Mt. Wilson & El Diente Itinerary

Itinerary Note

The Mt. Wilson/El Diente Traverse can be completed a few different ways.  For most parties, we recommend the 2 day 1 night option, as this provides the most flexibility with the itinerary and less rushed 2nd day.  This involves an overnight in either Kilpacker or Navajo Basin.  The second option is to complete the traverse as a day trip.  This involves beginning from the trailhead at dark – usually around 2 or 3 am, so that the approach and climbs can be completed prior to the onset of afternoon thunderstorms which are prevalent in the summer months.

Day 1

Guests for this program have the option of meeting us at our Durango office, Ouray office, or having your guide meet you at the Kilpacker or Navajo Basin TH.  If meeting at the trailhead, it is important that you be very thorough in your gear preparations and communicate any rental gear you may need with our office to insure we don’t arrive at the trailhead missing any imporant pieces of gear.  Camp out.  

Day 2

Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we’ll approach the S. Slopes of El Diente.  Weaving our way up to the ridge crest, we’ll summit the first peak around 7 – 8 am, then begin the descent and traverse over to Mt. Wilson.  The real fun and exposure begins just after a feature called the Organ Pipes.  A good mixture of 4th and 5th class climb right on the ridge crest provides an aesthetic way to complete the traverse.  We’ll descend back into Kilpacker Basin and hike back to the car, returning around 5 pm. Stay in a hotel or depart.

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

The Mt. Wilson El Diente 14’ers Traverse is a strenuous trip conducted at altitudes above 10,000 feet.  Therefore, previous experience hiking in the mountains and/or multi-day backpacking experience will be very helpful to you on this program.  Though the actual climbing level required for this trip is not difficult, the best training regimen would include a mixture of cardiovascular fitness training (running, biking, hiking etc.), and muscular/core fitness exercises.  The addition of some Yoga/stretching exercises will help to insure that you maintain good muscular flexibility as well.

For the Mt. Wilson El Diente 14’ers Traverse you should be ready for:

• Hiking approximately 6-7 miles per day with up to a 40 lb pack at altitudes between 8,000′ – 11,000 ‘
• 12 – 14 hour summit days with a lighter “day pack”
• Wilderness travel and camping

Follow Up Climbs

• Vestal Peak
• Jagged Mountain
• 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. 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.

• 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 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!

• Ouray Chalet
• Ouray Comfort Inn
• China Clipper Inn
• Sneffels Suite
• Sneffels House

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 trip leadership
• Breakfasts and dinners on the mountain
• Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, etc.)
• Group climbing equipment (ropes, etc.)
• Harness, helmet

Exclusions

• Transportation to Durango, CO
• Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
• Guide gratuity
• Lunch food or snacks
• Personal hiking/climbing clothing
• Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
• Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides