Colorado $1,800 (inclusive*) • July 22-27, 2012
The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are not just a spectacular wonderland of forest, meadow, roaring streams and sky-scraping 14,000-foot peaks, but the Weminuche (pronounced Wem’-in-ooch) is the largest protected Wilderness in the state. We will straddle the Continental Divide in this high altitude exploration of this rugged alpine domain. Beneath the peaks and vast slopes of alpine tundra are beautiful forests of quaking aspen, spruce and fir. Wildlife includes elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion and the endangered Canada lynx. Typically, there is lots of sun with brief afternoon thundershowers. We rate it fairly strenuous, and the trip base in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Our route is a loop within the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Despite the proximity to our southwestern deserts, this is surprisingly lush, well-watered country. Gradients are generally mellow, but we’ll cover nearly 40 miles and the air is thin at these high elevations. This is the best of the Colorado Rockies!
Trek Base: Grand Junction, Colorado. Comfort Inn, 750 ¾ Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, CO, 81506, 970-245-3355. The motel is right next to the airport.
Meeting Time: Pre-trip orientation including food and gear handout plus safety talk at 6 pm in motel lobby the evening prior to day one of the trip.
Transportation: Fly to Grand Junction and catch a cab for a very short ride to the motel.
Trip Rating: It’s Fairly Strenuous and at high elevations, with portions near and above tree line, and some routes include some off-trail hiking. There’ll be a layover and the longest backpacking day is about 8 miles.
Elevations: 9,000 to 12,000 feet with optional day-hikes to higher summits. Maximum one-day elevation gain with backpack is about 2,000 feet.
Weather: Summer weather is usually predictably clear in the mornings. Afternoons are warm and may see daily thundershowers that are usually fairly brief. Nights are clear and cool to cold. At these high elevations, we must be prepared for anything. Autumn weather is generally clear and crisp, and drier than summer.
Fishing: There are limited stream fishing opportunities, and if you plan to fish, a Colorado fishing license can be obtained in Grand Junction prior to the trek.
Special Features: Spectacular wildflower blooms in summer, golden aspens in fall. Majestic craggy peaks and a wonderful mix of forest and meadow. There are elk, bighorn sheep, and other mountain critters. These San Juan Mountains include 14,000-foot peaks, and this is a true alpine wonderland!
Special tips: If you live near sea level, consider arriving in Grand Junction (elevation 4,500 feet) a day early to begin the acclimation process, since we’ll begin the trip at over 9,000 feet. The wilderness name is correctly pronounced “Wem’-in-ooch”.
Status: The Weminuche is the largest designated Wilderness area in Colorado.
Itinerary: It’s a 4 hour drive from Grand Junction to the trailhead, and our primary route is a loop that crosses the Continental Divide, which also divides the Rio Grande National Forest on the east from the San Juan National Forest on the west. There will be one high elevation layover day.
Note: Mileages and vertical foot estimates are approximate, since we vary the route and camp locations from year to year due to changing conditions and varying group capabilities and interests.
*All trip prices include equipment (backpack, day-pack, tent, sleeping bag and pad, eating utensils), food and cooking (3 meals/day plus snacks), cooking gear, trip planning, comprehensive safety instruction, all user/permit fees, transportation from town to and from the trailheads, and our professional guide/naturalist staff. There is a $200 discount if you bring your own equipment.
