Continental Divide Backpacking
There is hiking the continental divide trail, and then there is hiking the Continental Divide! Although much of the “official” continental divide trail actually walks beneath the ridges and highpoints of the actual divide our experienced guides will navigate you safely along the very crest of the continent descending the beautiful ridgeline only to evade weather and for prime camp spots. This spectacular journey through one of the lower 48′s highest and remotest wildernesses will give our backpackers views of the east and west Rockies enjoyed by only a select few. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. A relic of the mining trade of the 1880’s – 1930’s, the train is world famous as it is one of the few narrow gauge railroads left in existence. This is a unique experience and adds an interesting start and finish to our backpacking trips. Come and join us this summer on one of the most adventure packed and unique trips you’ll ever experience! The Continental Divide backpacking trip is offered from Tuesday – Saturday so that participants have the opportunity to travel to Durango on Monday prior to the start of the trip and then have Sunday to travel home, enjoy Durango, or however you might like to use that day. Either way, this 5 day trip is exactly the trip you’ve been looking for to experience one of Colorado’s iconic backcountry destinations! I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a few days in the backcountry … great trip plans with friendly, experienced guides … my wife, daughter and I couldn’t have been happier. I wish we were there now! – Fred R. We meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides’ office in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning. We will meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides’ office at 0730 and then proceed on an approximately 3 hour drive to the remote Weminuche Pass Trailhead near the historic and quirky mining town of Creede. Our first days’ hike is up a gentle trail that helps to acclimate and warm of the party to the high altitude ridge trekking that lies ahead. After less than five miles we will spend our first night camping just below treeline but directly on the Continental Divide at Weminuche Pass! Today we will continue our hike on a climbers trail very near the crest of the divide and passing through the majestic “window” right next to the towering and remote Rio Grande Pyramid. This is real wilderness. This days hike brings us to the shores of Ute Lake deep in the Weminuche and just off of the Divide. 6.5 miles on and off trail, all along the spectacular crest of the continental divide itself makes this day one of the most memorable of the trip. The high altitude ridge walk ends with excellent camping at West Ute Lake. Continuing right along the spine of the divide, brings us first over historic Hunchback Pass and then over to the highest stop on our traverse – Eldorado Lake at over 12,500 feet, well above tree line and with excellent campsites commanding views of the entire Western San Juan Mountains. We end the trip with a full adventure as we make our way off trail up and around many small peaks through alpine tundra over and into the expansive Highland Mary Lakes region for our pickup at a remote trailhead. We will finish the trip with a cold drink and food in the storied town of Silverton – only 47 miles north of Durango. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great trip. In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. Taking day hikes with your loaded backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains. I could go on and on for this one! It was a fantastic trip all around. I would 100% recommend it to anyone and consider SJMG for my future treks. – Michele A.
Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip.
Flights: The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango – La Plata County Airport. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well.
Driving: Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Durango. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.
Hotels: Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! Below are just a few options catering to different lodging styles and preferences.
The Remote Weminuche Wilderness
Itinerary Note
Continental Divide Backpacking Itinerary
Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Backpacking Equipment List
Clothing and Personal Equipment
Training & Follow Up Programs
1Before Your Trip
2Follow Up Programs
Durango, Colorado: Getting Here
Additional Information
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