Colorado Summits ~ Wilderness Backpacking
September 4-12, 2010
Black Bear trips are available to the general public. To learn more about this trip and to sign up, please visit the registration page.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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3 summit attempts over 13,500 ft.
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8 days of wilderness backpacking
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7 nights of wilderness camping
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Tour Mesa Verde National Park
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Hike the Continental Divide Trail
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Ride the historic Durango & Silverton narrow gauge railroad
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Gourmet backpacking meals included
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Hotel accommodations and celebration dinner on final night
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Bring your own backpacking and climbing gear
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Experienced guides with wilderness first aid certifications
This trip is designed for the TRULY ADVENTUROUS. We're rating this trip 'difficult' (4.5 out of 5) due to the rugged terrain, high altitude, and 10-mile per day average hiking distance. That being said, there will be no technical climbing involving ropes, or climbing gear.
Tucked deep in the San Juan Range of southern Colorado, this pocket of wilderness is everything you look for in a backpacking destination. Rugged mountains, alpine lakes, lofty peaks and an abundance of wildlife. The combination of these elements makes the Weminuche Wilderness a mountaineering dream come true. Throw in the unique opportunity to ride the historic Durango and Silverton Railroad into the wilderness where you'll be dropped off with your backpack (to the sheer amazement of the other passengers), and you've got a perfect wilderness adventure on your hands.
This trip includes the opportunity to summit three 14,000 ft. peaks, fish for trout in secret alpine lakes and get a view of the wilderness few will ever see.
ITINERARY
Day 1- Meet in Durango, Colorado at 8am 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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