Jagged Mountain
Summit one of the most technical 13ers in colorado!
Jagged peak trip overview
Nestled in the rugged San Juan Mountains Jagged Mountain is one of the 100 tallest peaks in Colorado as well as being one of the most technical 13ers in Colorado. Due to its remote location, Jagged Peak sees considerably less traffic than the popular Chicago Basin and boasts low 5th class climbing to gain the summit. For those looking to spend some quality time in the remote peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness, climb low 5th class granite towers to an incredible summit ridge, and enjoy little to no crowds, Jagged is the mountain for you.
Accessed by the famous Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and guided by AMGA trained & educated guides, the experience to climb Jagged from start to finished is unforgettable.
Difficulty
Duration
Location
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
- First, we met at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge railroad station to board the iron horse that will deposit us at the bottom of the Animas valley and reduce our approach considerably.
- After we get off the train and gather our packs at the Needleton train station, we locate the trail and begin our trek up No Name basin.
- By late afternoon we will arrive at Jagged Pass and get our first truly unobstructed view of our objective.
- We will from here make camp in the No Name creek drainage and take a well-deserved break, eat some food, and prepare for an early start the following day to summit Jagged Mountain.
- Before calling it a night, we encourage you to take some time and soak in the star-studded skies that are void of any form of light pollution. You might even see a shooting star.
Day 2
- We will wake up very early to have some breakfast and set out to begin hiking up to the base of the peak. The exact time will be determined by your guide the day prior.
- At a point, your guide will transition you to a roped team and the technical climbing section will begin. Progressively getting steeper the further up the ridge you get.
- After some route-finding and technical sections, we will reach the summit bloc no later than noon. If we have time we will take some time to enjoy the summit, snap some photos before we begin our descent.
- Descending the same route we came up we will arrive back at camp and enjoy the rest of the afternoon with some free time before turning in for our second night in the basin.
Day 3
- We wake up at a more reasonable hour and have some breakfast before packing up camp and heading back down the primitive trail through No Name basin.
- Arriving at the Needleton train station, we wait for our train to stop and pick us up to take us out of the wilderness in style. Most often enjoying a hard-earned cold beer on the way out.
- Upon arriving in Durango, your guide will gather all company gear debrief you on your trip, and let you go to tell all your friends about the unforgettable experience you just had.
Where You Will Stay
Historical Durango is nestled in the Animas River valley. A high desert paradise, the downtown is laced with delectable restaurants and thirst-quenching bars and breweries. There are a variety of hotels to pick from but when considering the best option, convenience is king. Since this trip departs from the Durango & Silverton train station, we suggest finding a place to lay your head within walking distance to simplify pre and post-trip logistics. Some of our personal favorites include The Rochester Hotel, The Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn, and The Strater Hotel.
where we will meet
Prior to the first day of the trip you will meet with your guide locally in Durango to have a pre-trip meeting on the general trip plan and complete a gear check. After all your gear has been checked by your guide a time will be determined to meet at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad station the next morning to load up your packs onto the train cars and find your seats for the trip into the mountains. The train station is located in downtown Durango and is very easily located.
What is Included in the cost?
– Three days with an AMGA certified & trained guide
– Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)
– Camping equipment and all meals
– Guide gratuity
– Train fees (approach via the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway!)
– Personal clothing/gear
* If you need to rent equipment locally visit our friends at Backcountry Experience. If you are coming from the Front Range reach out our partners at Cripple Creek Backcountry.
Course Gallery
(Click for full size image)
Waiver
Anyone participating in our programs must fill out a waiver beforehand. If you are under 18, please have your parent/guardian complete.
cancellation
Please familiarize yourself with our Booking & Cancellation Policies.
preparation
Skiers/riders should be in good physical condition, and confident/comfortable on their method of snow travel (backcountry touring skis or splitboard).