New Caretakers at the Tundra Hut

In September 2021, Garth and Peggy Fasano became the new caretakers of the Tundra Hut. They carry on Tom and Amy’s legacy at the Tundra Hut, an adventure basecamp high in the Argentine Basin, close to Colorado’s Front Range.  Tom and Amy had a bold vision to build a hut that would give visitors a unique backcountry experience.  They named it after their favorite four-legged companion, Tundra. When the two couples met, Garth and Peggy brought their dog, Tagert, named after the Tagert & Green Wilson Huts where Garth proposed to Peggy. The two couples’ visions for the future of the Tundra Hut were aligned. Garth and Peggy were immediately attracted to the activities the area provided along with the unique craftsmanship of the hut.

Multi-Season Adventure Basecamp

The surrounding area provides adventures every season. The winter and spring have mellow mid-winter ski lines as well as aggressive mountaineering routes descending the continental divide and nearby peaks. The approach is generally protected from avalanche terrain as steep sections are guarded by dense trees. Summer and fall seasons offer cycling and trail running along the Argentine Central Railway path. Hidden single-track can be found from the remains of culverts between the townsite and Pavilion Point, a lodge developed in the early 1900s. The hut is in close proximity to Grays and Torrey’s peaks and can be linked up in a variety of ways for a spectacular ridge run.

An Authentic and Convenient Hut Experience

Tom and Amy passionately worked to realize their vision of a modern and convenient hut while retaining the authentic atmosphere hut enthusiasts expect.  A few of the distinguishing features are a propane oven for baking bread and treats, an indoor toilet to avoid the dreaded middle of the night trips to the outhouse, wall mounted light switches, two private bedrooms, and massive windows to take in the views of the Argentine Basin.  The hut was built with concrete log siding, a recent method to hut building that provides fire resistance and low maintenance – a great investment to ensure the Tundra Hut stands for years to come.

Rich Local History at 11,954 ft

The Waldorf townsite, ¼ mile above the hut once boasted a population over 300 people. It was a premier tourist attraction for visitors from Denver. Visitors would take a train to Silver Plume and then transfer to the Argentine Central Railway. This train climbed to the summit of Mt. McCellan at 13,587 ft, although the railroad claimed it was 14,007 ft. In 1908, Edward Wilcox, the railway owner hauled snow from Mt. McCellan’s summit to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. William J Bryan, the democratic nominee, took a trip to the summit before going on tour.

The Future of the Tundra Hut

Garth and Peggy are excited to steer Tundra Hut’s next chapter.  Early fall weekends were filled with activity prepping supplies and organizing the hut for the coming winter.   Things are finally ready.  As the new caretakers, they plan to carry on Tom and Amy’s vision.  You may notice small differences but they do not plan to significantly change the way the hut has operated.