Million Dollar Trek Itinerary

This journey uses historical mining roads, cross country travel, and established single-track trails to traverse off the beaten path, and discover pristine alpine lakes and seldom-climbed summits in the most alluring terrain in the San Juans.

Day 0

We meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides’ office in the late afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment and trek logistics issues for the following morning.  You can drop off a small overnight duffel at this point for nights 2-3 at RMAL.  We will take these into RMAL for you so you have a fresh change of clothes for days 2-3.

Day 1

In the morning starting from Ouray we’ll drive to the beginning of our hike from the South Mineral Creek Trailhead. Our trek begins with a shuttle to the Clear Lake Trailhead near South Mineral Campground outside of Silverton. We hike past Clear Lake, cross the pass below South Lookout Peak (13,420’), and explore Paradise Basin on our way to OPUS Hut, where we’ll have dinner. You will need to pack a small overnight kit for this night to carry in your backpack.

Day 2

Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, and after a hearty breakfast, the group will gear up for an ascent over a 13,000′ saddle and down to the turquoise Columbine Lake. From there, an inspiring high alpine traverse through upper Porphyry and Mineral Basins takes us to the shoulder of Trico Peak (13,321′). The final descent brings us to the Red Mountain Alpine Lodge (RMAL), our accommodations for two nights.

Day 3

After a more casual and leisurely morning we have the opportunity to hike around Red Mountain Pass which offers a number of breathtaking peaks, including Red #3 (12,747’), as well as mining relics among miles of off-trail terrain. There are several other loops to consider in the area that traverse all three Red Mountain Peaks. We’ll return to RMAL for another restful evening and dinner.

Day 4

After our second night at RMAL, we ascend up Senator Beck Basin towards Imogene Pass, the highest mountain pass in the San Juans, where we’ll have the option to summit several 13ers, including Telluride Peak (13,509′) and V7 (13,359’) before descending to the Hayden Backcountry Lodge. You will need to pack a small overnight kit for this night to carry in your backpack.

Day 5

he final day of the program we’ll hike up Richmond Basin and climb to the high point of Mt. Hayden South (13,206’) before descending into Full Moon Gulch and Half Moon Basin to arrive at Crystal Lake where our shuttle will be waiting to transport us back to Ouray.

Training & Follow Up Climbs

You’ll cover between 5-10 miles per day, with between 2-4.5k elevation gain (some days are shorter, some are longer). This trip is open to participants of most ages and ability levels, as there are options to make the traverse more or less difficult depending on group/individual needs.

Before Your Trip

In order to successfully carry a 15-20 lb. pack up to 10 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 backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains. Coming a few days before your trip will help you get acclimated.

For hut-to-hut trekking trips in the San Juans you should be ready for:

• Hiking up to 6-7 miles per day with up to a 15-20 lb pack at altitudes between 10,000′ – 13,000′
• Off-trail 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
• Transportation to the trailhead and back to our office in Ouray
• Breakfast, Trail Snack/Lunches, & Dinners on the trip
• 4 nights Lodging at OPUS, RMAL & MHBL
• Trekking Poles (if needed)

Exclusions

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