Probably the finest alpine hut in Alaska, and, it's free!
The hut was built by the American Alpine Club (AAC). Even though the hut is free, I highly recommend making a donation to them or, better yet, becoming a member. The single-biggest advantage of becoming a member: rescue insurance. If you like to get into remote places, this could save you from getting in debt...after you get hurt.
Mileage wise, this hut is not far from where you park your car.
But the route-finding is NOT easy. The first time I went to the hut it took me an embarrassingly long time. (9 hrs?) The second time, when I knew where I was going, it took about a third of that. Have a GPS, know how to use it, and read the information on the AAC website before attempting to sleep at the hut! (GPS coordinates are also on the AAC website)
Only the first mile or so is on an official trail. After that, you'll be route-finding up a pass, followed by route-finding across the Snowbird Glacier. You don't need glacier gear, but you do need to exercise extreme caution. "You need to be mindful".
From the glacier, you should be able to see a rock eventually. A large boulder. It has a big red arrow painted on it. That's your signal to GO UP!
Like the Thayer Hut in the Deltas, you won't see this guy until the very last second, when you are already pretty much there. Also like that hut, it's first-come-first-served, so bring a tent or bivy for backup, in case it's full.
The hut is new, clean, and has a great stove in it. The panoramic windows are perfectly situated to take advantage of the sweeping views of the glacier and Noatak/spire jutting up out of it.
WARNING: the location I pin-pointed on Yelp is only semi-accurate. DO NOT use for navigation. Use the coordinates on the AAC website. You have been warned! read more
