Boreas Pass Section House, Cabin Rental

About

The Boreas Pass Section House stands at 11,481 feet on the Continental Divide, originally constructed in 1882 as the main building for the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad when it operated the highest narrow-gauge railroad in the United States. Between 1870 and 1920, a community of 150 people lived at this remote summit to maintain the railroad. After the line was abandoned in the early 1930s, the building deteriorated until the U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Historic Society completed a full restoration in 1996. Today the Section House operates as a winter backcountry hut through Summit Huts Association under special use permit with Pike National Forest. The cabin accommodates up to 12 guests with two sets of single bunks on the main level and two upstairs bedrooms. Amenities include a wood-burning stove for heat (firewood provided), a two-burner propane cooktop and oven, a fully equipped kitchen, solar-powered lighting with gas lantern backup, and an outdoor composting vault toilet. There is no potable water; guests use a snow-melt system in winter. Winter access requires skiing or snowshoeing 6.5 miles up the old railroad grade from the Boreas Pass trailhead, gaining 1,208 feet of elevation. The gradual 3% grade makes it ideal for Nordic skiing. Motorized vehicles including snowmobiles are strictly prohibited on Boreas Pass Road during winter months. The exposed above-treeline location offers spectacular views and full-moon touring opportunities but demands preparation for harsh high-altitude weather including high winds and blowing snow.

Directions

From Fairplay, travel north on US Highway 285 to the town of Como. Turn left onto County Road 33 and follow it until you reach Forest Service Road 33, then turn right. Follow this road approximately 8 miles to the summit of Boreas Pass where the section house is located. In winter (November through May), the road is closed to motorized vehicles at the Boreas Pass trailhead and access is by ski or snowshoe only.