I now laid myself down on some willow boughs to a comfortable nights rest, and felt indeed as if I was fully repaid for the toil and pain of the day. So much will a good shelter, a dry bed and a comfortable supper revive the spirits of the weary, wet and hungry traveler.

–from the journal of Meriwether Lewis

Before my trip to Utah, I was invited to by an aquaitance on a last minute hut trip to the Fabi hut outside of Apsen. From snow to desert..what a way to bring in Spring!

The Fabi hut can be a difficult one to get into, but the usual hut fun (food, wine and good scenery) more than makes up for any difficulty. I wrote the following in the hut registry. It makes as good a trip report as any. Enjoy….or not.

I am convinced that the the route to this hut is cursed. About three years ago, some friends and I had equipment problems, mild altitude sickness and legendary climb up WTF! hill in the dark.

In 2009, history repeated itself (minus the night skiing). Skins delaminated, blisters were formed and blood sugar ran low. People were definitely getting hangry (hungry plus angry).

But, much like three years ago, a good meal, some wine and some rest let us enjoy the beauty around us. The view of the Maroon Bells. The wide open meadow below. The simple act of sitting on the porch with coffee in hand and enjoying the first warm sunlight of Spring.


Backcountry travel can be arduous, difficult and tiring. But the rewards for the struggle are hard to measure.

We travel in the backcountry not only for views, or for the beauty, but also for the shared memories. The camaraderie fostered , the laughs and the joy in sharing such a wonderful place.

The route to Fabi may be cursed, but the time spent here is anything but.

–Michelle, Michael, Julie and Paul Mags (author of the purple prose)

ALL THE PHOTOS