Best of the Weminuche Wilderness Backpacking

This 5 day 4 night backpacking trip traverses the incomparable Weminuche Wilderness in the San Juan Mountains. We'll see areas like Elk Creek, the Colorado Trail, the Continental Divide, 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 and the Weminuche 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 - 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!

Want Custom Dates?

We can schedule any of our Best of the Weminuche Backpacking trips according to you or your group's schedule needs or requirements. With 3 or more participants the standard group rate is applicable, and with 4 or more people we offer a 10% discount!

**The itinerary for this trip is scheduled for Tuesday - Saturday to allow for travel days to and from Durango and to avoid some of the weekend crowds in Chicago Basin.

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 just beyond the "Beaver Ponds" along the Elk Creek (Colorado) Trail.

Day 2: Today we continue our hike along the Elk Creek (Colorado) Trail towards the Continental Divide and Hunchback Pass (12,500'), eventually camping in the Vallecito Creek drainage.

Day 3: Today we continue our trek down the Vallecito Creek drainage towards the junction with Johnson Creek and the ascent towards Columbine Pass (12,700'), which allows us to gain access to Chicago Basin. We will camp in the Johnson Creek drainage near Columbine Lake.

Day 4: Today we will trek up and over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin, the home of the 14'ers in the Weminuche Wildnerness, to a camp at approximately 11,000'.

Day 5 (Saturday): Our final day is spent hiking out to the Needleton train stop via the Needle Creek trail for a 3:45 pm pick up. 6 miles of easily navigable trail make this a great finish to the trip. There is an option to climb a 14'er on the final morning (Windom Peak) for those pariticipants who'd like that option.

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, trip cancellation insurance, personal camping equipment, or staff gratuities. Trail lunches.

Prerequisites: Participants need to be in good physical condition and be able to carry a 35 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 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.