Season Dates:

Full-Service Season
June 2, 2022 – September 17, 2022
June 1, 2023 – September 24, 2023

Lakes of the Clouds Hut is a popular jumping-off point for adventurers seeking a challenging pursuit. Tackle nearby Mount Washington or Mount Monroe, hike Tuckerman Ravine, or traverse the Presidential Range for views of the Great Gulf Wilderness, the Wildcats, and peaks beyond. With spring comes the rare opportunity to visit the fragile alpine zone and witness the exquisite spectacle of alpine flowers in bloom on Mount Washington’s eastern slope.

Lakes of the Clouds Hut offers co-ed bunkrooms and separate washrooms with cold-running water and composting toilets. AMC Huts are in backcountry locations and are “off the grid,” meaning they are only accessible by hiking. Bunkrooms are not heated, have no lighting, and no electrical outlets available. Rooms stay cold, so bring an appropriately rated sleeping bag and a headlamp or flashlight for your overnight visit.

The legendary AMC hut “croo” or caretakers are available to assist you with trip planning, trail information, and weather reports while our Hut Naturalist offers daily programs about the local flora and fauna, geology, and hut history before and after dinner in full-service season.

Full-Service

Cold running water is available in the washrooms. Blankets and pillows will no longer be provided at the huts but sleeping bag, pillows, and gear rentals are available through Effortless Adventures. Dinner and breakfast are included with your stay. Dinner is served family-style at 6:00 PM sharp and includes fresh bread, soup or salad, a hearty entrée, and dessert. Breakfast is served family-style at 7:00 AM sharp and includes eggs with pancakes or a baked good, plus hot cereal, fruit, and breakfast meat, such as bacon or sausage, with coffee, cocoa, or tea.  Please notify AMC Contact Service Center if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions. Bring your own lunch; otherwise, soup and baked goods are available for purchase from 10 AM to 5 PM during operating dates. Please carry in/carry out all personal trash and recyclables, in accordance with Leave No Trace protocol.

Self-Service

Lakes of the Clouds Hut is closed during the winter and spring and does not offer a self-service option.

Cancellation Policies

Learn more about AMC’s cancellation policies for lodging and programs.

Getting Around

AMC’s Hiker Shuttle connects the Highland Center, Pinkham Notch Visitor Center, and the towns of Lincoln and Gorham with major trails to the huts, allowing hikers to start and end their trip at different points. The stop in the town of Lincoln is coordinated with Concord Coach bus service. Hiker Shuttle runs daily for most of the full-service hut season, from early June to mid-September. The shuttle operates on weekends only from mid-September to mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Trail Access

Tuckerman Ravine Trail to Tuckerman Crossover to Lakes of the Clouds Hut: This classic eastern approach is broken into three segments, with two moderate sections bookending a more difficult passage. The wide Tuckerman Ravine Trail leaving from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is a moderate 2.4-mile climb to the base of the Ravine. From the base the trail changes dramatically to climb steeply up the Tuckerman headwall on a 1.2-mile-long rock staircase gaining 1,300 feet of elevation. From the top of the headwall the trail is less steep but exposed to all weather conditions as it is above treeline. The total length of the trail is 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of 3,500 feet. It will take 4 to 5 hours on average to hike to Lake of the Clouds Hut using this route.

Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail to Lakes of the Clouds Hut: This trail is considered strenuous with a difficult section toward the top. The first part of this trail follows along a cascading brook until it reaches Gem Pool where the trail rises sharply to climb to the hut. This second section of the trail is very steep and the rocks can be slick if wet. The length of the trail is 3 miles with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet. It will take 3 to 4 hours on average to hike to Lakes of the Clouds Hut via Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.

Weather

The right clothing and gear are essential in the unpredictable weather of the Northeast’s mountains. Even if it feels like summer in the valleys, it can be cold and winter-like on the high peaks. Be prepared for severe weather regardless of season, dress in layers (including synthetic or wool base and insulating layers, and a windproof/waterproof outer shell), eat high energy foods, and stay hydrated.

Our Commitment to Sustainable Operations

AMC has a long-standing commitment to using its huts, lodges, and sporting camps as models for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. At Lakes of the Clouds we use solar panels and battery banks to run electricity and use LED lighting. The hut has waterless toilets and we are committed to recycling and composting food.