Fitness: 

This is a six-day, 100-mile running trip across the Rockies. I believe that the stronger you come into the trip the more fun you will have. With that said, I also believe that this trip is accessible to anybody that is up for the challenge. If you believe that you can run 100 miles through the Rockies, then I do too!

Altitude:

The lowest elevation of the Hut Run Hut route is just under 8,000ft (2400m) and that is only 1/4-mile into the trip. On average we will be running between 9,000ft and 13,000ft (2700m - 4000m) and sleeping close to 11,000ft (3300m). Though not essential, it is helpful to arrive at altitude (anything above 5,000ft) several days beforehand. If you think that the altitude and relative lack of oxygen might still be an issue, consider a Hypoxico Altitude Training System (www.hypoxico.com). They are generously offering a 15% discount on altitude tents to our Hut Run Hut participants. 

Route:

The route will consist of hiking trails, lesser-used winter ski-trails, jeep roads, some bush-whacking and ridge lines. Side trips along the way will include some of Colorado's most beautiful mountain-tops. Trail maps, route descriptions and profiles will be provided daily. Two guides on the trail at all times will allow for varying levels of ability.

Food:

Our guides will provide the best cuisine available. Most allergies and diets can be navigated.

The Huts:

We will be staying at the secluded 10th Mountain Division Hut Association huts, dotted across the Rocky Mountains. Sitting between 9,500-11,000 feet (3,000-3,700 meters) the huts are high and remote. They are rustic in that they do not have running water (we will do our best to set up a solar shower when possible), electricity or 3G coverage (or any cell-phone coverage for that matter). Sleeping quarters are shared  (though rooms for couples do exist). Bring a sleeping bag unless you'd prefer to use one of ours.

Preview the huts in chronological order! 

Margy's Hut,  Betty Bear Hut,  Uncle Bud’s Hut,  Jackal Hut and the Fowler Hilliard Hut.

The New York Times wrote up a great piece on the 10th Mountain Huts which can be found here. 

Getting there and away: 

Both Aspen and Vail have their own airports (Pitkin County Airport and Eagle County Airport). However, flying in and out of Denver, though two more hours further away, is significantly cheaper. On the final day, participants will be driven back to Aspen (two hours) or anywhere along the way.  We will have a chase vehicle along the route each day to help with lunch, get gear to the next hut and/or for medical emergencies. If someone needs to or wants to bail from the trip at any time, it can be arranged. Flights out of Eagle/Vail, Denver or Aspen are possible for the final evening (Please don’t gamble with flights earlier than 7pm for Aspen and Eagle/Vail and 9pm out of Denver). Colorado Mountain Express and Bustang specializes in transport to and from Denver, Aspen and Eagle/Vail.

Group Size:

The group size of this trip is limited to the capacity of the huts (12 participants and 4 guides). That means a couple things - 1. we will be able to provide an intimate, mountain experience and 2. this trip has the potential to fill up quick, so DON'T WAIT!!!!

What to Bring:

Summer in the Rockies can vary in temperature and luckily running gear is light and small, so bring it all. We will not be able to wash clothes along the way so please plan accordingly. Time in the huts can be spent in jeans, shorts, jean-shorts, sarong-skirt, flip-flops, crocs... in other words, "casual." We will be driving your stuff on to the next hut so go ahead and bring an extra book while you're at it. We will provide a detailed pack-list as the date approaches.

Money:

The full cost of the 2024 trips is $3000 - to be paid through Aspen Expeditions. A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $600 will hold your spot.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, please note our cancellation policy:

If the spot is cancelled prior to two months before the start-date the participant will receive a full refund MINUS the $600 deposit.

If the spot is cancelled within two months of the start date and NOT filled, then the person will be charged full amount.

INSURANCE

Trip insurance (www.travelguard.com) will help cover a cancelled trip or an unfortunate and costly Medical Evacuation. 

We highly recommend that you purchase a Colorado Search and Rescue Card. It is only $3 for the year and helps cover very costly medical evacuations.

Costs cover guides with medical, permits, liability insurance, food, beer, Aspen to Vail gear transport, and hut fees. Costs do not cover first night stay in Aspen, final lunch in Red Cliff or optional gratuity.

The Aspen to Red Cliff Hut Run Hut trip is offered through local mountain guide service Aspen Expeditions. Aspen Expeditions is an equal opportunity service provider and employer and operates under a special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.