Backpacking Trips
Wilderness Expeditions, Inc (WE) is a Christian based guide and outfitting service headquartered in Salida, Colorado. Since 1989, WE has dedicated itself to unique wilderness adventures and outdoor programs with a spiritual purpose.
**2023 pricing subject to change**
6 Day Trek
$700.00 per person* (Includes all meals, camping gear, day pass to Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center) Note: Lodging is available for the departure night for an additional charge.
Day 1: Arrive at Wilderness Expeditions by 1 PM. Orientation and packing. Overnight at WE base camp.
Day 2: Drive to the trailhead. Hike to Low Camp.
Day 3: Hike to High Camp
Day 4: Morning solo time and free day.
Day 5: Summit Attempt
Day 6: Pack up and return to Wilderness Expeditions. Return all gear and clean up.
5 Day Trek
$600.00 per person* (Includes all meals, camping gear, day pass to Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center) Note: Lodging is available for the departure night for an additional charge.
Day 1: Arrive at Wilderness Expeditions by 1 PM. Orientation and packing. Overnight at WE base camp.
Day 2: Drive to the trailhead. Hike to High Camp.
Day 3: Morning solo time and free day
Day 4: Summit Attempt
Day 5: Pack up and return to Wilderness Expeditions. Return all gear and clean up.
6 Day Trek & Train
Call for pricing* (Includes all meals, camping gear, day pass to Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center) Note: Lodging is available for the departure night for an additional charge.
Day 1: Arrive at Wilderness Expeditions by 1 PM. Orientation and packing. Overnight at WE base camp.
Day 2: Drive to the trailhead. Hike to Low Camp.
Day 3: Hike to High Camp
Day 4: Morning solo time and free day.
Day 5: Summit Attempt
Day 6: Pack up and catch the Leadville Colorado Southern Railroad train for a morning ride back to Leadville and your vehicles. Return to Wilderness Expeditions. Return all gear and clean up. Banquet meal.
7 Day Trek & Raft
Call for pricing* (Includes all meals, camping gear, day pass to Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center) Note: Lodging is available for the departure night for an additional charge.
Day 1: Arrive at Wilderness Expeditions by 1 PM. Orientation and packing. Overnight at WE base camp.
Day 2: Drive to the trailhead. Hike to Low Camp.
Day 3: Hike to High Camp
Day 4: Morning solo time & free day
Day 5: Summit attempt
Day 6: Solo and reflection, pack up, head to river
Day 7: After a 1/2 day rafting trip, return to Wilderness Expeditions. Return all gear and clean up. Banquet meal.
OPTIONAL:
Wet suits & booties: $12.00 per person - Tip: $8.00 per person - Photos on disk: $7.00 per person (we will burn all the images to 1 disk).
*$55.00 per person per additional day on any Trek adventure
**Any 1/2 Day option can be added to 6 Day Treks for an additional charge.
1/2 Day Options: Rafting, Inflatable Kayak, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding, Additional Summit Attempt (mountains dependent on location)
WE offers an "Enhanced Gear Package" for an additional charge of $35/participant. This package including internal frame packs, and new updated gear. Supplies are limited so please contact us if you are interested.
WE offers an "Enhanced Food Package" to the basic food plan, it will be available for an additional charge of $30 per participant. Contact us with questions regarding the details of this package.
Note: The entire group must choose the enhanced food package.
What's Included
The fee covers all expenses for your participation (unless otherwise indicated), which includes the services of the guide/outfitter (equipment, Forest Service permits, staff leadership, food, and base camp use), program costs, and the last night's group lodging for the first 100 participants booked on that date.
Some extras may be included depending on the length and type of program (i.e. Salida Aquatic Center pass). No discounts are available for bringing your own gear. Participants may have additional expenses, particularly for travel and lodging to and from the base camp.
“We have brought a group for several years. Great experience for our teens!” — Youth Minister from Amarillo, TX
Provided By the Outfitter
For all multi-day programs and some other activities, when indicated, the outfitter provides a variety of equipment and supplies*. Such items often include: external frame backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, stove, fuel, cooking equipment, dining fly, first aid kit, and food. Some packages may include a stay in the Wilderness Expeditions Lodge or another local establishments. Each Person is responsible for the care of equipment that is issued.
If equipment is damaged or lost through abuse, or negligence, the individual will be responsible for repair or replacement of the item(s).
* W.E. offers an "Enhanced Gear Package" for an additional charge of $35/participant. This package including internal frame packs, and new updated gear. Supplies are limited so please contact us if you are interested.
Regarding Tips
Our guides and staff work hard to provide excellent service. Although tips are customary and extremely appreciated, they are not included in the participant fees.
Regarding Food
Trail food is by necessity a high carbohydrate, high caloric diet. It is high in wheat, milk products, sugar, corn syrup, and artificial coloring/flavoring. If these food products cause a problem to your diet, you will be responsible for providing any appropriate substitutions and advise the staff upon arrival. Basic trail meals are included which provide necessary calories for a week-long backpacking adventure. In response to some requests, W.E. will now offer the option of an "Enhanced Food Package". If your entire group would prefer adding this "Enhanced Food Package" to the basic food plan, it will be available for an additional charge of $30 per participant. Contact us with questions regarding the details of this package. Note: The entire group must choose the enhanced package.
You Bring
A list of recommended clothing and personal gear is supplied to assist each person in determining what to bring. This list is based on a typical 6 day Trek experience. The list is designed with attention to minimizing the weight and size of your pack in hopes of providing maximum comfort and enjoyment. You may choose to bring things that have not been included in the list, but please be advised that you will be responsible for packing and carrying any of your “extras”.
Keep in mind that the Colorado Rockies have unpredictable variations in temperature and weather. The temperature may vary from the low 30’s to the high 80’s. You may encounter rain, hail, snow, cloudy skies, or bright sunshine – all in a day. The key to proper clothing selection is “layer on for cold and wet” and “layer off for heat and exertion”. W.E. recommend you pack clothing in plastic bags to protect from the elements and treat your outerwear with water repellent. WE also recommends using synthetic (not cotton or NC) fabrics.
What To Bring (Download PDF)
How To Be Comfortable (Download PDF)
