Best of the Weminuche Itinerary

Day 0

We meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides’ office in Ouray in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over personal equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning.

Day 1

We will meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides’ office at 0730 and then proceed to Molas Pass, where our trek will begin. After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by descending the “45 switchback trail” down towards the Animas River. After crossing the Animas via a footbridge, we’ll continue hiking up Elk creek to a camp just beyond the “Beaver Ponds” along the Elk Creek (Colorado) Trail.

Day 2

Today we will hike up into the inspiring Vestal Basin which is home to the Grenadier Range, and a number of inspiring peaks like Arrow Peak, Vestal Peak, and the Trinity Peaks. As we move up higher into the basin we’ll work our way towards Trinity Pass, which will allow us to cross over into Stormy Gulch. Impressive views of Storm King Peak and the Silex are the reward for ascending this pass. Finally, we’ll descend into Stormy Gulch and our camp for the night.

Day 3

This day features our custom route to No Name Basin that we like to call “The High Traverse”. Passing between Storm King Peak and Mt. Silex is a custom route that takes us over towards Jagged Mountain. Along the way we’ll have the chance to stop at Leviathan Lake and will eventually pass up and over Jagged Col before descending down into Upper No Name Basin – one the the most remote places in all the Weminuche.

Day 4

As the trip progresses, we often can adjust the final two days of the itinerary depending on group energy levels, weather, or other factors. One option sends the group down into No Name Basin towards the Animas River. Eventually we’ll camp in an idyllic location along the shores of the river. Another option sends us up and over Ruby/No Name Pass into the Ruby Creek Drainage which is another fantastic venue in the range – camping just below Colorado Centennials Pigeon and Turret Peaks.

Day 5

Our final day is spent hiking out to Purgatory Flats, passing through historic Needleton along the way. A shuttle vehicle will pick us up at the trailhead for the transport back to Ouray.

Training & Follow Up Climbs

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 climbing trip.

Before Your 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.

For trekking trips in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness you should be ready for:

• Hiking up to 6-7 miles per day with up to a 30 lb pack at altitudes between 8,000′ – 11,000′
• Wilderness travel

Follow Up Climbs

• Alpine Lakes Traverse
• Chicago Basin 14’ers
• Private Alpine Guiding
• Long’s Peak: Rocky Mountain National Park

Ouray, Colorado: Getting Here

Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the ice climbers who flock each winter to climb in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas.

 The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO, however, many airlines now offer direct flights into Montrose – especially during the summer and winter months.

It is also possible to fly into Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, or Denver CO. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of these airports.

Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. Tellurides also offers a shuttle service so make sure to inquire and book with them if you’d prefer not to rent a car or drive yourself!

• Montrose, CO: 45 minutes
• Durango, CO: 2 hours
• Denver, CO: 5.5 hours

 Ouray 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 970-325-4925 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!

• The Western Hotel
• Twin Peaks Lodge
• Box Canyon Lodge

Program Policies

Registration & Cancellation

Advance Registration is required for this program.  You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System.  All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.

Inclusions

• Guiding and instruction with an IFMGA/AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
• Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, fuel etc.)
• Water Purification system
• Transportation/Shuttle to Trailhead and return to Ouray

Exclusions

• Transportation to Ouray, CO
• Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
• Guide gratuity
• Trip Food (meal packages available for additional fee)
• Personal hiking/climbing clothing
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
• Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides