Francie's Cabin

A popular winter hut destination, Francie’s Cabin was built in 1994 in memory of Frances Lockwood Bailey, a former Breckenridge resident who died in a tragic plane crash in 1989. Her husband, Brownell, after reviewing the Summit Hut Association’s master plan, decided to sponsor the hut in Francie’s honor. Herb’s Sauna, the wood-fired sauna at Francie’s, was built in memory of Francie’s brother Herb Lockwood, who wrote his college thesis on the geology of the nearby Crystal Lakes Basin.

Layout and capacity:  Main Level: 1 bedroom with 1 single bunkbed (sleeps 2). Upstairs: 6 bedrooms: 3 bedrooms with 2 single bunkbeds in each (12 total), and 3 bedrooms with 2 single beds in each (6 total).  Capacity: 20.

Hut Location:  Francie’s is located southwest of Breckenridge and is one of the most popular huts in Colorado. This large hut has a big capacity for multiple parties or large single groups. It is situated near timberline, in the Crystal Creek drainage, on the flank of Peak 10 of Colorado’s Tenmile Range, where mountaineering opportunities abound, summer and winter.

During the winter, Francie’s Cabin can be accessed via the Spruce Creek Trailhead located south of Breckenridge. The trails leaving from Spruce Creek are short but steep, and the parking at that trailhead can be limited.

Reservations for Francie's Cabin are required and can be made through the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association's annual reservation lottery.

• Suitable Activities: Snowshoeing, Backpacking
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: January, February, March, April
• Weather: View weather forecast
• Avalanche Terrain Rating Simple

• Length: 4.4 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,009 ft
• High Point: 11,360 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Dillon Ranger District (WRNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Other
• Recommended Party Size: 20
• Maximum Party Size: 20
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 20