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The Weminuche High Route Trail is a 50.5-mile point-to-point in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. The trail runs south to north through the Weminuche Wilderness and crosses mesas, mountain ranges, basins, and plateaus. Once you navigate the likes of Endlich and Silver mesas, the Needle Mountains and Grenadier Range, Highland Mary Plateau, and Arrastra and Spencer basins, you’ll plunge straight into downtown Silverton. All along the route, you’ll encounter spectacular plateaus of rolling tundra, ripsaw ridges, cliff-ringed lakes, and lush midsummer wildflowers.
This is not a route for the lazy or unacclimatized. For most of its length, you’ll wander up and down, through steep passes, and spend long stretches above 12,000 feet. Budget at least seven days for the direct route and add more time for peak bagging and side hikes. About half of the route requires off-trail route-finding.
Despite the often steep terrain, there’s no exposed scrambling that requires ropes. If you go in spring though, bring an ice axe and crampons for the steep snow.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 50.5 miles one way
- Elevation Gain: 16,000+ feet
- Difficulty: Very Challenging
The Map: Weminuche High Route Trail
Mapped by Steve Howe