Colorado High Passes Trek
Your time on the famed Continental Divide will not disappoint as we embark on six days exploring the deep valleys and soaring peaks of the Colorado backcountry from Argentine to Loveland Pass. After a short leg-stretcher hike, we settle for two evenings in camping paradise, complete with with our personal cooks, cozy tents and always a warm fire around which we will celebrate our daily feats. Do not be fooled, to conquer the surrounding summits we will need to dig deep and tap into our strength and fortitude; ultimately, our camp luxuries will be well-earned. After two nights at Argentine basecamp we strike out along the high crest of the Continental Divide to reach our second remote basecamp, which gives us access to a whole new set of peaks. Prepare to summit 4 peaks, all above 13,000 feet, on this 28-mile mountain marathon trek. You will return home euphoric at the sites you’ve seen, obstacles you have overcome and the bonds you have made over shared struggles.
Trip Highlights
- Summit 4 non technical peaks - all above 13,000 feet
- Spend five days exploring the deep valleys and soaring peaks of the Colorado continental divide
- Enjoy 4 evenings in camping paradise with camp cooks preparing your meals and comfortable camp beds in your tents.
Itinerary
Day 1
We will welcome you upon arrival to Denver International Airport. From there we drive up into the mountains past mining towns and dark evergreen forests to reach Georgetown, Colorado nestled at the base of the Continental Divide. This evening will be spent in the comfort of a mountain lodge where we can rest and prepare for the coming adventures.
Day 2
Today begins with a relaxed 8am start. After breakfast we pack up the Jeeps and head to Guanella Pass Road turning off onto rugged 4x4 track. This is where our adventures begin with 26 miles of remote jeep trails to climb high into the Leavenworth Basin. Ahead of us our support crew will have arrived and set up our mountain basecamp complete with an area for dining and relaxation. Once we have settled in at camp and eaten lunch we will stretch our legs with a short hike to the abandoned Santiago Ghost Town. Eat well at dinner tonight- the real hiking begins tomorrow!
Day 3
This will be the first of 3 early starts. We will be up with the sun and hiking as it begins to rise. From camp we will hike
out old mining roads past long abandoned mining claims. Our long switch-backing track up the mountain will be a
good introduction to the hikes ahead of us. From the summit of McClellan Mountain, we will have stunning views of
the Continental Divide as it stretched off to the North and South of our airy position. After enjoying the views and a
light lunch we will head back down the mountain to camp where a delicious meal and evening under the dusky skies
awaits.
Day 4
This will be the day we first climb up Argentine Pass. You will be glad we are on foot as we ascend the final stretches
of technical jeep trail. From the top of Argentine Pass you will be rewarded with stunning views of mountain ranges
marching off on every point of the compass. Our hiking objectives will be first Argentine Peak and then the further
afield Square Top Mountain. These Summits are going to take some work as after gaining Argentine Peak you will
have to descend and then reclimb some 700 vertical feet to bag Square Top Mountain. The trek is truly worth it
though, the views near and far, and varied and interested hiking make this our personal favorite day. After bagging
Square Top we will descend back the way we came to return to camp and our last night sleeping under the stars.
Day 5
We will wake up early once more for our last day of hiking. After breakfast we will head back up Argentine Pass but
this time, we will hike north along the Continental Divide to the summit of Mount Edwards. Mount Edwards alone is a
worthy summit but, depending on time, weather, and group ability, we may have the option of crossing an exposed 3 rd
class ridge to summit the tippy top of the Continental Divide: Grays Peak (14,270). The Grays Peak extension is a
considerable undertaking, adding an extra 2 miles of technical ridge hiking at over 13,000 ft with areas of significant
exposure. From Edwards we will hike back down to camp before jeeping back down the mountain to Georgetown for
a celebratory dinner and well-deserved night (and shower) in a comfortable hotel.
Day 6
This is your final day in the Colorado Rockies. Wake up a little later and enjoy breakfast before we make the trek
back down out of the mountains and on to whatever adventure awaits you next!
