The 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army was established in Aspen during World War II to train troops for winter combat. Their post-war legacy is a network of log cabins or "huts" that can be rented by the public. Originally open only during winter months and accessible only by ski or snowshoe, several of the huts are now open for summertime use and many can be accessed by bike.

Hagerman Pass road is a steady 3 percent to 4 percent railroad grade from the late 1800s. It bypasses a now-closed tunnel to summit at just under 12,000 feet before dropping into a valley. The route continues twisting through majestic high mountain peaks and valleys leading to the Betty Bear hut.

For more information on the 10th Mountain Division hut system, call (303) 756-8486.

If you go

Bicycle: Mountain bike

Location: West of Leadville and Turquoise Lake

Surface: Railroad grade dirt road, initially rocky then fairly smooth.

Distance: Out and back is about 14.2 miles.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, climbing to almost 12,000 feet.

Ride Time: Three to four hours.

To reach Hagerman Pass: From Leadville, take Sixth Street to its end, go right on County Road 4 to Turquoise Lake. Cross the dam and go 3 miles to the dirt FR 105 road heading northwest. Stay on FR 105 for 4.7 miles to an obvious turn-out and parking area.