Weminuche Wilderness Explorer Backpacking

This 6 day 5 night backpacking trip traverses the incomparable Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, Vestal Basin, Stormy Gulch, and the ever popular Chicago Basin. This is the ultimate wilderness backpacking trip in Colorado's largest and most remote wilderness area. Awe inspiring scenery, uncrowded trails, and the perfect trip itinerary make this an unforgettable experience for those who really want to see the best of what Colorado has to offer backcountry enthusiasts.

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 this summer on one of the most adventure packed and unique trips you'll ever experience!

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

Sample Itinerary

Day 0 (Monday): We meet at the Southwest Adventure Guides' office in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning.

Day 1: We will meet at the Southwest Adventure Guides' office at 7:30 am and then proceed to the D&SNGRR Station where we board the historic Narrow Gauge Train. We ride the narrow gauge train to the Elk Park stop, where our trek will begin. After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by hiking up Elk creek to a camp near the Beaver Ponds.

Day 2: Today we continue our hike into Vestal Basin where we will make our camp for the evening. We are surrounded by towering mountains that are over 13, 800 feet in elevation. Vestal Peak (13,864 ft.), Arrow Peak (13,803 ft.), and the Trinity Peaks (13,759 ft.) dominate the scenery of this must see area in the Weminuche.

Day 3: Today we will continue our trek and cross into Stormy Gulch via Trinity Pass. Stormy Gulch is less often travelled than other drainages in the San Juans, and it's remote nature will inspire you.

Day 4: Today we will continue our trek and hike down into the Vallecito Creek drainage and head south towards Johnson Creek and a beautiful campsite near Columbine Lake.

Day 5: Today we'll head up over Columbine Pass and down into the Chicago Basin, the home of the 14'ers in the Weminuche. A shorter day allows us to do a little exploring and maybe even climb a peak!

Day 6 (Saturday): Our final day is spent hiking out via the Needle Creek Trail where we'll eventually meet up with the train at Needleton and the finish of our trek. What a trip!

Additional Information

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

Not included in cost: Hotel costs before, during, or after the trips. 3% land use surcharge. $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required) trip cancellation insurance, personal camping equipment, or staff gratuities.

Prerequisites: Participants need to be in good physical condition and be able to carry a 40 lb. pack over distances up to 6 miles in length.

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 45 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.