Backpacking in Colorado's San Juan Mountains

Custom Guided Trips & Courses

Backpacking and Backcountry Overnight Trips - We can arrange a number of trips depending on the time frame, age, and experience of your group. We require that we maintain a maximum 4 persons per 1 Southwest Adventure Guide for non-technical or climbs of low technical requirements, and a maximum 2:1 ratio for climbs of a technical nature. Our guides and trip leaders are the most highly experienced professionals in the area, and can lead you and your group on a backcountry adventure you won't soon forget!

Cost Descriptions

Mountain Day (MD): $350 for 1:1 & $125 for each additional person
A Mountain Day (MD) is characterized by backpacking trips in the San Juan Mountain Range that do not require technical climbing (ropes, harness, etc.) of any kind.

Porter Fee (optional): $200 per porter
Let a porter help to carry your gear into the mountains to aid in your ability to maintain energy throughout the trip. This is a popular add on to our trips in Chicago and Vestal Basins.

* For train access trips there may be an additional $75 fee per guide and/or porters.

Add-ons (Let us take care of all the details!):

• Trip Food (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner): $20 per person per day
• Climbing Equipment: Cost varies according to needs.
• Train Tickets (for trips requiring train access): $75 per person

Additional Information

Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Tents, cooking gear, and beautiful mountain scenery!

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

Prerequisites: Participants should have previous backpacking or camping experience and be in good physical condition. We suggest that you arrive to Durango at least a day before your trip to ease your adjustment to the altitude.

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.