Ridgway Hut

Joe Ryan founded the San Juan Hut System in 1987, establishing the first network of isolated mountain huts on the north slope of the Sneffels Range in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Based in Ridgway, Colorado, the organization manages 16 huts across the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, San Juan, and Manti La Sal National Forests, as well as private ranch lands. The system specializes in low-impact, human-powered backcountry adventures, offering hut-to-hut tours for mountain biking, hiking, and skiing. The routes span from the high peaks near Telluride, Ouray, and Durango down to the slickrock terrain of Moab, Utah. The original winter skiing routes were designed to connect Telluride, Ridgway, and Ouray along the historic Dallas Trail system. The expansion into mountain biking began when permit requirements forced the removal of huts after ski season, leading to the development of the first hut-to-hut bike route from Telluride to Moab. Fifteen years later, a second major route was added, connecting Durango to Moab. The huts provide self-reliant accommodations for independent travelers seeking lightweight adventures in remote wilderness areas.