Alpine Lakes Traverse Trekking Itinerary

Day 0

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. If you cannot make this meeting we can still make arrangements to take care of these details on 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

Today we will ascend and descent three high mountain passes passing nearly irresistible campsites by in upper stormy gulch where we will have lunch at Balsam Lake at nearly 12000.  After lunch we will cross up and over a high pass and far down into the upper reaches of Leviathan Basin and set up camp at the large green emerald that is Leviathan Lake.

Day 4

Right out of camp we will begin a long climb up a spectacular side basin over a saddle into the hinterlands of the famous “noname drainage”, passing over Jagged Col along the way.  After our descent a short climb brings us to another high mountain gem of a lake directly below the cirque of the seven high mountain peaks that guard the entrance to our final destination – Ruby Lake.

Day 5

While our final camp will be made at the stunning Ruby Lake, this days hike is short enough that those who are interested in hiking up one of the state highest 13ers (Turret Peak) will have time to enjoy this brilliant side trip.  Although there is nothing technical about this summit it still possesses everything desirable – solitude, beauty, and commanding heights.

Day 6

Our final day’s hike winds down the primitive Ruby Lake trail and back down to the Animas River and eventually onto the Purgatory Flats trail where our shuttle back to Ouray will await! What a trip!!

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

• Vestal Peak – The Wham Ridge
• 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, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. A mecca for climbing, hiking, hot springing, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip.  The SJMG office is located at 1710 Main St. Ouray, CO.

The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose Regional Airport. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. The airport is a 40 minute drive from our office. Tellurides offers a shuttle as well.

Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray.

• Durango, CO: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Albuquerque, NM: 5.5 hours
• Denver, CO: 6 hours
• Slat Lake City, UT: 6 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 970-946-0713 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!

• • Riverside Resort
  • Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
  • Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs
  • Ouray Premier Vacation Rentals

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 AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
• Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, fuel etc.)
• Water Purification system

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