Alpine Backpacking in Colorado's San Juan Mountains

Overview | Multi-Day Itineraries | Schedule & Costs

General Information

The San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado provide one of the most scenic backdrops for a backpacking trip. The rugged mountains, cascading creeks, open meadows, spectacular wildflowers and abundant wildlife make this the supreme place for a backcountry excursion. Our backpacking trips a designed to suit backcounty travellers of all ages and abilities. Join one of our multi-day trips in the San Juan Mountains, The Total Chicago Basin, Chicago Basin Traverse, or Weminuche Wilderness Explorer. This is a great adventure for families or a group of friends.

Our backpacking trips take place North of Durango in the Weminuche Wilderness, typically in either Chicago Basin (shown above) or Vestal Basin. Our trips are designed for beginning to intermediate backpackers, and are suitable for people of all ages and ability levels. Backpacking at these elevations (8,000 - 11,000 ft.) can be more strenuous than in other parts of the country, however, our trips are designed to be somewhat leisurely and flexible to accommodate for varying strengths and experience levels. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad to access the wilderness area. A relic of the mining trade of the 1880’s, - the 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.

Our Guides are highly trained professionals with many years of backcountry experience and wilderness first-aid training. All trips meet the evening before the trip begins, in order to get everyone squared away with personal equipment and prepared for departure the next morning. You will arrive back in Durango by early evening on the final day of the trip.

Included in cost: Guides/trip leaders, all dinner and breakfast meals, group camping and cooking equipment, incredible mountain scenery.

Not included in cost: Hotel costs before, during, or after the trips or D&SNGRR train tickets. 3% land use surcharge, 7.95% sales tax on rental equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags etc.). $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required) trip cancellation insurance, personal camping equipment, or staff gratuities.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due on the first day of the course or trip. Cancellation must be made 60 days before first day of trip or course, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. You can apply your trip deposit or fee toward a future trip or course that takes place within one year for a 10% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required registration forms.