McNamara Hut and Bald Knob

A awesome perspective from Bald Knob.

Tim phoned to say that he and some friends were heading up to McNamara Hut for the night, and that I should meet them up there. I was a bit busy with things, but since every hut trip I’ve been on has been a certifiable great time, I thought I should try to join them.

The decision was actually very easy. Not only was there space still available at the 16 person hut, where dinner and breakfast had already been arranged, but the real deal maker was that the trailhead for McNamara is right in our neighborhood. I could work all day before heading up to the hut, and I would be able to get back early the next day if needed. All I had to do was call 10th Mountain and make the $35 reservation and go.

High above Hunter Creek, as I headed up to the hut in the late afternoon.

So that’s what I did, and as I started up the trail in the late afternoon, I acknowledged one more reason why we’re so lucky to live where we do– access. It’s nice to be able to escape on a hut getaway for the night, and in the middle of a pretty regular work schedule.

A near full moon led the way right to the hut.

Fritz & Fabi (which we went to last Christmas Eve), Markley, Lindley, and even Green-Wilson and Tagert all work well for the quick “strike mission” hut trips from Aspen. And if you’re not in a mad rush to be back in town and at work by 9am, you can often sneak in a small ski before packing up, which is highly recommended.

The following morning we made the quick skin up to Bald Knob.

In the glades of Bald Knob.

Bald Knob has one of the most expansive views- from the Williams Range all the way to Mount Sopris. And right in the middle of that panorama is the Hayden group and Castle Peak, seen here.

Tim, on our second run before returning to the hut to pack up and head home.

The plaque adorning the hut. McNamara and Margy’s were the first two huts of the extensive Tenth Mountain Hut System.

The upstairs has bunks for nine, and a private room (first come first serve) with a queen. There’s a separate bunkroom downstairs for four, and more sleeping around the wood stove.

The woodstove/common area. Both Margy’s and McNamara huts have the same layout.

And to wrap it up in a novel fashion, we took the trail from the hut all the way down to the Lower Hunter Creek trailhead, directly across the street from our place. Truly door-to-door, with no driving required.