Parking for Janet's Cabin in both the summer and winter is at Copper Mountain but in different locations.
WINTER
Trailhead: located at Copper Mountain Ski Resort. The Trailhead is on the west side of “West Tenmile” ski run to the backcountry gate that marks the ski trail leaving the ski area boundary at elevation 10,640’.
Directions: From Hwy 91 turn into the main Copper Mountain Resort entrance (Copper Rd.) and make your first left into the north end of the Alpine Lot. Park in the area near the Transportation Center, which is designated for Janet’s Cabin. Post your parking permit on the dash and make extra copies if your group requires more than one vehicle.
Parking: Summit Huts Association appreciates the generosity of Copper Mountain Resort in allowing our hut guests to park at Copper Mountain. Parking for Janet’s Cabin may change from year to year, we will do our best to keep information up-to-date.
Do not park at Union Creek.
Shuttle: Take the free shuttle from the Transportation Center to Union Creek.
Trail and Lift Access: This may change with new development at Copper Mountain. Check the web page for the latest information at www.huts.org.
From Union Creek, two trail accesses to Janet’s Cabin are available:
Trail Option #1: Ski .6 miles up the extreme west (right) side of “Roundabout” ski run to the base of L lift. Proceed up the extreme west (right) side of “West Tenmile” ski run .6 miles to where a backcountry gate marks the ski trail leaving the ski area boundary at elevation 10,640’.
Lift & Trail #2: PLEASE NOTE THAT NO SNOWSHOERS OR SLEDS ARE ALLOWED ON THE LIFTS. THIS IS NOT A NEW POLICY BUT IS NOW STRICTLY ENFORCED. Present your reservation confirmation letter to the lift ticket office at Union Creek for a free, one-time lift ticket good for K & L lifts. To use the lifts, the entire group must arrive together. Ride K & L lifts to the top to “West Tenmile” ski run. Ski down the extreme west (left) side of “West Tenmile” ski run to the backcountry gate that marks the ski trail leaving the ski area boundary at elevation 10,640’. Please note: sleds and snowshoes are not permitted on the lifts. Hours of lift operation are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm daily. Due to seasonal operations, K & L lifts may not be running early and late season. For more information, call Copper Mountain at 970-968-2882.
SUMMER
Directions: Enter Copper Mountain at the main entrance just off of I-70, turning onto Copper Road. Drive approximately 1/2 mile and turn left at a stop sign onto Ten Mile Circle. Drive up Ten Mile Circle to a cul-de-sac and look for the parking structure on the south side of the road. You may park in either the upper or lower deck, but Copper Mountain requests that you mark in either a corner or against a wall if possible. Leave your parking permit with the date you expect to return and a contact phone number. If possible, please use the cell phone of someone in your party. Cell coverage is generally good at the hut.
Access to the Colorado Trail: Janet’s Cabin is accessed only by foot or mountain bike via the Colorado Trail (NO HORSES). To get to the Colorado Trail from the parking structure is a short distance following these instructions:
From the parking structure, go to the Burning Stones Plaza. From the Plaza, there is a short access trail on the left side of the plaza as you look up the ski area runs. This trail joins the Colorado Trail after about 150 yards. The Colorado Trail is marked here by a large, low-lying, painted white rock with the Colorado Trail logo in green. Turn right at the rock, onto the Colorado Trail which runs along a small drainage ditch. The ditch trail joins up with an access road; stay on the access road for approximately 500 yards (passing below the American Eagle Chairlift, this is a relatively straight shot, you should climb gradually but make no major turns). Next, look for the Colorado Trail which is once again marked with a low-lying, painted white rock. From there, stay on the Colorado Trail, watching for wooden sign posts with the Colorado Trail logo and arrows at intersections with Copper Mountain Stables trails. Be aware that this section of the Colorado Trail receives moderate mountain bike use and approximately 1/3 mile of the trail is utilized by Copper Mountain Stables and has considerable horse impacts. After you leave Copper Mountain, the trail enters into the beautiful Guller Creek valley and climbs moderately with no spurs or side trails to above treeline, Janet’s Cabin and beyond. The short spur trail to the hut takes off from the Colorado Trail above the cabin at approximately 11,800’ and is signed. Please do not short cut the trail by cutting through the woods or walking on the alpine tundra.
Route Finding: We strongly recommend that you carry and know how to use a topographic map. 10th Mountain Division Hut Association produces maps for all of the huts if you do not already have a map of the area. These maps are available from 10th Mountain (970-925-5775) or Mountain Outfitters (112 S. Ridge Street Breckenridge, 970-453-2201).
Trailheads:
Spruce Creek Trailhead: You may use the Spruce Creek Trailhead, there are various options from Spruce Creek Trailhead to access Francie's Cabin. Accessing the hut is meant to be a backcountry experience, route finding is the responsibility of the hut user. Please be sure you have (and know how to read) a map. Route options include Crystal Creek Road (STEEP ~1.8 miles) and the Spruce Creek Road to the Aqueduct Road to Crystal Road (~2.2 miles). Both Spruce Creek and Crystal Roads are accessed by continuing southwest on the (unplowed) road from the parking lot. During winter months there is a large snowbank around the entire parking area, and Spruce Creek Road may not be immediately visible, but it continues out of the parking area in approximately the same direction that it came in on. Spruce Creek Trail provides a single track alternative to the roads; however it is longer and route finding is more complicated.
