Broome Hut, Berthoud Pass - Second Creek Trailhead, Summit County - Eagle County - Clear Creek County, Colorado
Broome Hut - 2.0 miles
Berthoud Pass - Second Creek Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 2.0 miles (route continues to Mount Nystrom Trail) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 10,629' - 11,342' (11,930' @ Mount Nystrom Trail junction) |
| Elevation Change: | +713' net elevation gain to Broome Hut |
| Skill Level: | Moderate |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | Yes |
| Related Trails: |
Broome Hut - 2.0 Miles Round-Trip
Broome Hut is located one mile west of Highway 40 along the Second Creek Trail near Berthoud Pass. It’s among the newest renovations in the 10th Mountain Division Hut System, which manages 34 backcountry huts across Colorado.
Second Creek Basin receives about 500” of snow each year - no secret to backcountry skiers – but the re-opening of Broome Hut is sure to increase summer traffic as word spreads.
The trail climbs 700’ in just one mile from Highway 40 to the hut, which overlooks an idyllic alpine basin (1.0 mile : 11,243’). It continues west another half mile through treeline before ending abruptly on the edge of open tundra (1.55 miles : 11,611’).
Note this cairn-marked point (GPS point #5), which may be hidden by willow mats and hard to find.
Cross-country travel begins here with a short, steep climb to the Mount Nystrom Trail (2.1 miles : 11,925’). It's an approximate point, as the Mount Nystrom Trail is only marked by cairns and posts spread across long distances in open tundra.
The tundra is uncommonly broad and level here - it almost feels like Kansas, only at 12,000’ with mountains on every horizon. Views include the Vasquez Peaks (west), Winter Park and Rocky Mountain (north), and Mt Flora (east).
Elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goat are drawn to these well-developed alpine grasses, and if they’re anywhere in the area, you’ll see them. Alpine flowers are abundant, peaking by mid-July.
Tread lightly in this delicate ecosystem, and note that dogs must be leashed once across the Vasquez Peak Wilderness boundary.
Broome Hut Facts and Features
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Reservations: Call 970.925.5775 or visit huts.org and click on the 10th Mountain Division Hut System link
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1800 square feet (1/3 public use | 2/3 private)
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16 person capacity (2 bunk rooms with 6 beds each | 2 private rooms that sleep two each)
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Public day use room and restroom separate from the overnight area
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Pellet stove
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Kitchen with a dual burner gas stove and cookware + utensils | water from rain-snow fed cistern (non potable)
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Large deck with spectacular views over Second Creek Basin.
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500" of snow per year
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The Broome Hut is also known as the Gwen Andrews Hut and the A Frame
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N39 49.360 W105 46.186 — 0.0 miles : Second Creek Trailhead
- N39 49.509 W105 46.596 — .5 miles : Steady climb in thinning forest
- N39 49.571 W105 46.991 — 1.0 miles : Broome Hut
- N39 49.659 W105 47.323 — 1.35 miles : Cross creek, enter thick willows
- N39 49.788 W105 47.400 — 1.55 miles : Trail abruptly ends, begin x-country travel
- N39 49.863 W105 47.931 — 2.1 miles : Mt Nystrom Trail intersection (approximate)
- N39 50.026 W105 48.383 — 2.65 miles : Vasquez Peaks overlook
Worth Noting
- The Vasquez Peak Wilderness was established in 1993. It covers 12,300 acres of subalpine forests and alpine tundra southwest of the Winter Park Ski Area. The entire wilderness area stands above 10,000', with 50% over treeline.
- Edward Berthoud named Vasquez Peak (12,947'), the highest peak in the wilderness.
Camping and Backpacking Information
- Backcountry camping is permitted in the Arapaho National Forest and Vasquez Peak Wilderness. No permit is necessary.
- There are no designated backcountry campsites in this travel zone. Dispersed camping only. Use established sites whenever possible to minimize impact.
- Camp at least 100' from all lakes, streams and trails.
- Campfires are permitted in the backcountry, with potential seasonal restrictions. Campfires are not permitted above or within .25 miles of treeline, or within 100' of any lake, stream or trail.
- Group size is limited to 12 individuals or people and stock combined.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must be leashed within the Vasquez Peak Wilderness Area.
Directions to Trailhead
The Second Creek Trailhead is located on Highway 40 (Berthoud Pass area), 17.8 miles north of I-70 near mile marker 240.
From I-70, take Exit #232 for Rocky Mountain National Park and Winter Park. Drive 17.8 miles over Berthoud Pass to the trailhead on the left (west) side of the road along a hairpin turn.
Contact Information
Clear Creek Ranger District
101 Chicago Creek Road
P.O. Box 3307
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
303.567.3000
Vasquez Peak Wilderness - Sulphur Ranger District
9 Ten Mile Drive
P.O. Box 10
Granby, Colorado 80446
970.887.4100
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