Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,000 ft / 1,000 ft
Filed Under: Skiing
Owned by Summit Huts Association. Francie?s Cabin, the second hut built in the SHA system is located approximately 4 miles south of Breckenridge, CO in the Crystal Lakes drainage. The cabin was named after Frances Lockwood Bailey, a former resident of Breckenridge, who died in a tragic plane crash in 1989.
Francie is remembered as "gentle," "giving," "caring," "artistic" and "funny." Fran loved children and was devoted to her family. She also enjoyed tennis, hiking and both alpine and Nordic skiing.
The sauna at Francie?s Cabin was built in memory of Francie?s brother Herb Lockwood, who wrote his college thesis on the geology of the Crystal Lakes Basin.
Layout and capacity: Downstairs: 1 bedroom with 1 single bunk and 2 single beds Upstairs: 5 small bedrooms (2 have 2 single beds and 3 sleep 4 each in bunks). Summer capacity: 20. Winter Capacity: 20.
There are a number of ways to get to Francie's Cabin
Directions
Spruce Creek Trailhead from Breckenridge: Take Highway 9 (Main Street) south. At the intersection of Main Street and South Park Avenue, note your mileage. Proceed south on Main Street (Highway 9) 2.3 miles. Just past a small reservoir (Goose Pasture Tarn) turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. Follow Spruce Creek Road through the Crown subdivision, bearing left at major intersections. Stay on Spruce Creek Road for approximately 1 1/4 miles. Park at the trailhead parking area marked with US Forest Service signs.
Spruce Creek Trailhead from the South: Take Highway 9 north at Fairplay towards Breckenridge. Continue over Hoosier Pass through the town of Blue River. About 8.5 miles from the summit of Hoosier Pass, turn left on Spruce Creeek Road at the Crown subdivision. If you pass a small reservoir on the right, you have missed the turn. After turning onto Spruce Creek Road, the directions are the same as above.
Burro Trail from Breckenridge: The Burro Trail (4 miles, 1640 ft. elevation gain) is a single track through the woods with nice views. Please purchase and bring with you a topographic map of the area and compass for specific trail directions. There is no signage on the trail directing you to Francie's Cabin. We recommend the topographic map produced by SHA and available from 10th Mountain Division Hut Association (970-925-5775) or Mountain Outfitters, 112 S. Ridge Street, Breckenridge (970-453-2201).
The Burro Trail starts at the base of the Peak 9 ski area at Breckenridge near Beaver Run Resort. Overnight parking is not permitted at Beaver Run in the winter, so it is necessary to park in the Tailings Lot (a.k.a. Watson Lot) off Watson Avenue (the only lot in town where overnight parking is permitted) and take the Breckenridge Ski Area shuttle bus to Beaver Run Resort.
Parking/Shuttle Bus: Park in the "Gold Rush" parking lot on the west side of Park Ave at Park Ave and French St near City Market. The Breckenridge Ski Areas asks that you call their switchboard (970-453-5000) with the make and model of your vehicle so they can better manage their lot. Please post the parking permit on your dashboard; make copies if your group requires more than one vehicle. Take the Breckenridge Ski Area shuttle bus to Beaver Run.
Note: Depending on the day and number of skiers, you may need to catch the Beaver Run shuttle bus at a place other than the Gold RushLot. You may need to walk across Park Avenue to the bus stop in the Miner's or Watson lots to catch the Beaver Run bus. Those of you familiar with Janet's Cabin will find that the shuttle buses to Beaver Run are faster and more direct than those at Copper Mountain Resort.
Access the Burro Trail to Francie's Cabin: From the shuttle bus drop area at Beaver Run Resort, walk or ski South past the maze for the Beaver Run Quad chairlift, across the ski run (being careful for skier traffic), and toward the ski school area. You will see the U.S. Forest Service trailhead sign for the Burro Trail just past the ski school area. Using a topographic map, follow the Burro Trail to the Crystal Lakes Road (steep!) or the Spruce Creek Road (less steep) to Francie's Cabin. See the topographic map for more specific directions.
Late Spring and Summer Directions: If you have a reservation at Francie's Cabin in the spring after the Breckenridge Ski Area has closed Peak 9, or in the summer, you may park overnight in the "E" Lot at Beaver Run. Be sure to post your parking permit on your dashboard or you may be towed. Make copies of the parking permit if your group requires more than one vehicle. Occasionally in the summer, Beaver Run closes the "E" lot for group functions. Inquire at the Front Desk of Beaver Run for alternative parking options.
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