Driving Directions: Please try to car pool, as this is a very busy trailhead, especially on weekends. From Breckenridge, take Highway 9 south. At the intersection of Main Street and South Park Avenue, note your mileage. Proceed south on Highway 9 2.3 miles. Turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. Follow Spruce Creek Road through the Crown subdivision, bearing left at major intersections. Stay on Spruce Creek Road for approximately 1.25 miles. Park at the trailhead parking area marked with US Forest Service signs. Please be aware that the road does not receive high priority on the county's plowing schedule and during winter months snow tires, chains and/or four-wheel drive may be necessary to navigate the road safely.
Please note that it is not possible to drive to Francie's Cabin during the summer months and snowmobile access in the winter months is no longer permitted.
Burro Trail from Breckenridge:
The Burro Trail starts at the base of the Peak 9 ski area at Breckenridge near Beaver Run Resort. Overnight parking is not permitted at Beaver Run in the winter, so it is necessary to park in the Town of Breckenridge Ice Rink Lot off of Boreas Pass Road on the south end of town. Free Ice Rink Lot Parking Permits are available for SHA guests, please contact the office well in advance of your trip to make arrangements for the passes to be picked up - (970)453-8583 or summithuts@colorado.net.
The Burro Trail (~4 miles, 1640 ft. elevation gain) is a single track through the woods with nice views. Please purchase and bring with you a topographic map of the area and compass for specific trail directions. There is no signage on the trail directing you to Francie’s Cabin. We recommend the topographic map produced by SHA and available from 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (970-925-5775) or Mountain Outfitters, 112 S. Ridge Street, Breckenridge (970-453-2201).
Parking/Shuttle Bus: Park at the Town of Breckenridge Ice Rink Lot. (Free Parking Permits are available for SHA guests but you must contact the office well in advance of your trip to make arrangements for the passes to be picked up.) There are several bus options to get to Beaver Run. The Town of Breckenridge Gray Bus Route runs from the Ice Rink to Beaver Run, where you can access the Burro Trail. Additionally, the Town of Breckenridge Blue Route and Summit Stage Boreas Pass Route also pick up at the Ice Rink and will take you to the Breckenridge Transfer Station, where you can catch a ski area shuttle bus that will take you to Beaver Run.
Access the Burro Trail to Francie’s Cabin: From the shuttle bus drop area at Beaver Run Resort, walk or ski South past the maze for the Beaver Run Quad chairlift, across the ski run (being careful for skier traffic), and toward the ski school area. You will see the U.S. Forest Service trailhead sign for the Burro Trail just past the ski school area. Using a topographic map, follow the Burro Trail to the Crystal Lakes Road (steep!) or the Spruce Creek Road (less steep) to Francie’s Cabin. See the topographic map for more specific directions.
Late Spring and Summer Directions: If you have a reservation at Francie’s Cabin in the spring after the Breckenridge Ski Area has closed Peak 9, or in the summer, you may park overnight in the “E” Lot at Beaver Run. Be sure to post your parking permit on your dashboard or you may be towed. Make copies of the parking permit if your group requires more than one vehicle. Occasionally in the summer, Beaver Run closes the “E” lot for group functions. Inquire at the Front Desk of Beaver Run for alternative parking options.
There are a number of ways to access the Section House. Recommended routes are shown on the map of the Section House area, which is available for sale from 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (970-925-5775) or from Mountain Outfitters, 112 S. Ridge Street, Breckenridge (970-453-2201). Those of you familiar with the area may know of other routes. Please note the following route descriptions:
GENERAL: The Section House and Ken’s Cabin sit at the top of Boreas Pass on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,481’. Any nearby trees were cut long ago for railroad and mining operations. Frequent strong winds can make for whiteout conditions and low wind-chill temperatures. Be sure to carry a map and compass with you to aid in navigation, especially during times of adverse weather. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle when parked at the trailheads.
FROM BRECKENRIDGE (West Slope of Continental Divide):
Driving Directions to Boreas Pass Rd.: From Hwy 9 in Breckenridge, turn onto Boreas Pass Road. Follow Boreas Pass Road ~3.5 miles to the winter trailhead. There will be a gate and you cannot drive any farther. This is a very busy trailhead and we recommend that you park on the left side or as out of the way as possible. This popular route climbs gradually along the old railroad grade, ~6.5 miles from the trailhead on Boreas Pass Road. The Section House and Ken’s Cabin are located at the summit of Boreas Pass.
Lower Baker’s Tank Trail: Start from the trailhead parking area on Boreas Pass Road. This single-track trail parallels the Boreas Pass Road and provides more climbs and curves before it ends at Baker’s Tank on Boreas Pass Road. Follow the road the rest of the way to the Section House.
