When You’re Ready to Heed the Call of the Mountains.
Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge is designed to accommodate up to 17 people, as individuals, couples, or groups. There is a main lodge and a connected fully renovated historic log cabin. The fully renovated historic log cabin includes two private bunk rooms, the Hayden Suite (3ppl) and the Richmond Suite (2ppl), and a Loft with shared open bunk space for four.
In the newly constructed Main Lodge, there is a shared/partitioned bunk room with several nooks. The Camp Bird nook and the Imogene nooks each have an lower and upper single twin bunk. The Hidden Treasure nook has a double lower bunk and a double upper bunk.
Reservations are fully refundable 2 weeks in advance or 80% within 48 hours of arrival.
Cabin – Hayden Suite
/person/night
Upper Bunk Sleeps One, Lower Bunk Sleeps Two in private room
- Double lower bunk bed $360 (double occupancy)
- Single twin upper bunk $180
Cabin – Richmond Suite
/person/night
Twin bunk in private room
- Single twin lower bunk bed $200
- Single twin upper bunk bed $180
Cabin – Loft
/person/night
Sleeps Four in a shared open space
- Two single lower twin bunk beds $180 each
- Two single upper twin bunk beds $160 each
Lodge – Camp Bird Nook
/person/night
Nook is in a Shared/Partitioned Space for up to Eight
- One lower twin bunk bed $200
- One upper twin bunk bed $180
Lodge – Imogene Nook
/person/night
Nook is in a Shared/Partitioned Space for up to Eight
- One lower twin bunk bed $200
- One upper twin bunk bed $180
Lodge – Hidden Treasure Nook
/person/night
Nook is in a Shared/Partitioned Space for up to Eight
- One lower double bunk bed $360 (double occupancy)
- One upper double bunk bed $360 (double occupancy)
How to Get Here
Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge is located at Lat 37.9568, Long -107.7205.
Directions from Ouray, Colorado:
Leave the south end of town on Hwy. 550. Directly after the big horseshoe bend (about ¼ mile), take a right on CR 361 (Camp Bird Rd.). Follow this for 4.7 miles, then take the broad left fork that goes toward Camp Bird Mine. In another 0.3 miles you’ll reach a bridge. Park just before here if hiking and follow summer instructions below or switch to 4 low if jeeping. There is not a sign for the mine. PLEASE NOTE! For winter guests there are special parking instructions and it is necessary for you to confirm details with MHBL.
WINTER In winter our lodge is a ski in destination. Drive 3.5 miles up CR361 to the locked gate. Drop all gear and skiers at the gate. One person will need to take the vehicle to the broad parking area at thistledown campgrounds and return 0.4 miles to meet the group at the gate. From the gate, hike or skin the road for 1 ml. to a broad downhill fork on the left. (There is no signage here but you will see Camp Bird on the left and the “mansions”.) Take this left for 0.3 miles then cross the bridge passing between the historic “mansions”. Then continue for approximately 1.5 miles to reach the point where the road crosses the creek. Cross the creek to the left and continue to follow the road for 0.4 miles to a wooden bridge on your right. Do not cross it, instead take an immediate sharp left at the sign for Richmond Trail. Follow the road up for 0.4 mile to a small wooden sign that reads Richmond Trail ½ mile with an arrow to the right. Instead go left for 200yds. to reach MHBL! (Total distance approximately 4 miles from the gate with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet.)
SUMMER In summer you can drive all the way to the lodge if you have an off-road ready, high clearance 4WD vehicle, (not SUV or AWD). If you do not have an off-road ready, high clearance 4WD vehicle then you can reach the lodge by hiking the last 2.5 miles. Drive approximately 4.5 miles up CR361 to a broad fork on the left. (There is no signage here but you will see and information sign on the left of the right and Camp Bird on the left and the “mansions”.) Take this left for 0.3 miles to reach Camp Bird. If you are hiking, park here and walk the last 2.5 miles. When you arrive at the bridge at Camp Bird, cross the bridge passing between the historic “mansions” and follow the Imogene Pass jeep trail 1.8 miles from the bridge at Camp Bird, crossing the river once, until you see a sign to go left up Richmond Basin, just beyond a wooden bridge (not to be crossed). It’s a sharp left, usually a three point turn. Follow the road up for 0.4 mile to a small wooden sign that reads Richmond Trail ½ mile with an arrow to the right. Instead follow the road to the left! This will lead you in 200 yards to reach MHBL! Park after crossing the small creek on your left.
