Colorado Trail Backpacking

Completed in 1987, the Colorado Trail spans the state from Denver to Durango over almost 500 miles. The Colorado Trail is widely considered one of the finest long-distance trails in the United States and even the world. Southwest Adventure Guides is very fortunate to guide the final 94 miles of the trail – Segments 24-28.

These final 5 Segments are a highlight reel of some of the most beautiful terrain in all of Southwest Colorado: the Weminuche Wilderness, dense wildflower displays contouring around Lime Creek between Molas and Rolling Passes, the lush, remote Cascade Creek drainage, the jaw-dropping amphitheatre below Blackhawk Pass, the gentle traverse of the West Hermosa Creek drainage, the rugged La Plata Mountains and the final, long descent to Durango along rushing Junction Creek. This is some of the most premier backcountry you will ever find.

What sets us apart?

There are several options for guided/supported backpacking on the Colorado Trail. Here’s what makes Southwest Adventure Guides’ experience different:

· Local Knowledge – we specialize in these final Segments and know them like the back of our hand.

· We Carry the Load – Our Colorado Trail backpacking trips include a porter (or porters) to shoulder most of the weight. You only carry your sleeping bag, clothing and personal day snacks!

· Reasonable Days – Unlike other options out there, we don’t have any 20+mile days to reach camp. These areas should be savored and enjoyed, not rushed past – our days max out at 11 miles.

· Resupply – Our longest stretch without resupply is 2 days, which enables us to carry excellent camp meals and for you to carry minimal (but fresh!!) personal day snacks.

· Wide Array of Options – From 3 days to 9 days we probably have the right trip for you. We can even customize for your group if you have a particular goal!

· Easy Logistics - All of our trips begin and end in Durango, CO!

2011 Offerings

3-Day: Segments 25 & 26
Molas Pass to 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.

4-Day: Segment 27 & 28
Hotel Draw to Durango. We’ll begin a rolling, gentle traverse above the West Hermosa Creek drainage. Views of the La Plata Mountains open up as we make our way to Indian Trail Ridge. From Kennebec Pass we begin our long descent to Durango through the Junction Creek drainage. This final Segment is a study in ecological zones as we start near treeline and finish in high desert scrub oak.

7-Day: Segments 25 - 28
Molas Pass to Durango. This trip combines the 3-day and 4-day options into one 7-day trip on Segments 25-28.

9-Day: Segments 24 - 28
Stony Pass to Durango. Our 9-day Colorado Trail backpacking trip adds Segment 24 to the beginning of the 7-day trip option. These 2 days are spent in the glorious Weminuche Wilderness. Segment 24 begins from Stony Pass and quickly descends off the Continental Divide on near vertical terrain into the Elk Creek drainage with hanging waterfalls and rugged mountain peaks all around us. Later, views of Vestal and Arrow Peaks in the Grenadier sub-range open up before our final push to Molas Pass from the Animas River.