Steam. Rails. Trails. Where the tracks end, the adventure begins. All aboard!
Pack your gear and hop on the train, the mountains are calling! We’ll kick things off in Telluride with packing lessons and group prep before heading to Durango to board the legendary Durango–Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This historic mountain train has been winding through these canyons since 1881.
As we climb higher into the San Juan Mountains, we’ll ride in open-air cars with breathtaking views of cliffs, rivers, and forests in every direction. When the train stops at Elk Park, we’ll shoulder our packs and begin our backcountry journey into the Weminuche Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Colorado.
For two nights, we’ll camp beside beaver ponds, cook our own meals, explore hidden trails, and play games under star-filled skies. When our trek comes to an end, we’ll rejoin the train for one final ride into Silverton before traveling to Ouray for a well-earned soak in the hot springs. Relaxed and recharged, we’ll head back to Telluride with tired legs, new friends, and memories that will last a lifetime.
*Important Notes: This is a backpacking program. Students will be required to carry their personal belongings as well as some group gear. Students should feel comfortable hiking in moderate terrain with moderate weight on their backs.
*All participants in need will receive Telluride Academy backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads while participating in this program! We ask that you bring your child’s belongings in a duffel bag on the first morning so instructors can help students properly pack their provided backpacks. Students must also bring a bottom sheet and towel to High Camp!
Schedule:
Monday: Meet and greet. Intro day hike, packing 101, and meal planning. Prepare for the week. Off to Durango! Group shop, backpacking workshops, and camp in Durango.
Tuesday: Early morning! Catch the morning train and ride through pristine wilderness to your stop in the Weminuche Wilderness. Hike into the Beaver Pond from Elks Park and set up base camp.
Wednesday: Day hike to Vestal Creek. Backcountry games and wilderness exploration. Campfire cuisine and s’mores back at the campsite.
Thursday: Last morning in the backcountry! Big breakfast and hike out to the railroad. Hop back on the train to Silverton. Ouray Hot Springs in the afternoon, pizza, and back to Telluride for high fives and drop-off.
A detailed daily itinerary will be provided to you on the Monday morning of the program.
Schedule:
Daily: 9:00 am – 4:45 pm
Monday, August 3rd – Thursday, August 6th
Overnights on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The program returns on Thursday by 7:00 pm
*All programs in Sessions 9 and 10 will be based out of the Telluride Mountain School in Lawson Hill.
