Colorado Summits -Wilderness Backpacking

September 4-12, 2010 | $ 1495 US

Skill Level:  Difficult- high altitude, rugged terrain, 10 miles per day with pack.
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A true wilderness adventure in the rugged Weminuche Wilderness of southern Colorado.

In the rugged San Juan mountain range of Colorado, outdoor adventure reaches a crescendo.  A landscape built for high adventure activities sits in waiting for you with its big jagged peaks that loom over high altitude mountain lakes where you can see large trout darting through the crystal clear waters.  Abundant wildlife including black bear, elk, deer, marmot, and ptarmigan bring the landscape alive and offer the opportunity for a sighting around every bend in the trail.  Our adventure takes us deep into the protected mountains of the Weminuche Wilderness where few people take the opportunity to go.  This is a strenuous backpacking trip that includes summit attempts on three of the highest peaks in the range.

Trip Highlights:

• 8 days of wilderness backpacking
• 7 nights of wilderness camping
• 3 summit attempts over 13,500 ft. elevation
• Tour Mesa Verde National Park
• Hike the continental divide trail
• Ride the historic Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad
• Hotel accommodations and celebration dinner on final night
• Gourmet backpacking meals included
• Bring your own backpacking and climbing gear
• Experienced guides with wilderness first aid certifications

Once you’ve registered online you will receive more details and information, including how to prepare physically, what you’ll need to pack, how to get to Durango, and other important nitty-gritties. With any questions, please leave a public comment at the bottom of this page, or feel free to contact us any time!

Itinerary: (September 4 – 12)

Day 1- Meet in Durango, Colorado at 8 AM sharp! Day trip to Mesa Verde. Pre-trip briefing with dinner, sleep at 5,000 ft.

Day 2- Ride Durango & Silverton railroad into wilderness, begin hike, camp at 9,000 ft.

Day 3- Acclimation day hike, camp at 10,000 ft.

Day 4- Vestal Peak (13,864 ft / 4226 m) summit attempt, camp at 11,500 ft.

Day 5- Moving day, fly-fishing, camp at 12,000 ft.

Day 6- Sunlight Peak (14,059 ft / 4285 m) summit attempt, camp at 12,500 ft.

Day 7- Moving day, Chicago basin, camp at 11,000 ft.

Day 8- Mt. Eolus (14,083 ft / 4292 m) summit attempt , camp at 11,000 ft.

Day 9- Hike out, return to Durango via train, dinner, hotel, hot showers!

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To sign up for this trip, click here!

Questions about the trip?  Ask us first.