The dates are set. This is an amazingly beautiful, high-altitude, moderate mileage, modified loop hike in the Weminuche Wilderness outside Durango, Colorado. Although it is a relatively low-mileage hike; it is a strenuous hike. The trip will include 2 travel days (could be four if you take two days to drive there and drive back). We will be out hiking for 6 days, about 49 miles. This hike is completely at elevation. Please be sure you’ve done some hiking at elevation before signing up for this one. The scenery and wildlife are amazing.
The Hike: The actual hike will take six days.
8 July-Arrive in Durango, stay at local hotel
9 July-Train to Elk Park, camp at beaver pond
10 July-Cross Continental Divide and camp short of Hunchback Pass
11 July-Set-up camp cross bridge on Vallecito Creek
12 August-Camp at Columbine Lake
13 August-Camp above Chicago Basin
14 July-Train back to Durango (option to begin hike to Windom Peak at 0300 in the AM)
15 July-Travel home
Travel: There are a number of travel options. There is an airport in Durango. The drive from San Antonio to Durango is about 15 plus hours. I have done it in two days but it can be done in one, very long day. The same can be said for the drive home. We will sort our final travel arrangements in June once we have a final participant count.
We will have the option, totally optional, to summit Windom Peak in Chicago Basin. This is a climb and not a walk-up. At a certain point the trail disappears and we are left to follow cairns. The last section up the summit is a hand over hand scramble; it is dangerous and not to be done without prior scrambling experience. You also have the option to hike up to the point short of the summit before the scramble begins; that is still beautiful.
Information on the train is available on the Web site below. I will provide reservation number information to participants via e-mail.
https://www.durangotrain.com/wilderness-access/
No pets or anyone under the age of 18. Everyone will have to sign a liability waiver. Everyone is responsible for their own travel costs. We will have at least one virtual planning meeting where we will discuss details of the trip. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
