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, so it is important to check the web page for the latest news in case there have been last minutes changes. www.huts.org As of this publication, park in the North Alpine Lot (formerly known as East Lot), just off Highway 91.
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: 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 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 structur on the south side of the road. You may park in either the upper or lower deck, but Copper Mountain requests that yuo 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 tenerally 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 beautify 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.
Trailheads:
Burro Trail from Breckenridge: (recommended route)
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 Gold Rush Lot off French Street and North Park Avenue (the only lot in town where overnight parking is permitted) and take the Breckenridge Ski Area shuttle bus to Beaver Run Resort.
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 Gold Rush Lot (the only lot on the West side of Park Ave). There is not an area designated for overnight parking, however, you may be directed as to where to park by attendants. Please be sure to have the parking permit and the dates you will be at the hut visible; make copies if your group requires more than one vehicle. If the lot is not in use, you will have to walk across the street to the Breckenridge Station to catch a Breckenridge Ski Area or town shuttle bus to Beaver Run, where you can access the Burro Trail.
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.
Spruce Creek Trailhead: You may use the Spruce Creek Trailhead, but this is not the recommended route into Francie’s Cabin. 2.5 miles. It is not possible to drive to Francie's Cabin during the summer months.
Driving Directions: Please try to car pool, as this is a very busy and congested trailhead, especially on weekends. From Breckenridge, take Highway 9 (Main Street) south. At the intersection of Main Street and South Park Avenue, note your mileage. Proceed south on Main Street (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 1/4 miles. Park at the trailhead parking area marked with US Forest Service signs, Spruce Creek Portal and other signs.
From the trailhead ski/snowshoe up Spruce Creek Rd., the easiest way is to remain on the main road for about a mile, at which point turn right at a red gate, onto an aqueduct road. Follow this for about a mile until you cross another red gate. Turn left onto Crystal Jeep Road, and follow about a quarter of a mile up and look for France's Cabin on the right side. Do not depend on these directions to get 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).
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 Rd. Follow Boreas Pass Rd. approx. 3.5 miles to the winter trailhead. There will be a gate and you cannot go 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, approximately 6 1/2 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 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, approximately seven 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, (approx 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 approximately 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
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 Rd. Follow Boreas Pass Rd. approx. 3.5 miles to the winter trailhead. There will be a gate and you cannot go 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, approximately 6 1/2 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 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, approximately seven 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, (approx 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 approximately 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
