This takes you back through onboarding so you can review the hut rules and we can tell you if anything changed. All accounts are deleted each year on Sept 30th. Re-register here. If you want to book a stay in October but your account was already deleted, contact the hut admin team and we can help.
Get your group. Everyone who registers between October 1 and October 30 is emailed a random group assignment, A, B or C.
Book on your day. Bookings open at noon on the days listed:
Volunteers: November 1
Group A: November 3
Group B: November 5
Group C: November 7
General booking opens November 9 and stays open for the rest of the season.
Getting to the hut: two trails
There is no road to Årestua. Both routes are about four miles with roughly 2,000 feet of gain, and a GPS device is strongly recommended. Please check conditions before you go (Localized avalanche forecast from CAIC, South Arapaho Peak weather forecast, Eldora snow grooming report)
1. Jenny Creek trail from Eldora Ski Area (winter only)
This route is only open during the winter and is the preferred route because it crosses minimal avalanche terrain and typically has tracks. However, it crosses Eldora private property and is closed until Eldora announces that the Nordic Center and trails are open for the season. This is a safety measure as pre-season snowmaking and grooming operations are hazardous to anyone traveling through. Ignoring it endangers Årestua's relationship with Eldora and our future access to this route.
Go during Eldora operating hours only, including your departure the next day. You will not be permitted to park and travel to the hut outside the nordic season or outside operating hours.
Park near the Nordic Center if there are spots. Avoid 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. If you arrive during busy hours, parking staff may send you to the upper lot or down to Nederland High School, and any single-occupancy vehicle fees in effect will apply. More on parking at Eldora.
Check in at the Nordic Center for your complimentary single-use gate access pass and your overnight parking permit. Fill out the parking pass and put it on your dashboard, or your car may be booted or towed. The gate pass is not a ski pass and does not allow access to the slopes.
The route: It begins near the Eldora Nordic Center, between the downhill and cross-country areas, and is marked with reflective blue diamonds nailed to trees. Travel through the front gate into the resort, adjacent to the base of Uncle Bob's ski run, entering on the right side as you look uphill. Take the right fork up from Jenny Creek as you approach Guinn Mountain, at a trail sign. The Guinn Mountain trail has a bend with a steep south-facing slope 0.2 miles before the ruined miner's hut at N39.93881° W105.63330°, 10,548 ft. On snowshoes or pulling a sled, you may prefer to drop into the drainage at N39.93702° W105.63217°, 10,467 ft, to avoid that slope. Sixty feet west of the ruined hut you can also head north and loop left onto a gentler slope, which avoids slide risk at the steep crux at N39.93951° W105.63458°. As a rule of thumb, if there is snow on Eldora's east runs, you want flotation (skis or snowshoes) near the hut.
2. Lost Lake and Pipeline route (summer and winter access)
This route is open year round. Winter road closures between Eldora township and the Hessie trailhead add another mile. The road is not plowed in winter but has been passable by 4WD in recent years given how popular the Hessie trailhead has become. There is no webcam or online road status. Arrive early, as the trailhead fills. A shuttle runs in summer from Nederland and Nederland High School.
Avalanche note: the area north above Lost Lake is known avalanche terrain in winter. To reach Bryan Mountain, follow the old mining trail above the southeast corner of Lost Lake. You can reduce avalanche exposure by ascending left of the drainage, toward Bryan Mountain, above N39.94592° W105.61506°, 10,050 ft.
Expect some bushwhacking in the middle section, where the pipeline cutout has regrown. The last part is relatively level and follows the cutout above the natural gas pipeline, often tracked from the backcountry gate at Eldora's Corona lift at N39.94173° W105.60952°, 10,619 ft.
How to safely use and maintain the hut
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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.
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These are also posted at the hut.
Do not leave a fire in the wood stove unattended.
Use portable cook stoves only on the metal kitchen countertop.
Split kindling only with the Kindling Cracker. No axes or hatchets inside the hut.
Summer users may not burn firewood. It is provided for winter.
Use the outhouse. Do not pollute the snow, it is our winter drinking water.
Do not put trash in the outhouse.
Do not leave food. Bears and mice. Pack out what you pack in.
Clean and tidy up for the next group before you leave.
Shovel snow off the east deck to limit its weight and prevent damage.
Requested donation: $15 per person, per night.
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Hut access changed substantially after we had a few bear break-ins. There are now bearproof shutters and combination locks.
Combination locks. The codes are emailed to you when you book. Write them down before you leave home.
Do not close the bearproof shutters in winter. They can freeze shut and lock people out.
