Weminuche Wilderness Pack Trip Colorado USA Travel into one of the most spectacular areas of the Western United States, deep in the Weminuche Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains. This area was heavily glaciated and the valleys are textbook geologic featuring meandering streams through enormous valleys with hanging waterfalls on the valley walls, great expanses of exposed granite and huge moraines. You camp in a beautiful meadow on the glaciated canyon of the Florida River near the City Reservoir, built in the late 1800's by the city of Durango to store water. Today, it no longer is used by Durango, but instead provides some of the best lake fishing in the San Juans. The fish are not big, but they are lively! Less than a mile downstream, the canyon boxes off and is impassable. You can feel the presence of bear and elk in the air as you wander through this true wilderness. The list of activities to do is endless. Among our favorites is a ride to one of many high mountain ridges, enjoying incredible views, wildflowers, and of course, elk. Chicago Basin is one of the most sought out destinations in the San Juans but one of the most crowded. We ride horses to the rim where we have the most spectacular view of the Basin and the Fourteen thousand foot mountains surrounding it— and you won’t see another person! Trimble Pass is another spot that you will never forget. And if you’re up for it, we can climb to the top of Mount Sheridan for a view that is unmatched. Another camp we use on our longer trips, is the West Virginia Camp. It is located in the spruce and fir trees at 11,300 ft. This is a true wilderness setting with large cliffs lining the valley that West Virginia Creek winds through. The fishing is fabulous in this native cutthroat stream, a rarity in today’s world of invasive trout species. Virginia Creek is a moderate hike away with predominantly Rainbow Trout in its waterfalls and meanders. The views of Pigeon and Turret Peaks and the rest of the Needle Mountains are breathtaking on the way to these high mountain lakes. Camping Ride with pack horses Family Vacation Riding with fishing options Meeting: Durango Airport:   Durango Transfer: -- Trip Brochure (PDF)

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

Tax: 3 %  

 

Rates Note:

Small group surcharge $100/person/day

Transfer and Other Charges:

Custom Full Service Pack Trip available any date -- please inquire for rates

Sample Itinerary: 5-day Pack Trip - subject to changes

Note: We can create custom pack trips pending date availability. Daily rate depends on the size of the group and is also possible for a single person at a premium.

Day 1 (Monday): Arrival
Arrive at the ranch for 9:00am. After the pack load is set we'll mount our horses and head up the mountain. Immediately you become surrounded by the dense forest of the Weminuche Wilderness. We will take our time and wind up the trail crossing some creeks along the way and even skirting fallen trees. We will stop along the way for lunch along the trail in a spot where the views will take your breath away! As we continue on this remote trail to camp, we end the day descending down a traversing trail, crossing a river and ending up at our fully provisioned camp in the wilderness. You will have a chance to unload your personal gear and then join the group for some snacks before dinner. After dinner we can relax around our own private campfire and then head off to bed under a blanket of stars.
Meals included: Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Days 2-4 (Tuesday to Thursday): Pack Trip
Wake up each morning to the smell of freshly brewed cowboy coffee and another fulfilling western breakfast. The next few days we will be no rush to get started in the morning and there will be lots of options to choose from. We may opt to take a full day ride deep into the mountains enjoying waterfalls and wild flowers along the way or opt for just a half day ride and enjoy the afternoon doing a different activity. The fishing is 'Brookie Paradise' and only a five minute walk from camp in the waterfalls of the Florida River. High mountain lakes await us in every direction, some with 15" trout lurking in them. Or you may want to try to climb Mount Sheridan right behind camp for a spectacular 360 degree view including the 14,000 ft peaks Eolus, Windom and Sunlight peak. Keep your eyes open for large birds of prey overhead or possibly elk or deer running through the woods. After you have taken all the pictures you want, and spent the day enjoying what seems to be your own private wilderness playground, we'll head back to camp. Enjoy each others company while dinner is being prepared for you and relax around camp taking in the views, smells and sounds of this pristine wilderness. Each night offers a sky full of stars and coyotes often howling in the background.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 5 (Friday): Departure
After breakfast we take one last look at the glorious San Juan Mountain range that surrounds us and pack up our gear so we can head back to civilization. As you wind your way back to where the vehicle awaits there are plenty of last minute opportunities for taking photos. We'll plan on lunch on the trail along with way before we unload and pack up the animals for the journey home. You will arrive back in Durango at the ranch around 6:00pm. Please do not plan departures home tonight unless your flight departs after 8:30 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight camping



