Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass

This is easily one of the coolest mountain experiences I’ve had in 10 years of living in Colorado. I’ll admit, when I first started talking to the people behind Campfire Ranch’s Red Mountain Pass Hut I was a little skeptical of a backcountry hut (after all, this is approachable outdoors) but then I saw the picture of the view and I was sold.

I mean… just look at this….

 

The hut is located about six hours away from Denver on Red Mountain Pass, right in between Ouray and Silverton on the Million Dollar Highway. It sits on 35 acres of land 11,200 ft above sea level and the views are to die for. (There is a short drive on an rocky path, so heads up if you don’t have AWD.)

It’s worth the drive for your own little slice of mountain paradise.

The hut itself is not what I would expect from a backcountry hut, more like an elevated mountain cabin with a few camp qualities (like no shower, but they do have a bathroom with working toilet and sinks.) The main living area has a giant living room, table for family dinner and kitchen you don’t have to use (they provide most of the meals for you.) It sleeps eight, with one bunk room, one room with a king and a loft with a queen. Two dogs are allowed to stay at the hut with your crew.

Jump to 1:32 for a full tour:

Camp Hosts

Just as with the experience at Campfire Ranch on the Taylor, the camp hosts are some of the best parts of the weekend. Ian cooked up the most delicious meals and somehow even accommodated a crazy amount of dietary restrictions (our group is a pain) with everything still tasting wonderful. From homemade sausages and crispy bacon at breakfast, to pastas and chicken fajitas – we were so stuffed all weekend.

I also feel like it really encouraged “family dinner” every night. Without thinking about cooking or cleaning our crew was able to relax, play games, sit by the fire while still enjoying an incredible meal. 

Photo: Andrew Kunze

Incredible Hiking

One of the highlights of the weekend was our hike straight from hut up to a turquoise lake. Bullion King Lake is 2.5 miles from the hut and while you can drive up two miles to the parking lot, we decided to hike it and the views were totally worth it. Not only that, we had the entire lake to ourselves for a while – letting the dogs run and play around the pristine water.

We had originally wanted to do a bigger hike (Island Lakes is high on the bucket list) but to have one right from our front door and almost no one along the way was definitely the right choice. 

Photo: Andrew Kunze

Exploring Silverton

I had never been to this gorgeous little mining town and it was as cute as everyone said it would be! Make sure you keep driving for some of the most beautiful scenery. We were just past peak for fall colors but it was still absolutely incredible. We attempted to find Adrenaline Falls but ended up just hiking the main road which still had epic views the whole way. Maybe we’ll have to come back for redemption…. 

An Unforgettable Weekend

We were the last group for the 2024 fall season before it reopens as a backcountry ski hut for the winter months! I truly can’t recommend this experience enough in any season. It sounds like the winter they ski right from the hut – how amazing! 

I feel like the best part of Campfire Ranch is how they make the experience approachable for anyone and any skill level. Don’t have the right gear? They have it available to rent. Not sure where to hike or where to explore? They’re more than happy to share their favorite spots. They created such an incredible spot for a getaway and it was one we’ll never forget. 

Now take me back to this view…

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

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Kylie Bearse

Kylie Bearse

When I’m not exploring the trails, I’m a Meteorologist! You can see me every weekday morning on Fox31 KDVR from 4:30-10am! Have a weather question? Don’t hesitate to ask!

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