Vestal Peak & Arrow Peak Climb

This 4 day trip will attempt Centennial 13'er climbs in Vestal Basin, the home of the Grenadiers. Vestal Peak (13,864 ft.), and Arrow Peak (13,803 ft.) are some of the most awe-inspiring mountains in all of Colorado. These climbs are "alpine" in nature, with 5th class sections on the routes to the summit. The rock is of a much higher quality than the rest of the San Juans, and offers wonderful climbing at altitude.

THE classic climb in the area, the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4), climbs straight up the North Face of Vestal Peak on excellent rock in one of the most beautiful settings any mountaineer or climber could imagine. On Arrow Peak we climb the classic North Ridge (III, 5.5) also known as the Covington Route.

*If the dates of our regularly scheduled Vestal & Arrow 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 5.5 miles we reach our camp in upper Vestal Basin at the foot of both Vestal and Arrow Peaks.

Day 2: Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we'll approach Vestal Peak and the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4). One of the most aesthetic climbs in the range finishes off at a spectacular summit and great views of the entire San Juan range and the nearby Needle Mountains.

Day 3: Again rising early, we'll approach and then climb the Covington Route (N. Ridge) on Arrow Peak. With sections up to 5.6 this is truly one of the best climbs in the Grenadiers, often ignored due to it's close proximity to Vestal Peak.

Day 4: A leisurely morning allows us to pack our camp and head back to the train pick up at a reasonable pace. The train will pick us up at 2:00 and we'll arrive back to Durango around 4:30 with plenty of time to catch a shower and enjoy a celebratory dinner! This is also an alternate summit day in case of poor weather.

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 (breakfasts & dinners), 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.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due on the 30 days prior to the start date of the 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 15% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. Please click on our Registration link to access the required registration forms.