Fishing Program (same route as pack trip)
The fishing at the headwaters of the Florida River includes alpine lakes, high mountain streams and the Weminuche Wilderness in Southwest Colorado. We have outstanding fishing right outside of camp. Be prepared because this is “brookie paradise”, with excitement around every corner. We are experts on fishing the headwaters of the Florida River drainage. This area is one of the premier fishing regions in southwest Colorado, but because of its very remote location you can enjoy the trip and forget about the crowds . We can put you right there in the fishing fury, with a guide standing beside you who knows all of the prime spots, the best ways to fish them and the best fly for that particular hole at the time that you are there.
 
We are here to help you with what you want and need. If you’re a beginning angler, we can give you a good foundation of the basics which you can carry on with you long after your trip. If you have more experience, we can help you refine techniques and learn some new tricks. If you are an advanced angler, our beta can help you maximize your fishing experience.

From our camps we can fish three different streams with three different types of fish and consequently three different fishing characters. The Florida and most of it’s tributaries are full of brook trout. These are voracious feeders and a day of fishing can result in many fish on the end of your line. West Virginia Creek is a rare, native cutthroat fishery and we are fortunate to be able to stalk these wily critters in such a beautiful wilderness setting. Virginia Creek is dominated by Rainbow Trout and has the largest stream trout in our area.

We also fish the high country lakes of the Florida Basin including the Castilleja Lakes, Lake Marie, City Reservoir, Lilly Lake and Emerald lake. High country lake trouts can be fickle, but when they are hitting, the thrill of hooking one of these fish is truly exhilarating.
All of these trips are truly full service with all of the amenities of our basecamp pack trips with the addition of a dedicated fishing guide.  The ratio of fisherman to guide is a maximum of 3 to 1.  We provide all fishing flies and fishing gear is also available for rent.

                                            Silverton area
 

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	34	37	42	48	58	69	74	71	65	55	43	34
Average Low Temperature (°F)	-4	-1	8	18	27	32	38	38	31	22	9	-2
Average High Temperature (°C)	1	3	6	9	15	21	23	22	18	13	6	1
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-20	-18	-14	-8	-3	0	4	3	-1	-6	-13	-19
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	7	7	7	6	5	10	11	9	7	6	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Durango boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year! Add that to Durango’s high altitude (6,512 feet) and notoriously unpredictable weather, and you could get a sunburn in the middle of winter or a snowstorm in June (it happens!). Durango enjoys an ideal 4 season climate.

Winter
Winters here are usually cold and sunny. Durango's snowfall averages about 71" a year.

Spring
Spring brings warmer weather and rain (annual precipitation of 19" per year).

Summer
Summer temperatures seldom reach more than the high 80s and rivers and reservoirs stay relatively full in summer, due to deep snow accumulation in the surrounding mountains. June through September typically have warm days with highs in the 70s and 80s F. June usually has sunny afternoons while July and August often have afternoon thunderstorms. The possibility of light snow always exists in the higher elevations, even in July and August. Expect cool nights with lows in the 30s to 50s F.

Fall
Fall days are usually cool and dry, and very comfortable, however weather is often unpredictable at this time of the year. Daytime temperatures in the fall can range from 20s-60s F with nights in the 0-30 degrees Fahrenheit range. Rain and snow are always possible. 

 
Special note – altitude sickness
All of our adventures take place between 9,000-14,000 ft. Drink lots of fluids as hydration is one of the best defenses to altitude sickness. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine to minimize dehydration.

We recommend that all clients purchase a Colorado Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card BEFORE coming on a trip. The purpose of this card is to assist in the costs associated with a backcountry evacuation should the situation arise (hopefully not!). If you purchase a hunting or fishing license, it is included. You can purchase these in Durango wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, or you can purchase one online with the following link:
https://dola.colorado.gov/corsar_order/order_instructions.jsf

Put your gear in a soft duffel. Please limit your gear to 40 lb.

