Come along for an exciting and unique “train and trekking” adventure aboard one of the greatest train routes in the country! The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad was built in 1881 and served as carrier of mining ore that came out of the San Juan Mountains. It now carries alpine-bound explorers through a rugged and remote canyon on its way up to the historic mining community of Silverton, Colorado. After a day of warm-up hikes, packing workshops and menu planning we’ll head to Durango and step back in time as we embark on a train-assisted journey into the Colorado high country. Boarding the train with nothing but our packs and our sense of adventure, we will travel in open-air gondolas that allow for stunning views of the majestic mountains all around us. Our adventure continues as we exit the train at Elk Park where we will begin our trek into the wilderness to set up our basecamp for two days and nights of exploring the amazing Weminuche Wilderness. This vast expanse of valleys, creeks, wildflowers, waterfalls and soaring peaks is the largest designated wilderness in Colorado and will be the backdrop of our alpine adventure. On our final day, we will return to the train route where we will board the Silverton-bound train and return to civilization for a final celebration!
*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.
*Students are required to provide a proper trekking backpack, sleeping bag and sleeping pad for this program.
Schedule:
Monday: Meet and greet. Intro day hike, packing 101 and meal planning. Prepare for the week.
Tuesday: Off to Durango! Group shop, backpacking workshops and camp in Durango.
Wednesday: Early morning! Catch the morning train and ride through pristine wilderness to your stop in the Weminuche Wilderness. Hike into the Beaver Pond and set up base camp.
Thursday: Day hike to Vestal Creek. Backcountry games and wilderness exploration. Campfire cuisine and s’mores back at the campsite.
Friday: Last morning in the backcountry! Big breakfast and hike out to trailhead. Hop back on the train to Silverton. Pizza in town and back to Telluride for hugs and high fives.
*Schedule subject to change
