Vestal Peak & Jagged Mountain Climb

This 5 day trip will attempt Colorado Centennial 13'er climbs of Vestal Peak (13,864') and Jagged Mountain (13,824 ft.). Vestal Peak via the Wham Ridge and Jagged Mountain via the North Face are two of the most awe-inspiring and classic alpine routes in all of Colorado. The remote and wilderness nature of these peaks add an additional layer of adventure and you can be sure that you won't be seeing large crowds of other climbers on the trip.

THE classic climb in the area, the Wham Ridge (III, 5.4), climbs straight up the North Face of Vestal Peak on excellent rock in one of the most beautiful settings any mountaineer or climber could imagine. On Arrow Peak we climb the classic and intricate North Face (III, 5.2) which offers a number of unique challenges on the way to this sought after summit.

*If the dates of our regularly scheduled Vestal & Jagged Mountain 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 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 off at a spectacular summit and great views of the entire San Juan range and the nearby Needle Mountains. We'll then descend down into upper Ten Mile Creek and camp at Balsam Lake.

Day 3: Today we'll do the "high traverse" from Balsam Lake to the base of the North Face of Jagged Mountain. This above treeline route weaves its way around other peaks in the area, passed Leviathan Lake along the way.

Day 4: Rising early, we'll climb the classic North Face of Jagged Mountain to it's unique and block like summit. Fantastic views down over towards the Chicago Basin 14'ers as well as down through Sunlight Creek make for one of the most unique climbs in all the San Juans. We'll descend and eventually travel up and over Jagged Col to our camp in upper No Name Basin.

Day 5: Our final day descends No Name Basin to the Animas River, where we'll hook up with a trail that leads us back to Needleton and our train pick-up at 3:45 pm.

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.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due on the 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. Cancellation must be made 60 days before first day of trip or course, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. You can apply your trip deposit or fee toward a future trip or course that takes place within one year for a 15% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. Please click on our Registration link to access the required registration forms.