Custom Backpacking in Colorado's San Juan Mountains

Custom Guided Trips & Programs

Backpacking and Backcountry Overnight Trips - We can arrange a number of trips depending on the time frame, age, and experience of your group. We require that we maintain a maximum 4 persons per 1 Southwest Adventure Guide for non-technical or climbs of low technical requirements, and a maximum 2:1 ratio for climbs of a technical nature. Our guides and trip leaders are the most highly experienced professionals in the area, and can lead you and your group on a backcountry adventure you won't soon forget!

Cost Descriptions

Mountain Day (MD): $395 for 1:1 & $125 for each additional person
A Mountain Day (MD) is characterized by backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountain Range that do not require technical climbing (ropes, harness, etc.) of any kind.

Porter Fee (optional): $200 per porter
Let a porter help to carry your gear into the mountains to aid in your ability to maintain energy throughout the trip. This is a popular add on to our trips in Chicago and Vestal Basins.

* For train access trips there may be an additional $85 fee per guide and/or porters.

Add-ons (Let us take care of all the details!):

• Trip Food (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner): $25 per person per day
• Climbing Equipment: Cost varies according to needs.
• Train Tickets (for trips requiring train access): $85 per person

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Tents, cooking gear, and beautiful mountain scenery!

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

Prerequisites: Participants should have previous backpacking or camping experience and be in good physical condition. We suggest that you arrive to Durango at least a day before your trip to ease your adjustment to the altitude.

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.