Indiana Creek: There is no public parking at the end of the pavement at Spruce Valley Ranch in Indiana Creek. Overnight parking at this trailhead is not permitted. Therefore, this trailhead and route is not recommended and is not shown on the map.
From Francie’s Cabin: The 14-plus mile trip from Francie’s Cabin to the Section House is
recommended only for the strong and adventurous. For more information on possible routes, please contact Summit Huts Association at 970-453-8583. We are not in the office everyday so please call well in advance of your trip.
FROM COMO (East Slope of Continental Divide):
Boreas Pass Road: This route also follows the old railroad grade, ~7 miles from the trailhead parking area. A gentle grade, open meadows and lovely views highlight this route. Go to the small town of Como in between Jefferson and Fairplay. Look for a sign “Boreas Pass Road”. Take the road through Como until it turns to dirt. (County Rd 50) Follow the road until you come to the turn off for Boreas Pass Road (~ 1.5 miles). Depending on snow conditions you may be able to drive a short distance up the road to the winter gate and park there. If not, park off to the side of the road near the turn off.
Gold Dust Trail: This five-mile single-track follows old ditches and wagon roads, providing an interesting alternative to Boreas Pass Road. It also allows East Slope skiers to make a loop to come and go from the Section House by using Boreas Pass Road. The Gold Dust Trail is intermittently marked with blue diamonds.
To reach the Trailhead, follow the Boreas pass trailhead directions. Pass the turn off for Boreas Pass Road and continue on County Rd 50 ~2.5 miles through a residential area. Look for a trail register mounted on a metal post on the right (E) side of the road. Generally the road will be plowed wider at the trailhead, but this cannot be counted on. Park as far off the road as possible
There are a number of ways to access Ken’s Cabin. Recommended routes are shown on the map of the Section House and Ken’s Cabin area, which is available for sale from 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (970-925-5775) or from Mountain Outfitters, 112 S. Ridge Street, Breckenridge (970-453-2201). Those of you familiar with the area may know of other routes. Please note the following route descriptions:
GENERAL: The Section House and Ken’s Cabin sit at the top of Boreas Pass on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 11,481’. Any nearby trees were cut long ago for railroad and mining operations. Frequent strong winds can make for white-out conditions and low wind-chill temperatures. Be sure to carry a map and compass with you to aid in navigation, especially during times of adverse weather. Please do not leave valuables in your vehicle when parked at the trailheads.
FROM BRECKENRIDGE (West Slope of Continental Divide):
Driving Directions to Boreas Pass Rd.: From Hwy 9 in Breckenridge, turn onto Boreas Pass Road. Follow Boreas Pass Road ~3.5 miles to the winter trailhead. There will be a gate and you cannot drive any farther. This is a very busy trailhead and we recommend that you park on the left side or as out of the way as possible. This popular route climbs gradually along the old railroad grade, ~6.5 miles from the trailhead on Boreas Pass Road. The Section House and Ken’s Cabin are located at the summit of Boreas Pass.
Lower Baker’s Tank Trail: Start from the trailhead parking area on Boreas Pass Road. This single-track trail parallels the Boreas Pass Road and provides more climbs and curves before it ends at Baker’s Tank on Boreas Pass Road. Follow the road the rest of the way to Ken's.
Indiana Creek: There is no public parking at the end of the pavement at Spruce Valley Ranch in Indiana Creek. Overnight parking at this trailhead is not permitted. Therefore, this trailhead and route is not recommended and is not shown on the map.
From Francie’s Cabin: The 14-plus mile trip from Francie’s Cabin to Ken's Cabin is recommended only for the strong and adventurous. For more information on possible routes, please contact Summit Huts Association at 970-453-8583. We are not in the office everyday so please call well in advance of your trip.
FROM COMO (East Slope of Continental Divide):
Boreas Pass Road: This route also follows the old railroad grade, ~7 miles from the trailhead parking area. A gentle grade, open meadows and lovely views highlight this route. Go to the small town of Como in between Jefferson and Fairplay. Look for a sign “Boreas pass road”. Take the road through Como till it turns to dirt. (County Rd 50) Follow the road till you come to the turn off for Boreas Pass Rd (~ 1.5 miles). Depending on snow conditions you may be able to drive a short distance up the road to the winter gate and park there. If not, park off to the side of the road near the turn off.
Gold Dust Trail: This five-mile single-track follows old ditches and wagon roads, providing an interesting alternative to Boreas Pass Road. It also allows East Slope skiers to make a loop to come and go from the Section House by using Boreas Pass Road. The Gold Dust Trail is intermittently marked with blue diamonds.
To reach the Trailhead, follow the Boreas pass trailhead directions. Pass the turn off for Boreas pass and continue on County rd 50 ~ 2.5 miles through a residential area. Look for a trail register mounted on a metal post on the right (E) side of the road. Generally the road will be plowed somewhat wider at the trailhead, but this cannot be counted on. Park as far off the road as possible
