Inspired by Europe. Defined by Colorado.
You’ve never experienced anything quite like a stay at Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge. Inspired by European tradition yet uniquely Western Slope. Chef-prepared meals, carbon free electricity, spring water, curated bar menu and a cedar wood fired hot tub to take in this unbelievable locale. As a backcountry lodge, where conservation is key, some creature comforts are limited, and guests need to BYO sleeping bag liners or sleeping bags, pillow cases and towels. You’ll leave rejuvenated and eager to return.
Amenities
Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge aims to impress and will endeavor to make your stay comfortable beyond your expectations. This said, the experience has limitations that are naturally part of being remote and off the grid. We really do require you to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow case or sleeping bag liner. Purchase a sleeping bag liner when reserving a spot the lodge if you wish.
- Electricity ample enough for all needs.
- Spring water for drinking.
- Showers with reservation, limited availability for a fee.
- Cell phone service
- Starklink internet
- Hot tub
- Riverside cold plung
- Numerous well appointed common areas
- Warm blankets and comfy pillows
Provisions
As a professional chef Eric savors in the delight of preparing locally-sourced meals to share with his guests. Hearty vegetable and meat rich curries, stews and pasta are often the dinner fare. Griddle cakes with fresh berry butter, farm egg market scramble or amazing spiced porridge are just a taste of what awaits you at breakfast. He is always happy to accomodate special dietary needs and restrictions. (GF,DF,VEG,VG,etc..)
- Chef-prepared breakfast
- Chef-prepared dinner
- Gourmet coffee and tea
- High altitude teas, elixirs, salves and tinctures available by Singing Springs Botanicals
- Fresh and unbelieveable drinking water
- Vegetarian and vegan options (request at time of reservation)
- Accommodations for food sensitivities and dietary restrictions (request at time of reservation)
Facilities
Yes, we have running water and modern indoor plumbing. Shower access is available for a nominal fee ($15) with your reservation and limited to no more than 3 minutes, in an effort to conserve as much energy as possible.
Activities
You’re really only limited by your own ambition and interest out here. In the summer, there’s boundless opportunity to hike and explore by foot or Jeep. The trails take you through the woods, along streams, past the timberline, and over Imogene Pass at 13,100 feet. In the winter, backcountry ski touring is the name of the game! Snowshoeing and sledding can also fill your time and take you through breathtaking terrain. For either season, refer to the guide and rental services if needed to guarantee a safe and amazingly fun experience. I’ll keep the lodge toasty and the tub stoked and ready for your return.
Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge does not provide any gear or guiding services. This is your decision but I can help with questions.
Board games and a hut library are available to enjoy in the comfort of the cozy nooks throughout the lodge for time spent indoors.
You can even get married at Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge! We’re happy to share this incredibly special place with you and up to 35 guests for an intimate outdoor wedding that would be hard to replicate anywhere else.
About the Area
The lodge is a warm and invinting place to stash your gear while you explore the many destinations that surround us. By ski, foot, or Jeep, there is so much of the Western Slope to see and play in while you’re here.
The Mount Sneffels Wilderness, inside the Uncompahgre National Forest, is a vast area that has spectacular landscapes unrivaled elsewhere in Colorado. Deep and lush forests, streams and lakes, rugged cliffs, and heartstopping views are just some of what you will experience. We’re just below Mount Hayden, set in Richmond Basin at 11,100 feet. The Jeep trail gives access to climb Imogene Pass at 13,114’, offering an above-the-clouds, other-worldly view that takes you down to Telluride with a glimpse of Bridal Veil Falls.
Lovingly nicknamed The Switzerland of America, the Alpine Loop takes you off-road through treeless tundra painted in natural color during a brief window each summer.
The newly established San Juan Haute Route, modeled after the world famous Haute Route in the Alps, links the full service huts of the area in a multi-day loop through the mountains passing both Telluride and Silverton. We can help you arrange this iconic passage!