AMC Lonesome Lake Hut — Hotel in Lincoln

I think I have stayed at the Lonesome Lake Hut around 7 times. It has been an annual tradition for our family for about 4 years. The hut is an hour hike from Lafayette Campground. Many people might consider the hike to be moderate, but any "hikers" would consider it to be easy. Not too steep. Not too rocky. We run back down in the morning in about 30 - 35 minutes. ||||The hut itself has approximately 20 bunk rooms, each with 4 - 6 bunks. When it is not busy, I was able to have my own room when I went solo. Other times, when it was busy, we had to share a room with strangers. I'm ok with that but not everyone is. Other guests are generally respectful, and there are quiet times at night.||||There is no electricity or heat, but in the past few years, they added small battery powered lights that are just bright enough to read a book in bed. The cell coverage is nearly non-existant, but texts might eventually go through. Strangely, the best cell coverage is in the bathrooms which are in another building with non-flushing toilets. The idea of staying at the hut (for us) is to enjoy nature and not put much attention on technology. ||||There is also main building with electric lights until 9:30 - 10:00 PM. That is where breakfast and dinner are served. We generally hang out there until the lights are turned off and they kick everyone out||||Most people stay at the hut to use it as a base for hiking Mount Cannon, the Kinsmans, Lincoln, Lafayette, etc. People swim in the lake. We go to the hut primarily to spend "quality time" together without TV, phones or other distractions. Walk around. Sit by the lake. Talk. Play card games. Enjoy the amazing views. ||||The beds are reasonably comfortable (for a hut) and include 3 wool blankets. (Bring your own sheets.) The food is remarkably good considering it is a hut in the wilderness. Every single time we go, everyone talks about how good the food is. They are accommodating for view allergies. ||||People staying or working there tend to be in a friendly, chatty mood. You can meet and talk to others or just stick to your own group. ||||Such a great time. It is one of our favorite...

Went to visit this hut around 7pm on 7/30. Got caught in a heavy rain storm on the lake and needed some shelter. The hut is supposed to be open from 8 to 8, according to every sign in the trail.

A rain storm opened up on the lake so I ran for the hut along with what was apparently 2 staff members around 7:15, only to have the door to the hut literally slammed in my face and locked. I could hear the staff on the other side, but they refused to let me in, even though the hut was supposed to be open and I was clearly soaked- I waited a few minutes just to be sure. I was caught off guard by the rain and couldn't get my rain jacket out of my pack in time to keep me dry. I really just needed a few minutes to dry off again and I'd have been on my way.

I was able to find a workaround but I want other people to beware that the staff here doesn't keep the hut open for the full hours they advertise. Do not plan to rely on this hut if you are passing through in the evening- you'll never know whether they are open or not.

I'd give zero stars if I could. People rely on these huts and it is really important that they stay open for hikers during the hours...

Just wrapped up our second trip to this hut. The Cascade Brook trail is beautiful and our kids loved swimming in the brook on the hike back down. While the staff was friendly as usual, the food was slightly disappointing this time around (especially compared to other AMC hut experiences). We'd let them know ahead of time that one of our party had a gluten intolerance (an actual dietary restriction, not just a preference). Last year, they did an amazing job of accommodating that, but this year it seemed like they'd forgotten about it. At dinner, a minestrone soup was served and they easily could have left the pasta out of a couple of servings while making it. Instead, they grabbed a box of instant mashed potatoes at the last-minute, added some water and herbs and called it "potato-dill soup", and then there was a little pile of lettuce and "veggie patties" for the main course. I'm fine with camping food, but have always had really delicious food at other hut stays (which feels like a reasonable expectation for the price). Aside from that, it was a nice stay but we ended up leaving a night earlier than planned because it was super hot and we...