Personal Gear
- Waterproof duffel bag (or line with garbage bag)
- Small first aid kit
- Flashlight & batteries (headlamp recommended)
- Matches in waterproof container or lighter
- Sleeping bag rated to thirty degrees (or colder) in a waterproof stuffsack (or garbage bag)
- Thermarest (or equivalent) sleeping pad (can be provided)
- Riding Boots (waterproof is best)
- Waterproof boots or overboots (VERY IMPORTANT)

3-4 changes of clothing- suggestions
- Long underwear
- Jeans
- Bandanas/handkerchiefs
- Synthetic (fleece) or wool pants
- Synthetic or wool shirts
- Socks - synthetic or wool preferable
- Underwear
- Toiletries - towel, washcloth, soap, toothbrush, etc.
- Sleeping wear
- Personal medications

Optional Gear
- Binoculars
- Camera and film
- Leather hiking boots
- Compass
- Book and/or journal
- Notebook
- Insect repellent
- Fishing Rod & Tackle (If fishing, you will need a license)
- Tent  (You will be setting up/taking down your tent daily. We will gladly provide one, but if you have your own favorite, feel free to bring it)

To Be Carried When Horseback Riding
- A small day pack can be carried on your horse (saddle bags will be provided as well)
- Lipbalm
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Toilet paper in ziplock bag
- Water bottle
- Synthetic (fleece) jacket
- Rain gear (Gore-Tex) - parka and pants
- Down vest, sweater or other warm layer
- Riding Gloves
- Warm Gloves (waterproof is best)
- Knife
- Waterproof w/Wide brim Hat (VERY IMPORTANT) (For sun and rain)
- Warm hat

Average ratings from 3 tour feedbacks (see details below) (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: Name Date emily wiley 7/19/2021 nancy johnson 8/11/2012 ken eltschlager 3/18/2007

Accommodation
This is a pack trip ride where all nights are spent at a base camp.

Description
You will be staying in walled tents. Cots and pads are provided. Please bring your own sleeping bag! We have separate sleeping tents for each group of a mixed group trip.
Clean latrine tents are located near camps. When the weather is warm enough, a warm shower is available (solar shower).



Meals
All meals are included in this trip.

Meals are served in our basecamp dining tent or on the trail when traveling by horseback. Gourmet meals, snacks, soft drinks and purified water are provided (bring your own water bottle).
The cook tent has a woodstove with an oven where we bake biscuits and even pies! We believe that food is as important as the wilderness experience and we know you’ll enjoy our delicious meals.

We do not provide alcohol on any of our trips. We can pack in a beverage of your choice (within reason). Since the effects of alcohol are multiplied at altitude, please use common sense. Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to ride a horse under the influence of alcohol.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		Western
Horses:		Quarter mix
Pace:		Any level, 5 hours in the saddle per day. Slow Mtn trails
Level:		(2 to 2 out of 5)    Novice
Age:		Min 6	Max none
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 2	Max 8

Fitness Requirement
You will enjoy all of our trips most if you are in good physical shape. Plan ahead, train for your trip and get ready to enjoy one of the best trips you can have anywhere. We provide riding instructions and encourage guests to get as involved with the handling of the horses as they wish, within reason.

Horses
We breed, raise, and sell Quarter Horses that are ideally suited to the endeavors that are important to working and living in the mountains.  Our bloodlines are true foundation bred performance horses. Because we use these horses in our operations, we pay special attention to disposition in addition to great confirmation in our breeding program. With a herd of 100 horses, we have many to choose from for all riders!

Weight Limit
200lbs if less than 6'0
225lbs if more than 6'0

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).

Passport Note

(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.

(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.

(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).



The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.

ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.

 

New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.

For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:

1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.

Visa Note

(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.

Validity

Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.

Applications to:

Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).

Working Days Required

Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes
Visa Required?
British	No/2
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	1
Return Ticket Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	No
USA	N/A
Other EU	Yes