About The Trip!

We are excited to be able to offer Peak Ascents year-round and we have some amazing options to choose from! Peaks will drastically change from Winter to Summer and our experienced team is here to steer you in the direction of the best peak to suit you and/or your group.

Challenge your mind and body with a climb to one of the highest points in the region. Each year, thousands of people take to the trails of Colorado’s fifty-four 14,000 foot peaks. Experience the exhilaration of cresting the summit of one of Summit County’s three 14ers: Quandary Peak, Grays Peak, and Torrey’s Peak. Our guided, non-technical ascents provide you a safe and educational adventure for the whole family. Want to avoid the crowds or not ready for the 14er experience? Try climbing one of our lesser known 13,000 foot or 12,000 foot mountains, which still provide challenging days, great views, and more solitude. Below are some of our more popular outings.

Please note, online booking closes with 72
hours of start date, call to book at that time

Itinerary

This will be a full day hike and start early. Your meeting time will be determined by your guide based on weather forecast on your ascent day.

Trip Package Includes:

CAG professional mountain guides
A 6:1 maximum guide to client ratio
A safe, fun, and educational experience

Trip Package Does Not Include

Accommodations
Transportation to and from designated meeting place
Clothing and gear (see FAQ for recommendations)
Guide gratuities
Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads)

Area Info

Colorado Adventure Guides is permitted to operate in a variety of terrain in Summit and several adjacent counties, which allows us to access a variety of zones for courses. Typically we confirm our destinations about two weeks before the actual course to make sure we have the most appropriate terrain for the course. Some of our favorite peak ascents include:

Quandary Peak - Guided Colorado Fourteener Ascent

Just south of our office, Quandary Peak (14,265 ft) offers easy trailhead access, a straightforward yet challenging hike, and stunning 360-degree views of Summit County and its Tenmile Range. Our local fourteener’s standard trail boasts about 3500 feet of elevation gain and loss over a 7 mile round trip. Since there is no such thing as an easy fourteener, and our guides will help to minimize risk while maximizing enjoyment with an understanding of local weather patterns, a thorough knowledge of trail conditions, and an ability to keep morale high. Join us this summer for an ascent of Colorado’s 13th highest peak!

Gray’s & Torrey’s Peak Choose One, Or Go For The 2fer!

Grays Peak (14,270 ft) and Torreys Peak (14,267 ft) are two fourteeners that are often climbed in the same outing by traversing their connecting ridgeline. From their summits, expansive views open up east towards the Front Range and west towards Summit County. An attempt of Grays and/or Torreys is an excellent way to immerse oneself in our mountainous terrain for a full-day of adventure! Our route options are located on the South side and offer a less crowded experience to the popular Stevens Gulch Trailhead. Both options are based off of Peru Creek road near the towns of Keystone and Montezuma.

Double 14er Ascent: Looking to get the best bang for your buck? Go for a double 14er summit and add Torrey’s Peak to the list! Torrey’s peak is accessed via an out and back on the connecting ridge from Grays. Adding on Torrey’s to your trip would give you an extra 1.5 miles and 1,000 feet of vertical.

Peaks Under 14000 Ft - Escape The Crowds To Immerse Yourself In Nature

While peak bagging fourteeners has some grandeur qualities, escaping the crowds that flock to their summits is one of many reasons to seek out our local 12ers and 13ers. As it says in the name, Summit County is home to bountiful options when it comes to ascending peaks, and most of these options are between 12,000 and 14,000 feet. Choose from mountains such as Mt Royal, Mt Victoria, Peak 1, Lenawee Mountain, Santa Fe Peak, Buffalo Mountain, and the list goes on… All these peaks are accessible within a twenty minute drive from our office in Silverthorne. Hiring a guide will take away the stress of managing weather patterns, navigating a network of trails, and planning the logistics, all while keeping the fun factor numero uno!

About CAG and Your Guides

Go Beyond the Resort! Colorado Adventure Guides (CAG) is a four-season adventure and education guide service based in Silverthorne, Co. Over the years CAG has earned the esteemed position of being the largest AIARE educator and multi-season permit holder in the Dillon Ranger District. With additional permitted operations in six adjacent USFS and BLM districts, CAG serves a dynamic and growing population of Colorado outdoor enthusiasts and tourists spanning Summit and Eagle Counties to the Denver Front Range. CAG’s all-season, guided operations include:

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

Colorado Adventure Guides has been providing incredible experiences to visitors of Summit County 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

Previous Experience

The elevation in town in Silverthorne is 9,035 feet above sea level and most towns in Summit County share similar or higher elevations. When adjusting to altitude, the body needs to work a little harder. You might experience difficulty sleeping, difficulty catching your breath even during mild exertion, a racing heart rate, nausea, and a loss of appetite.

For our Peak Ascents we strongly recommend and encourage clients to spend around 3 days in Summit County or similar elevations prior to your attempt to one of our higher peaks, especially if traveling above 13,000ft.

Altitude affects people differently, and can affect the same person differently on separate occasions. If you deal with chronic pulmonary, cardiac, or other health issues like asthma, COPD, diabetes, CHF or if you are pregnant you should consult your doctor before your activity. Our guides are trained to recognize altitude sickness symptoms in the field and reserve the right to end the trip at any time.

Should We Tip Our Guide?

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%.

Is there a minimum age required for this trip?

We typically accept participants 12 years or older, if they are accompanied by a legal guardian. You must be 18 years or older to attend a trip on your own.

How Physically Fit do I need to Be for this Activity?

Colorado Adventure Guides is priority is keeping our patrons and students safe. Our guides and instructors are trained to recognize potentially hazardous situations in the backcountry; they plan and operate accordingly. Prior to the start of any course or backcountry trip you will be asked to complete a brief health history. The failure to disclose pertinent information on the health history form could result in serious harm, even death, to the signing participant, other guests and/or the guide. All information submitted is completely confidential; it is for the guide’s use and would only be shared in the event of an emergency with medical and/or rescue personnel directly caring for the guest. Your ability to enjoy the adventure depends on your health and fitness, thus it’s recommended that you are in good physical condition.

When & How Do I Meet Up With My Guide/Instructor?

Your guide or instructor will contact you prior to your activity start date to finalize details regarding meeting location and time.

What Should I Bring?

Water
Food/Snacks
Daypack
Hat
Sunglasses
Synthetic tshirt or long sleeve shirt
Insulating layer and shell jacket
Long pants
Sturdy closed-toe shoes

Dillon Hiking and Trekking Adventures