Before the 1920’s, access to Mount Evans was limited, and took more effort than a few hours in a car. The Pike National Forest at that time was accessed mostly on horseback by a system of trails. The area was open to the public for camping, fishing and other forms of recreation.
The shelter house sat on Bear Creek below Summit Lake and was a one story log cabin with porches extending on the south and east walls. It was heated with a stone chimney, had bunks and a complete kitchen for use by the weary traveler. All that remains today of the Mount Evans Shelter House is the chimney.