Sangree Froelicher Hut Trail #1503

Dogs Unknown

To reach the start of this trail, turn into Buckeye Gulch from CO 91, just outside of Leadville. The road forks immediately so keep right into Buckeye Estates. You'll pass several private driveways, but in about a mile will find roadside parking at a small, obvious "ring-around". The road continues but is unmaintained and very rough, so you may want to hike up to the trailhead, approx. 0.7 miles. Don't be confused by signs indicating winter trail etc. The app will point you in the right direction, and you'll see where the road splits and left fork crosses the creek. (If you have a high clearance 4WD you might drive up to here, room for maybe two cars to park without blocking the road.)

From here, cross the shallow creek (to your left). Be prepared to wade since it is too wide to jump if there is run-off. Follow the old road about 0.2 miles more and an arrow leads you into the woods. The trail is lovely from here – soft, quiet, lots of easy flat stretches. Continue into open meadows and shallow switchbacks that lead up side of the hill. Great view of Mt. Sherman, and if it's summer, pause to appreciate the gorgeous sunflowers turning their heads in sync with the sun.

I expected a hut. Wow. Sangree-Froelicher is a gorgeous three-story affair. It was locked but the upscale bathrooms were open. There were no occupants so the veranda was a great place to stop for lunch. It is overall a fairly easy hike and a good place to gain some exposure to the altitude.