Twin Meadows to Margy's Hut

Dogs Off-leash

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is part 3 of a four-day, three-night trek from above Eagle and Edwards, Colorado, across to Lenado, Colorado, near Aspen. With a friend coming into town I looked for a multi-day hut trip that would allow us to hit some moderate peaks and move from near Vail, Colorado, to Aspen.

New York Mountain from this trailhead is a very accessible 12,550-foot peak that includes views from Eagle, Hardscrabble Mountain, and Red Table Mountain to the west, Edwards to the north, and a variety of 12,000- and 13,000-foot peaks to the east and south.

Noland Lake lies to the southwest of New York Mountain and is an attractive mountain lake surrounded by high peaks.

The three selected huts—Peter Estin, Harry Gates, and Margy's—form a bucket brigade of stopovers with views, facilities, and overnight comfort.

There are additional potential start points and other stops that can be had along the way.

Our visit in the fall added pure yellow aspen and birch tree vistas in every direction.

To get to the trailhead from Carbondale, travel east on Highway 82 to Basalt. Turn left at the stoplight and follow the Fryingpan River Road for 28 miles. Turn right on road #504 at the Norrie Colony sign. Follow this gravel road 3 miles and turn right on the first gravel road fork. The trailhead bulletin board is visible as soon as you enter Twin Meadows. High clearance is required, 4x4 recommended.

Start at the Twin Meadows Trailhead. If you want to do this as a thru-hike from the Harry Gates Hut, I would suggest another night at one of the campsites along that trail.

After following the lake and creek uphill, the trail turns a bit steep for a while until reaching the open pasture at Sawmill Park. At the end of the meadow, the trail heads right and gently uphill until rounding a corner, where the hut comes into view. Even with the large packs, it was less than a 3-hour trip.