Colorado Trail Backpacking: Sections 25 & 26

Segments 25 and 26 are some of the most beautiful along the entire route showcasing breath-taking mountain views, dense wildflower displays and rushing mountain creeks.

This 3-day trip begins at Molas Pass (just below 11,000’) and traverses alpine and subalpine terrain to a drainage called Hotel Draw. Our total mileage over 3 days is a bit under 32 miles including two wonderful, high-mountain campsites along the way. Despite the higher altitude, these trail segments do not require an abundance of uphill hiking and subsequently can be tackled by a relatively fit individual or even family.

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 starting from Durango, we'll drive to Molas Pass at nearly 11,000 feet and the start of Segment 25. After a gentle climb, we’ll make a long, visually stunning traverse around the headwaters of Lime Creek. The wildflowers in this section are famous for their brilliance. Tonight’s camp is at mile 10 near an alpine lake.

Day 2: Today we start out with a short climb to our highpoint of our 3 days as we crest Rolling Pass. From Rolling Pass we have a 360-degree view of the South Mineral Creek drainage, the Cascade Creek drainage and even views to distant Engineer Mountain. After a descent and ascent in and out of the Cascade Creek drainage we’ll reach our second night’s camp near Celebration Lake. Resupply.

Day 3: Our final day is punctuated by a rolling climb to Blackhawk Pass, our second highest point of the trip. Early on our ascent to Blackhawk Pass we’ll break out into the Silver Creek drainage…a natural amphitheatre, which makes any visitor feel small. We’ll end the day walking almost exclusively downhill into a lush pine forest and finally our waiting shuttle vehicle back to Durango

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 transportation to and from the trail.

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.