Getting Here

The Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is located just off of Highway 550 and Ouray County Road 31, approximately 1/2 mile North from the top of Red Mountain Pass. The lodge is nestled among tall spruce trees and cannot be seen from Highway 550 but it is only 300 yards from the famous Million Dollar Highway to the lodge. Back in the early 1900’s, this is where the Red Mountain Town site was located and housed over 800 inhabitants during the height of the mining boom!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the lodge from local airports?

  • Durango, CO approximately 1.5 hours
  • Montrose, CO approximately 1 hour
  • Grand Junction, CO approximately 2.25 hours
  • Denver, CO approximately 6 hours
  • Salt Lake City, UT approximately 6 hours

How far is the lodge from downtown Ouray and Silverton?

  • Approximately 20 minutes

Can we bring our own alcohol?

  • Because the Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is a Licensed Tavern, Colorado Law prohibits patrons from bringing their own alcoholic beverages. We have local beers on tap as well as wine and other spirits available for purchase.

Where can I park my vehicle?

  • In the summer you can drive right to and park at the lodge. In the winter parking is available on Highway 550 at the top of the pass or we offer shuttle service from town in Ouray.

How do we get from Ouray to the lodge?

  • Shuttle service is available through Western Slope Rides, or you can drive and park in public parking on Highway 550 in the winter at the top of the pass. Red Mountain Alpine Lodge and/or San Juan Mountain Guides is also offering a shuttle upon request, or as part of your guided trip.

Is there cellular signal, WiFi, and internet access?

  • We hope you enjoy the environment more than your smart phone, but we understand that the world doesn’t stop when you are in the backcountry, so there is fast and reliable Starlink WiFi available at the lodge. No cell service coverage however.

Is there running water, showers, and flushing toilets?

  • There is running water that is safe and clean for drinking at the lodge and we also have 3 hot showers and 4 flushing toilets.

Are children allowed to stay at Red Mountain Alpine Lodge?

  • Families with children 7 (not to be left unattended) and older are welcome at the lodge. If you rent the entire lodge for a reunion or retreat, younger children are welcome. We are willing to consider special circumstances and off season requests.

Are dogs or pets allowed at the lodge?

  • Dogs are allowed at the Red Mountain Alpine Lodge. A Pet Fee of $55 per dog will apply. Common sense rules apply to bringing your dog (well trained, under voice control, not aggressive towards other dogs etc.)

When and where are meals served? Are they included in the price?

  • Breakfast, aprés soup, and dinner are served family style in the Dining area at the Lodge. Please join us in the Dining Room at your leisure. Breakfast buffet is served from 7:00am until 9:00 am. Appetizers are served between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. Dinner is served family style at approximately 6:30 pm. For 2023-2024 all meals (Dinner, Soup/Appetizer, Breakfast, & Trail Lunches) are included in nightly per person pricing.

Tell me more about the food at the lodge. Will there be enough?

  • Our lodge prepared meals will not leave you wanting in terms of portions/quantity. Our goal is to provide our guests with the highest quality, substantive breakfasts and dinners that will fuel your days and satisfy your hunger after enjoying all the activities our area has to offer. Our lodge staff utilize ingredients from farmers and growers across the area. Food should be more than just calories-we strive to make it an experience!

What if I have special dietary restrictions?

  • Our kitchen is pleased to accommodate dietary needs and requests (Gluten Free, Vegetarian). If you have special nutritional requirements or food allergies, please inform us as soon as possible so the kitchen may adequately prepare. Upgrades for Vegan Meals adds $40 per night to your nightly rate.

How do the lodging, sleeping, and room options differ?

  • You have your choice of three private rooms on the main level, each of which includes a queen bed and loft above with two twin beds. There is access to 2 showers and 3 bathrooms/sinks on the main level. The other lodging option is sleeping in the loft with partitioned twin or full beds and privacy curtains. There is a shared bathroom and shower in the loft area.

I’m not familiar or knowledgeable about the terrain and conditions in the area. Are there guides available?

  • We have partnered with San Juan Mountain Guides in Ouray, CO to offer backcountry ski touring & splitboarding as well as mountain guiding at the lodge with IFMGA Licensed and AMGA Certified/Trained Guides. If you would like to gain more familiarity with the terrain, have a guide show you around the area, or guide you on specific ski descents or other trips while you are staying at the lodge we can help to put that together for you. We highly recommend utilizing guides on your trip to the area as the terrain and snowpack around Red Mountain Pass is complex and varied. Hiring The Local Experts will insure you have the most rewarding experience possible!

What if I don't ski or splitboard?

  • There are an abundance of other recreational activities in the Red Mountain Pass area!! Snowshoeing, cross country skiing, walking, curling up by the warm wood stove and reading a book, side trips for shopping and experiencing small town life to Ouray and Silverton. Our lodge keepers and staff can make sure that you won’t be bored and provide you with many options!