Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge

February 2019  |  San Juan Mountains, Colorado

This weekend we had a wonderful stay at Eric Johnson's Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge. Located in Richmond Basin in a remote corner of the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Telluride, the lodge is surrounded by a powder playground of skiable terrain. With heaps of fresh snow awaiting us, we were excited to have three days to ski and splitboard to our hearts' content.

Skinning to the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

Skinning to the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

Skiing in Richmond Basin - February.

Skiing in Richmond Basin - February.

Potosi Peak (13,786 ft.) emerges from the clouds on a glorious winter morning.

Potosi Peak (13,786 ft.) emerges from the clouds on a glorious winter morning.

It snowed nonstop for the first day and night and on Saturday morning the clouds cleared, unveiling one of the most glorious bluebird days I can remember.

Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.) caked in fresh powder on a brisk February bluebird morning.

Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.) caked in fresh powder on a brisk February bluebird morning.

Remnants of wind.

Remnants of wind.

A glorious bluebird morning at Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

A glorious bluebird morning at Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

Claudia skiing fresh powder near the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

Claudia skiing fresh powder near the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge.

Skiing untracked powder with a backdrop of Potosi Peak.

Skiing untracked powder with a backdrop of Potosi Peak.

Dusk at the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge, with United States Mountain towering above.

Dusk at the Mount Hayden Backcountry Lodge, with United States Mountain towering above.

Purple dawn glow illuminates Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.).

Purple dawn glow illuminates Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.).

Sunrise light touches the summit of Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.).

Sunrise light touches the summit of Mount Sneffels (14,150 ft.).