Vestal Peak via The Wham Ridge

One of our most popular trips in the summer is our 3 Day Vestal Peak via Wham Ridge. Vestal Peak (13,864 ft.) is one of Colorado's most sought after Centennial 13'er climbs, and the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4) is quite possibly the best route in the entire Grenadier Range. The rock is of a much higher quality than the rest of the San Juans, and offers wonderful climbing at altitude.

The trip takes us into the beatiful Vestal Basin, where ideal campsites and amazing scenery typify the area. The Trinity Peaks and Arrow Peak also dominate the scenery of this high alpine basin, though nothing quite compares to the aesthetic Wham Ridge on Vestal Peak. This is a great trip to get out in the San Juan backcountry for a classic climb in a short period of time.

*If the dates of our regularly scheduled Wham Ridge Climbs do not fit your schedule we can also arrange for private dates and trips upon request.

Sample Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive to Durango and stay in a hotel. We will meet in the evening to do a gear check and ensure that you're packed and ready for the trip.

Day 1: In the morning we'll board the D&SNGRR train in Durango for the ride to Elk Park and the start of the hike/approach into Vestal Basin. After approximately 5.5 miles we reach our camp in upper Vestal Basin at the foot of both Vestal and Arrow Peaks.

Day 2: Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we'll approach Vestal Peak and the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4). One of the most aesthetic climbs in the range finishes at a spectacular summit and great views of the entire San Juan range and the nearby Needle Mountains.

Day 3: A leisurely morning allows us to pack our camp and head back to the train pick up at a reasonable pace. The train will pick us up at 2:00 and we'll arrive back to Durango around 4:30 with plenty of time to catch a shower and enjoy a celebratory dinner! This is also an alternate summit day in case of poor weather.

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Tents, food (breakfasts & dinners), cooking gear, and D&SNGRR train tickets.

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

Prerequisites: Participants should have previous backpacking or camping experience. Rock climbing experience is not required, but if you have never rock climbed we do recommend a half day of climbing with us in Durango prior to your trip to the Grenadiers.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration link to access the required forms.