Frequently Asked Questions
Getting There & Parking
What do I do if the trailhead parking is full when I arrive?
If trailhead parking is full, you may park across the street at the Monarch Lodge for $5 per vehicle per night. Please check in and pay at their front desk. Do not park, load, or unload in the Monarch Snowmobile Tours lot. Your vehicle must be parked behind the trailhead parking signs at all times.
How do I get to the hut after arriving at the trailhead?
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Summer and early fall: You can hike or drive a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle. Drivers should be confident navigating a rough mountain road.
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Winter and spring: You can snowshoe, splitboard, telemark or AT ski, or snowmobile in. Occasionally, cross-country skiing is possible if the trail is well packed.
For detailed driving directions, see our Location & Amenities page.
How long does it take to reach the hut in winter?
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Fast groups on a broken trail: 2–3 hours
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Average groups: 3–4 hours
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Slower groups: 4–5 hours
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A fast individual without a pack: about 1 hour
Any tips for driving to the hut?
A 4×4 or AWD vehicle with clearance is required. There are two tricky spots near the start:
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The first hairpin corner just past the trailhead — walk up to scout it first, and stay far left.
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A rocky section just after the Boss Lake Trailhead — again, scout before driving, and stay left to avoid damaging your tires.
On the way back down, stay far right in these same spots.
Arrival & Stay Basics
How do I get the door code?
The door code will be emailed once your party leader has signed the Group Leader Waiver.
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in: 1:00 pm
Check-out: 11:00 am
How many people does the hut sleep?
The hut has beds for up to 14 people. Additional guests may stay for an extra fee of $54 per person per night.
What is the bunk configuration?
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Six beds in the main upstairs room
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Two small private rooms upstairs, each with a double bed (and space to add a single bed)
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One loft bed above the main room
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Two beds in the downstairs common room
Are dogs allowed at the hut?
Yes. Please be considerate by cleaning up after your dog, stomping out yellow snow, removing waste near the hut, and sweeping before departure.
Amenities & Facilities
Is water accessible year-round?
Yes. A hose about 100 yards from the hut delivers spring water. In winter, you may need to shovel snow to expose it. Water jugs are provided.
What is provided in the kitchen?
The kitchen is fully stocked with pots, pans, a propane stove and oven, utensils, cutting boards, coffee pots, French presses, mixing bowls, and water jugs.
Where do we store food?
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Cold items can be stored in a cabinet inside the woodshed.
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A plastic tote is provided inside the hut for dry storage.
Is firewood provided?
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Winter: Firewood is provided for the wood stove.
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Summer: Guests should bring their own firewood.
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Please never leave an outdoor fire unattended.
Is there cell service?
Yes, most carriers have limited coverage at the hut, enough to send text messages. For safety, we recommend bringing a backup communication device such as an inReach.
Etiquette & Policies
Can we write on the hut walls?
Please do not add graffiti or messages to the walls. While some historic markings remain from the hut’s early years, new additions have become excessive. We ask all guests to respect the space and leave it clean for future groups.
What do we do with trash and recycling?
Cans are provided inside the hut, but all trash and recycling must be packed out.