4 Day Jagged Mountain & Storm King Peak

Part 2 of our Centennial 13'ers program takes us to Stormy Gulch and Leviathan Basin to attempt climbs of both Storm King Peak (13,752 ft.) and Jagged Mountain (13,824 ft.), two of Colorado's most remote and challenging 13'ers. The untrampt nature of the climbs in this part of the range make them a must do for those who are looking for an uncrowded experience in the backcountry. On Storm King Peak we climb the classic NE Buttress, combining 3rd, 4th, and low 5th class climbing that puts us right at the summit. On Jagged Mountain we climb the standard route on the North Face, again combining 3rd through low 5th class climbing to reach the summit. This is truly a one of a kind trip in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's finest wilderness area resource.

*If the dates of our regularly scheduled Jagged Mountain and Storm King Peak Climbs do not fit your schedule we can also arrange for private dates and trips upon request.

Sample Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive to Durango and stay in a hotel. We will meet in the evening to do a gear check and ensure that you're packed and ready for the trip.

Day 1: In the morning we'll board the D&SNGRR train in Durango for the ride to Elk Park and the start of the hike/approach into Vestal Basin. After approximately 8 miles we reach our camp in upper Stormy Gulch at the foot of the NE Buttress of Storm King Peak.

Day 2: Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we'll approach our climb and scramble up the NE Butress for over 2,000 ft.! After our climb, we'll head back down, pack up camp, and head towards our next camp at the mouth of Leviathan Creek.

Day 3: This morning we'll head up Leviathian Creek and make a camp at Sunlight Lake in preparation for the following morning's ascent of Jagged Mtn. This is a shorter day which allows us to rest a bit between climbs.

Day 4: Rising early, we'll climb Jagged Mtn. via the N. Face. After the summit, we'll descend back to our camp, and pack up for the walk out via the Vallecito Creek Trail. We'll be back to Durango in time for a celebratory dinner!

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Tents, food, cooking gear, and D&SNGRR train tickets.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during, or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required), trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing/camping equipment and gear, or guide gratuities.

Prerequisites: Participants should have previous backpacking or camping experience. Rock climbing experience is not required, but if you have never rock climbed we do recommend a half day of climbing with us in Durango prior to your trip to the Grenadiers.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration link to access the required forms.