Backpacking in Colorado's San Juan Mountains

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 are designed to suit backcounty travellers of all ages and abilities. This is a great adventure for families or a group of friends.

Our backpacking trips take place in the Weminuche Wilderness, typically in either the Chicago Basin or Vestal Basin areas. Our trips are designed for beginning to intermediate backpackers, and are suitable for people of all ages and ability levels. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) 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. Come and join us on a truly unforgettable trip in Colorado's larges wilderness area!

*If our scheduled climbs do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates to accommodate your schedule needs/requirements.

2010 Offerings

Total Chicago Basin - (3 days)
An excellent introduction to backpacking in the San Juan backcountry, and a great way to see Chicago Basin, the home of the 14'ers and the crown jewel of the Weminuche Wilderness.

Chicago Basin Traverse - (4 days)
If you'd like to see a little more of the Weminuche Wilderness and do a true point-to-point backpacking trip then this is the trip for you! This trip begins in Chicago Basin and ends on the Enlich Mesa near Lemon Reservoir.

Weminuche Wilderness Explorer - (6 days)
If you'd like to see all the Weminuche Wilderness has to offer, then consider joining this one-of-a-kind backpacking adventure. We'll travel to some of the best, and least travelled areas of the San Juans all the while hiking on beautiful trails.

Women's Backpacking & Yoga Trip - (3 days)
Ride the train! Backpacking into Chicago Basin! Do yoga in a beautiful mountain setting! Climb a 14'er! This one-of-a-kind women's only trip is one you shouldn't miss.

Cedar Mesa and Grand Gulch Backpacking - (April - May & October - November)
The canyons of Cedar Mesa offer some of the most outstanding hiking opportunities in the Glen Canyon region, yet most of these gorges have few visitors. All of the canyons are carved out of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, which forms great overhanging cliffs, hoodoos, cavelike alcoves and arches. These geological features made great coverage for Ancient Anasazi to build homes of rock, sticks, and mortar.