Whether hiking, driving or skiing, please let us know your expected arrival time and what you are driving so that we can watch for you. Text or call us at 303‑656‑1550 with any issues before you leave an area with cell phone coverage. Depending on your cell provider, you may not get coverage from the trail. For visitors with a radio we will listen on channel 10 if given advance notice.
Contact us
USGS Topographical Map
Map provided by CalTopo. View approach route map here.
Come prepared
but don’t overpack.
4WD VehicleAn off-road ready 4WD vehicle with 4-low is required if you are planning on jeeping up. All wheel drive vehicles such as a Subaru, RAV4, or other SUVs are not capable of arriving from Camp Bird. |
BeddingLaundry is limited so we can not always guarantee fresh bedding. For your personal comfort you are welcome to bring your own, pillow cases, sheet, or bag liner. |
Lunch & SnacksWe only provide breakfast and dinner. Plan on bringing your own snacks and lunches. |
Dress in LayersPack light to not weigh down your pack, but all year you should be prepared for a range of temperatures and weather scenarios. |
HeadlampsSafer to keep your hands free outside at night… |
HatWhether a knit cap or a ball cap, keep your head warm and safe from the sun and elements. |
Rain gearThe weather can turn on a dime up here. A light rain jacket or poncho can do the trick. |
Activity gearPlan to bring anything you specifically need for hiking, skiing, or climbing. |
SunscreenA strong SPF is advisable all year round. We get a lot of sun exposure. |
Bug sprayEspecially in the short summer season. |
Reusable water bottleNot only should you stay hydrated up here at elevation, but you can help reduce waste and trash. |
Good ShoesSturdy, water-resistant boots with good socks are your best bet. |
ToiletriesYou should bring any soaps, medications, dental care, or other personal hygiene items you want to use. Not stocking these helps us reduce excess waste. |
TowelsWe try to keep laundry to a minimum. If you plan to shower, we encourage you to bring a towel. |
Phone and Electronics ChargersPhone and Electronics Chargers are not provided. Consider bringing your own fully charged battery pack. |
Cash or VenmoCash or Venmo makes it easier to pay for incidentals like showers, cool Mt. Hayden Backcountry Lodge swag as well as for TIPS! |
What not to bring
AlcoholMHBL does not serve alcohol. In order to maintain the health and safety of all our guests, we strongly discourage all adult beverages. |
Mean, aggressive dogs. Friendly dogs are welcomeYour dog is welcome, but needs to be cool. |
FirearmsExcept for the express purpose of licensed hunting, weapons are not permitted on the property. |
Bad AttitudesYou’ll have an exceptional experience here if you accept that the terrain, weather, and lifestyle can be rough at times. We have gratitude for this place and hope you’ll share that with us. |
Guest Policies
Liability ReleaseA liability release must be signed for winter reservations only! |
Check-inCheck-in is 12:00pm or later on the date of your scheduled arrival. |
Check-outCheck-out is 11:00am on the date of your scheduled departure. |
No SmokingSmoking of any kind is not allowed inside the cabin. You can smoke cigarettes and other legal substances outside. |
Weather Resources
The weather up here at 11,000 feet can be fairly unpredictable. We’re susceptible to the extremes of all seasons and unexpected shifts in nature’s plan. In general, the winter season begins in October, with roads generally closed after the first snow, through May or even possibly late June. During this hike/ski-in only season, we get up to 450 inches of snow each winter. Avalanches are a threat and below-zero temperatures are normal. The short but splendid summer is sunny, warm but cool, with some rain and thunderstorms. Once the road re-opens it is driveable with a capable 4wd vehicle to the lodge until early October.
Current Weather for Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge
For multi-day forecasts click the link https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-107.7180826663971&lat=37.95192609660165#.W9xWAGRKhaE
Current Avalanche Conditions in North San Juan Region
This information is provided by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) via their Twitter feed, @CAICnthsanjuan.
Local Resources We Recommend
Colorado West Jeeps
701 Main Street
Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 325-4014
Third Eye Backcountry
Telluride, Colorado 81435
info@ThirdEyeBackcountry.com
Skyward Mountaineering
(970) 325-3305
San Juan Mountain Guides
710 Main Street
Ouray, CO 81427
(800) 642-5389