Satiate your sense of adventure with two 13ers in one trip!
Pigeon can be seen from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it proceeds along the Animas River from Durango towards Silverton. Located in the Needles, a subrange of the San Juan Mountains, Pigeon rises 6000′ above the Animas River. Its East Face is a 1000′ sheer wall that dwarfs the terrain surrounding it. These peaks typically see much less traffic than 14ers such as Windom, Sunlight, and Eolus and as a result you are rewarded with solitude unlike anywhere else in Colorado. Climbing Pigeon requires endurance, skill and a sense of adventure and we do recommend completing a peak like Vestal as a warm up for the likes of Pigeon and Turret.
Trip Details
Duration
3 Days, 2 Nights
Difficulty
Some climbing experience necessary
Maximum Guide Ratio
2:1
Included
- AMGA and SJE trained/certified alpine guide
- All technical equipment (helmet, harness, climbing equipment, ropes, packs, etc.)
- Federal land usage surcharge (USFS/BLM)
Not Included
- Lunch/snack food & water
- Guide gratuity
- Train fees (approach via the iconic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway!)
Trip Itinerary
- 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 Ruby Basin.
- By late afternoon, we will arrive in Ruby basin and set up Camp.
- We will enjoy some much needed rest and food while we enjoy great views of our objectives.
- 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.
- We will gain our saddle and descend towards Pigeons climb, from there we will rope up and climb and descend the same route on Pigeon.
- After that, we will regain the saddle and work our way up to Turret peak and take in the views of our last high point for the trip.
- We will descend down to camp and prepare dinner and enjoy our evening under the stars.
- We wake up at a more reasonable hour and have some breakfast before packing up camp and heading back down the primitive trail through Ruby 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.
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