Looking for more than just a hike? Want to attempt a spicier alternative route to 14,000 ft? Colorado Adventure Guides offers guided mountaineering tours based out of Summit County, CO, and our guides have years of experience climbing our mountains year round. Whether you choose to climb one of our more modest local peaks or want to tackle a 14er, we have you covered.

Join Colorado Adventure Guides on of our classic mountaineering ridge traverses. All of our mountaineering routes are full day (8 hr) to full day plus (8-12 hr) excursions. All of our trips will include scrambling on terrain of at least 3rd class nature, and so we do have a requirement that clients have previous scrambling or rock climbing experience. Read below to check out some of our highlighted trips.

Mountaineering Adventures Options

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Quandry Peak - West Ridge (Level 4 - Difficult)

Want to skip the crowds on a popular Colorado 14er? Join us on the West Ridge route to add a little solitude with a sprinkle of spice on this classic 14er class 3 ridge traverse. After the summit you will take the more popular East ridge back down to the trailhead.

Torreys Peak - Kelso Ridge ((Level 4 - Difficult)

Torreys via Kelso ridge is an exciting alternative to the more popular standard route with some fun class 3 scrambling including an exciting knife ridge section. This peak sees tens of thousands of hikers per year because of the proximity to Denver and relatively easy hiking. Kelso Ridge, a class 3 ridge with medium exposure, is a nice alternative to the extremely busy standard route up this mountain.

Black Mountain Traverse - Lenawee to Grizzly (Level 4 - Difficult)

Also known as the “Arapahoe Basin Traverse”, this intermediate mountaineering route along the Continental Divide will cover 3 prominent peaks (Lenawee, Black Mountain, and Grizzly Peak) and harnesses scrambling rated from 3rd class up to low 5th class.

Ten Mile Traverse - Peaks 1-10 (Level 4 - 5 Difficult / Very difficult)

This one packs some punch! The Tenmile Traverse from Frisco to Breckenridge is a classic high-alpine route in Summit County, with 8,500 feet of climbing over 14.5 miles. After reaching the summit of Peak One (12,805 feet), the route never drops below 12,000 feet before ending at Peak 10 (13,640 feet). Don’t want to go the distance? Do the half traverse to Peak 5 and still enjoy the best of the more technical terrain!

More Details:

Duration: Full Day Guides: 1 guide to 3 guests Meeting Time: Guide’s decision based on weather forecast Meeting Location: Guide will call with meeting location What We Provide: Professional guide for a fun and educational experience. Backpack, poles, ice axe, and climbing gear including are available upon request, and mountaineering boots can be rented.

Itinerary

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The guide will call to discuss locations. Mountaineering trips are typically 8 - 12 hours.

Trip Package Includes

• CAG professional climbing guide / instructor (max 1 guide : 3 guests)
• All Climbing equipment provided by Colorado Adventure Guides
• Transportation from designated meeting place to the trailhead if needed

Trip Package Does Not Include

• Lodging
• Food (bring snacks, lunch, and water)
• Clothing (dress for variable weather)
• Insurance (trip or rescue)
• Instructor / guide gratuity

About Your Guides

Colorado Adventure Guides and Colorado Rafting Company, based in Silverthorne, CO, deliver four seasons of outdoor adventure and education. With operations in seven USFS and BLM ranger districts, we serve a dynamic and growing population of outdoor enthusiasts spanning Summit and Eagle Counties to the Denver Front Range. Our all-season, guided operations include:

• Rock Climbing
• Mountaineering
• Hiking/Peak Accents
• Mountain Biking
• Whitewater Rafting/SUPing
• Backcountry Skiing
• Backcountry Splitboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Ice Climbing
• AIARE Snow Safety

We have been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expert, let us take you on your next unforgettable outdoor adventure!

FAQs

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Are there any prerequisites to participate in this course?

All of our trips will include scrambling on terrain of at least 3rd class nature and so we require that clients have previous scrambling or rock climbing experience. Our mountaineering trips are very demanding days and you must be able to travel long distances with extended times of exposure.

What equipment is required for these trips?

Helmet, medium sized backpack (approx. 40L), sturdy mountaineering boots. We include climbing gear: harness, crampons, tools.

When and how do I meet up with our instructor?

Your instructor will contact you at least 48 hours prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

What should I bring?

We supply all climbing gear. You should bring water, food, snacks, sunglasses, backpack, long pants, synthetic materials shirt, an extra insulating or waterproof layer, and mountaineering boots (which can be rented.)

Should we tip our instructor?

Your guide/instructors work hard before, during, and after your course to provide you with a great experience, and while not expected, gratuities are always highly appreciated. If you had a safe, educational, and fun experience, gratuities typically range from 15-20%.