Trailhead / Routes
Summer
In the summer, Francie’s Cabin can be accessed using the same routes as winter but if you are planning on driving in from the Spruce Creek Trailhead be aware that the Crystal Creek Road is very steep and rough. Vehicle access is never guaranteed to any hut at any time.
There are numerous hiking options around Francie’s. For a shorter hike you can head to Crystal Lakes or Mohawk for some fishing. The truly adventurous can head out on the Wheeler Trail which runs the length of the Tenmile Range all the way north to Copper Mountain or south to Hoosier Pass.
Francie’s Cabin
Summer Use Reservation
& Parking Permit PDF
Route 1
Spruce Creek Trailhead
via Spruce Creek & Aquaduct Roads
Most Popular
Total Mileage
2.2
Trailhead Elevation
10,370′
Cumulative Elevation Gain
1,010′
Route Description
Make sure you take the trail at the END OF THE PARKING LOT.
Follow FS Road 800 (Spruce Creek Road) as it exits the west side of the parking lot and bear left at the fork. Continue about 1.25 miles until you reach the intersection of Spruce Creek Road and the aqueduct road. Turn right onto the aqueduct road where the sign says Wheeler Trail. Francie’s Cabin is .75 miles from here. Follow the aqueduct road to the creek, cross the cement bridge. After the bridge, turn left onto FS Road 803 (Crystal Creek Road). After about 50 feet, turn right onto the driveway to Francie’s Cabin, and follow it about 600 feet to the cabin.
Trailhead Directions
Drive about 2.5 miles south of Breckenridge on Highway 9 and turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. It’s a sharp right that immediately banks upward. Opposite the turn is a lake. You’ve gone too far if you pass the lake and see residential lots on Highway 9.
Follow Spruce Creek Road through the Crown subdivision, bearing left at major intersections (Golden Nugget and Crown Drive). You should still be on Spruce Creek Road. Continue on Spruce Creek Road until you reach a parking lot at the end of the road.
Parking
The Spruce Creek Trailhead parking area is marked with several Forest Service signs, one saying “Spruce Creek Portal.” Please be sure to post the appropriate parking permit on your dashboard or you may be towed. Make extra copies of the parking permit if your group requires more than one vehicle. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle when parked at trailheads. Summit Huts is not responsible for theft or vandalism to vehicles.
Route 2
Spruce Creek Trailhead
via FS Road 803 (Crystal Creek Road)
Steeper Terrain
Total Mileage
1.6
Trailhead Elevation
10,370′
Cumulative Elevation Gain
1,015′
Route Description
Although shorter than the 2.2 mile Spruce Creek Road option, the 1.6 mile Crystal Creek Road to Francie’s Cabin is the steeper route. Make sure you take the trail at the END OF THE PARKING LOT.
Follow FS Road 800 (Spruce Creek Road) as it exits the west side of the parking lot and bear right at the fork onto FS Road 803 (Crystal Creek Road). Continue on Crystal Creek Road for 1.1 miles, where you’ll see a gate on your left. Shortly after, turn right onto the driveway to Francie’s Cabin, and follow it for about 600 feet to the cabin.
Trailhead Directions
Drive about 2.5 miles south of Breckenridge on Highway 9 and turn right onto Spruce Creek Road. It’s a sharp right that immediately banks upward. Opposite the turn is a lake. You’ve gone too far if you pass the lake and see residential lots on Highway 9.
Follow Spruce Creek Road through the Crown subdivision, bearing left at major intersections (Golden Nugget and Crown Drive). You should still be on Spruce Creek Road. Continue on Spruce Creek Road until you reach a parking lot at the end of the road.
Parking
The Spruce Creek Trailhead parking area is marked with several Forest Service signs, one saying “Spruce Creek Portal.” Please be sure to post the appropriate parking permit on your dashboard or you may be towed. Make extra copies of the parking permit if your group requires more than one vehicle. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle when parked at trailheads. Summit Huts is not responsible for theft or vandalism to vehicles.