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BPX 3-Day: Shrine Mountain Inn from Vail Pass TH


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BPX 3-Day: Shrine Mountain Inn from Vail Pass TH

Shrine Mountain Inn sits high atop Vail Pass, nestled among the pines. At an elevation of 11,200+ feet, it offers spectacular views in every direction. An ideal first hut trip or weekend getaway, the standard routes in summer and winter to these cabins is just 3.0 miles. Whether you are drawn by the brilliant wildflowers of summer or the new powder of winter, Shrine Mountain Inn offers backcountry adventure and solitude for all. Shrine Mountain Inn is comprised of three rustic log cabins: Jay’s, Chuck’s, and Walter’s. Jay’s sleeps 12 and can be booked by the space, Chuck’s and Walter’s are both divided in to an upstairs and a downstairs unit – each sleeping 6 – you must book all of the spaces in these units. The combined capacity of all 3 cabins is 36.

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1: Drive to the Vail Pass exit (#190) off of I-70.  Hike from the Vail Pass TH to one of the Shrine Mountain Inn's Huts (3.0 miles, +724 / -101 ft.).

Route: Day 1 

Day 2: Day hike to/from Shrine Mountain (Elevation 11,880 ft.)

Day Hike: Shrine Mountain (4.8 miles, +-1,120 ft.)

Day 3: Clean up the hut and hike back to the Vail Pass TH (3.0 miles, +101 / -724 ft.)

Route: Day 3

Overall Route: 6.0 miles, +-838 ft.

NOTE(S):

  1. Always practice Leave No Trace techniques.
  2. More information about White River National Forest is available here.
  3. Please view this website for everything you need to know about Shrine Mountain Inn.

  4. The huts of Shrine Mountain Inn have foam mattresses; participants will need to bring a bivy or sleeping bag, towel, food, and 10 Essentials.

  5. There is a hut manager that has a snowmobile & a cart who will take in food & gear during the winter for a fee.
  6. Driving Directions: From the Colorado Mountain Club (Golden, CO) to the Vail Pass TH.
  • Length: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 838 ft
  • 11,248 ft
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 108
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  • BPX 3-Day: Chuck’s Hut from Vail Pass TH
  • BPX 3-Day: Jay’s Hut from Vail Pass TH
  • BPX 3-Day: Walter’s Hut from Vail Pass TH
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