In summer and shoulder seasons. Open the shutters by pushing down firmly on the bottom of the shutter and turning the knob clockwise. When you leave, close them fully and confirm they have latched on both sides of the mechanism. Too little pressure, or uneven pressure, leaves one side unlatched, and a bear can defeat them.
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Winter only. Please do not use the stove in summer, our wood supply will not support it.
The hut has a Jøtul 602 that will warm the place on the coldest nights, and Guinn Mountain gets below -20°F with wind. Wood is cut to 14 inches and split each autumn. A roll of newsprint, disposable lighters and bellows are provided, but bring whatever else you like to start a fire.
Keep the stove door slightly open when lighting and during early burn, then shut it, including the front panel, once the fire is going. The stove will not draw well with the door open. With the door shut, use the slider at the bottom to control burn rate.
If there is heavy snow on the roof, you may need to clear the chimney to avoid smoking out the hut.
Leaving while a fire is burning is fine. Close and latch the door and close the slider all the way, which suffocates the fire safely. Do not drown it or carry hot coals outside. That does far more damage than it prevents.
Kindling: Use the Kindling Cracker to split firewood down to kindling. Drive a hammer, provided at the hut, or a second piece of wood into the log. It is the preferred method because it is safe to use in a crowded hut.
Fires outside: Do not build fires or fire rings near the hut. Our Forest Service permit does not allow it.
A fire extinguisher is at the hut for problems with the wood stove, cooking or a nearby fire. If you use it, tell us so we can replace it promptly.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions do not apply to the hut, which uses an indoor wood stove. If you are also camping in the Indian Peaks or James Peak Wilderness Areas, check the Forest Service site for current restrictions, listed under Alerts and Warnings, or go straight to the alerts page.
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Winter. Melt snow collected just outside the hut. Bring it to a rolling boil for three minutes and it needs no further treatment. Some visitors prefer a filter, which is faster and removes pine needles and chimney soot.
Summer. The nearest water is about half a mile east along the Guinn Mountain trail, at the springs near the base of the steep hill up Guinn Mountain, around N39.93955 W105.63489 at 10,665 ft. Raw water near the hut is not safe to drink untreated. Boil it or use a backpacking filter. The CDC has more on backcountry water treatment.
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The wood stove warms the hut and melts snow but is not adequate for cooking. There is a Coleman gas stove at the hut. Bring your own propane canister, 16 oz canisters are widely available. Disconnect the tank when you are not cooking to prevent leaks. Bring a backpacking stove as a backup. Recycle used canisters at Jax or Neptune Mountaineering, do not leave them at the hut.
Basic cookware, dishes, mugs and utensils are at the hut. Wash what you use. Do not leave dirty dishes, food or trash. Bears and mice.
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The hut has an LED light system running off a solar panel and battery, plus a dual USB-A outlet for small devices. Bring your own cable, do not count on one being there. Long stretches of winter weather can drain the system, so always bring a headlamp.
Please do not bring candles to the hut.
Leave both big red switches on. They exist to disconnect the panel or battery for maintenance or an emergency. The system shuts down automatically at low voltage (11.5V DC) to protect the battery. If you see that happen, email the Hut Committee.
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A primitive outhouse sits southeast of the hut in its own building. Two signs visible from the east deck point the way. Do not pee elsewhere near the hut, that snow is our drinking water.
Add a scoop of sawdust after each use to help composting. Toilet paper is stocked at the start of the season, but bring your own as a backup.
We are looking at improved systems such as Toilet Tech. If you want to help with that project, contact the Hut Committee.
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Sweep the floors and wash the dishes.
Choke the fire down by closing the door and the air slider. Leave hot ashes in the stove.
Pack out all trash.
Empty the water buckets.
Refill toilet paper in the outhouse if needed and latch the door.
Shovel snow off the deck.
Lock the padlocks.
Winter: leave the bearproof shutters open.
Summer: close the bearproof shutters and confirm both sides have latched.
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Cell service at the hut is intermittent, through the tower on nearby Bryan Mountain. Climbing higher on Guinn Mountain does not usually help. The most reliable reception is along the Lost Lake-Pipeline Trail, a third of a mile northeast of the hut toward Bryan Mountain, at N39.94273 W105.63914, 10,956 ft.
In an emergency, send someone to that location to dial 911. You will reach the Boulder County or Gilpin County sheriff, or be forwarded to Search and Rescue.
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.
Skiers are reminded that the high-altitude area near the hut contains dangerous avalanche terrain. Beacon Hill is known to slide in winter. You are responsible for your own safety, and we recommend reviewing the CAIC forecast and being trained in avalanche awareness and rescue skills.
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. 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.
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
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.