Lost Wonder Hut, Colorado: My First Summer Hut Trip Near Salida (+ What to Expect)
- Emily Richards
- 2 minutes ago
- 4 min read
If you're looking for one of the most unique overnight hikes in Colorado, let me introduce you to Lost Wonder Hut.
Nestled high above Salida, Colorado, this backcountry cabin combines everything I love about mountain adventures: a rewarding hike, stunning alpine scenery, cozy cabin vibes, and the chance to completely unplug for a weekend.
This July, I spent three unforgettable days at Lost Wonder Hut for an Allover Apparel ambassador retreat. While the incredible views brought us there, the friendships we built made it one of my favorite trips of the year.
If you're considering booking a stay at Lost Wonder Hut, here's everything you need to know.
In This Guide
Planning a trip to Lost Wonder Hut? Here's what you'll find in this guide:
What the 2.7-mile hike to Lost Wonder Hut is really like
What to expect inside the hut (beds, kitchen, bathrooms, water & amenities)
Exactly what to pack for a comfortable summer hut trip
Our full weekend itinerary, including the hike to Boss Lake
Why summer hut trips are completely different from winter hut trips
Why a hut trip makes the perfect Colorado girls' getaway
Tips that will make your first Colorado hut trip even better
Plenty of inspiration if you're dreaming of your own mountain escape
Where is Lost Wonder Hut?
Lost Wonder Hut is located just outside Salida, Colorado, and is accessed via a 2.7-mile hike from the trailhead.
The trail gains elevation quickly, but don't let that scare you away. It's definitely a workout, but the climb is relatively short, and every turn rewards you with incredible mountain views.
By the time you arrive at the hut, you'll already feel like you've escaped into another world.
What Makes Lost Wonder Hut Special?
I've stayed at backcountry huts before, but this one immediately felt different.
The cabin sleeps around 14 guests, although our group of eight had plenty of room to spread out.
Inside you'll find:
Cot-style beds (bring your own sleeping bag and pillow)
Solar-powered lighting
A gas stove for cooking
Large communal dining space
Covered deck with incredible mountain views
Primitive outhouse
Drinking water provided in large jugs
There isn't running water, but after a few hours in the mountains, you honestly don't miss it.
Instead, you spend your time watching hummingbirds, listening to the creek, and slowing down.
Our Girls Weekend Itinerary
One of the coolest parts of this trip?
None of us really knew each other.
Allover Apparel invited several ambassadors for a weekend retreat, and most of us were complete strangers when we arrived.
By Sunday, we felt like lifelong friends.
Friday
After hiking into the hut around 3 p.m., we settled in with happy hour and snacks before sharing dinner together.
As the sun disappeared behind the mountains, we gathered around the campfire for s'mores before calling it an early night.
Saturday
Colorado summers have one important rule:
Hike early.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so we were up at sunrise enjoying overnight oats, fresh local sourdough with avocado, and French press coffee before heading toward Boss Lake.
The trail was beautiful, and after a picnic lunch by the lake, we returned to the hut for an afternoon of relaxing.
The rest of the day looked something like this:
Happy hour on the deck
Reading by the creek
Plenty of snacks
Dinner together
Guitar, banjo, and a group singalong
One of my favorite surprises was discovering that Lost Wonder Hut keeps musical instruments for guests to enjoy.
There's something magical about singing with new friends in the middle of the mountains.
Sunday
One last breakfast.
One last cup of coffee.
Then we packed up and hiked back to civilization, already talking about our next adventure together.
Summer Hut Trips vs. Winter Hut Trips
This was actually my first summer hut trip.
I've only done winter hut trips before, and they couldn't be more different.
Winter hut trips require uphill skiing or snowshoeing while towing sleds loaded with all of your food and gear.
You'll melt snow for drinking water, cook every meal from scratch, and earn every ounce of comfort.
Summer hut trips offer the same incredible backcountry experience with a little more ease.
Because the roads are accessible, hosts can drive in supplies like food, drinking water, decorations, and even welcome gifts.
It feels rustic, but surprisingly comfortable.
Honestly, I loved both experiences for completely different reasons.
Thoughtful Details That Made the Weekend Extra Special
Every guest received an incredible welcome bag filled with outdoor essentials and local goodies, including:
Custom Allover buff featuring Echo Lauren artwork
Electrolytes
Snacks and other surprises
It was such a thoughtful way to kick off the weekend.
Tips for Staying at Lost Wonder Hut
If you're planning your own trip, here's what I'd recommend bringing:
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Hiking poles (helpful for the steep climb)
Layers (Colorado weather changes quickly)
Rain jacket
Headlamp
Camp shoes
Water bottle
Snacks for the hike
Games or cards
A good camera—you'll want lots of photos.
Is Lost Wonder Hut Worth It?
Absolutely.
Whether you're planning a girls weekend, celebrating a birthday, organizing a family adventure, or simply looking for a unique Colorado getaway, Lost Wonder Hut delivers.
The hike is challenging enough to feel rewarding without being overwhelming.
The scenery is spectacular.
The cabin strikes the perfect balance between rustic and comfortable.
And if you're lucky enough to share it with good people, you'll leave with far more than just great photos.
For me, this wasn't just my first summer hut trip.
It became one of my favorite weekends in Colorado.
If you've been curious about Colorado's hut system, let this be your sign to book one.
You won't regret it.
