Stanley Mitchell Hut fact: This hut was the original lodge used by Hans Gmoser for his ski touring company that eventually became Canadian Mountain Holidays.
The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. The Stanley Mitchell Hut is a historic log cabin situated in outstanding backcountry skiing and hiking terrain in Yoho National Park, BC. See all of our huts here.
Trail distance: Summer: 11 Km, Winter 23 km,
Elevation Gain: Summer 520 m, Winter 675 m
Trailhead: Takkakaw Falls, Yoho National Park
Family Friendly: Yes (summer), No (winter)
Activities: Mountaineering and Scrambling, Day Hiking, Backcountry Skiing
Technical Considerations: Avalanche Terrain; ATES Class 3
A family-friendly hut in summer, and a spectacular backcountry ski destination in winter. Summer – Stanley Mitchell is your base for exploring the backcountry hikes, scrambles and moderate mountaineering routes of the beautiful Little Yoho Valley. Winter – As the road to Takkakaw Falls is closed in winter, the ski approach to Stanley Mitchell involves a very long day. Those who venture in will have excellent backcountry ski terrain to themselves. Winter access via a 23km ski.
Capacity: 22
Hut Location: 51.5256, -116.5643
Heat: Wood
Light: Propane
Stove: Propane
Oven: Propane
Mattress: Yes
Open: Year-round
Staying in a backcountry hut is a shared, rustic experience. Sleeping, kitchen and living areas are communal. Guests area expected to bring their own sleeping bags, food and personal items.
All of our huts are user-maintained, meaning that the custodial work of keeping the hut clean, chopping firewood and shovelling snow is done by the guests. The ACC provides major service and renovations to all of our huts each year to ensure they are in good repair.
There are no transition days between bookings. Guests are responsible to sanitize before and after use of the huts.
Download our hut cleaning and sanitation guidelines here.
Fantastic trails and peaks, reasonable access and even a green meadow in front of the hut – the Stanley Mitchell is one of the best family backcountry destinations in the Rockies.
Many scrambling and hiking peaks and trails will keep the entire family busy for many summer days. Climbing the President and the Vice President are excellent moderate mountaineering challenges and are easily combined in a day with an early start from the hut.
Approaching the hut up the Little Yoho Valley and a making a return trip down the super-scenic Iceline Trail is a truly classic hiking loop.
Note: High season rates apply at Stanley Mitchell Hut in the summer months while the Takakkaw Falls Road is open. New to ACC huts? Check out our page on Frequently Asked Hut Questions .
This is one of the coziest huts you’ll find anywhere in winter months. A long approach sets you up in a usually quiet lodge in the middle of nearly endless backcountry runs and exploration. The hut serves as the final stop for skiers on the Yoho Traverse from the Wapta Icefield. Chic Scott often refers to the hut in winter as the “Gem of the Rockies”. Enjoy.
Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Pricing is subject to change without notice.
Summer (May 1 to Oct 30)
Sleeping Capacity: 22
Bedding: Mattress pads provided, bring your own sleeping bag
Cooking: Propane stove and oven – propane is supplied. Pots and pans, dishware and cutlery are provided.
Bathroom: Outhouse
Lighting: Propane lighting – propane is supplied
Heat: Wood stove – firewood is provided
Water Source: Snow melt, Creek
Summer
Winter
Little Yoho Valley approach (summer): A pleasant 3 to 4 hour hike with 520 metres (1,700 feet) on well-maintained national park trails beginning at the Takkakaw Falls parking lot.
Iceline Trail (summer): An alternative to the Little Yoho Valley Trail (above). The distance and elevation gain are similar. This trail is often used on the return trip to the parking lot, providing an excellent loop trip with lots of varied terrain.
Little Yoho Valley (winter): The winter approach follows the same trail as in the summer but as the road to Takkakaw Falls is not plowed it is 13 km longer. The approach begins just off the #1 highway, 4 km east of Field, BC.
Quick Description: Summer: 10 km hike on good trails from Takakkaw Falls, BC. Winter: A full-day (or 2 day) ski from the highway.
Elevation Gain to Hut: 520 m (1,700 ft)
Approach Time: Summer 3 to 4 hours, Winter 8 to 12 hours.
Approach Description: Printable PDF
Trail Conditions: Parks Canada
ACC Members may make reservations up to 6 months in advance. To access this benefit, please LOG IN to your membership account and follow the prompts.
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Non-Members are welcome to make reservations up to 3 months in advance.
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