SouthWest Adventure Guides • Durango CO • 800-642-5389 or [email protected]  

Colorado's Centennial 13'ers: San Juan Classic Climbs

Area Overview | 13'ers Part 1 | 13'ers Part 2 | Custom Programs

Part 2: Storm King Peak and Jagged Mountain

(Approaching the North Face of Jagged Mountain in early summer.)

2008 Dates

  • July 10 - 13; July 24 - 27; August 7 - 10; August 21 - 24; September 4 - 7
  • Cost: $995 per person
  • Client to Guide Ratio: 2:1
  • Intermediate Level Climbing and Backpacking
  • General Information

    Part 2 of our Centennial 13'ers program takes us to Stormy Gulch and Leviathan Basin to attempt climbs of both Storm King Peak (13,752 ft.) and Jagged Mountain (13,824 ft.), two of Colorado's most remote and challenging 13'ers. The untrampt nature of the climbs in this part of the range make them a must do for those who are looking for an uncrowded experience in the backcountry. On Storm King Peak we climb the classic NE Buttress, combining 3rd, 4th, and low 5th class climbing that puts us right at the summit. On Jagged Mountain we climb the standard route on the North Face, again combining 3rd through low 5th class climbing to reach the summit. This is truly a one of a kind trip in the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado's finest wilderness area resource.

    Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Airport and hotel transfers, and local transportation during the course free of charge for those who fly to Durango. Tents, food, 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/Travel link to access the required forms.

    (Climbing on the NE Buttress of Storm King Peak.)

    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 8 miles we reach our camp in upper Stormy Gulch at the foot of the NE Buttress of Storm King Peak.

    Day 2: Rising early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, we'll approach our climb and scramble up the NE Butress for over 2,000 ft.! After our climb, we'll head back down, pack up camp, and head towards our next camp at the mouth of Leviathan Creek.

    Day 3:This morning we'll head up Leviathian Creek and make a camp at Sunlight Lake in preparation for the following morning's ascent of Jagged Mtn. This is a shorter day which allows us to rest a bit between climbs.

    Day 4: Rising early, we'll climb Jagged Mtn. via the N. Face. After the summit, we'll descend back to our camp, and pack up for the walk out via the Vallecito Creek Trail. We'll be back to Durango in time for a celebratory dinner!

     
     



    (Corporate Partner)


    Operating under special use permit in the Rio Grande - San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa - Uncompahgre National Forest - Wrangell St. Elias National Park - Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Indian Creek BLM. Southwest Adventure Guides LLC provides services and employment opportunities regardless of an individual's ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap.