The highest mountain landmass in the lower 48 is found in America's Desert Southwest. The high peaks above the Four Corners junction of Colorado , Utah , New Mexico and Arizona are the most rugged and beautiful in the country. The mountain range is the San Juan 's and is the home of Ryder/Walker Alpine Adventures.

The Native American history is rich as these ranges were their cool summer hunting grounds. The classic southwestern cowboy and mining culture persists today but is rapidly being replaced by that of the ski and mountain recreationist.

On our classic circuit we visit the world famous mountain towns of Telluride, Durango , Silverton and Ouray. Along the way also pass through Dunton, a remote mining camp turned luxury retreat, and Rico, a truly unchanged turn-of-the-century mining town boasting one of the better kitchens in the region. This trip has been scheduled to coincide with the peaking of the autumn foliage.

ITINERARY

Day 1-2 Arrive in Ouray and overnight in a four star hotel in this colorful and beautiful town. Enjoy one of the many truly unforgettable day hikes available in this unique valley.

Day 3 Transfer to a remote trailhead beneath the region's highest peaks. Hike through pristine wilderness on good trails Silverton, the terminus of the famed Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. We stay in another remarkable Victorian, antique filled hotel. Silverton is one of the more remote towns in the Rockies and has been lovingly restored with brilliantly colored structures and a main street with a true 'wild west' feel.

Day 4-5 Starting in Silverton we travel the Colorado trail to Rico, one of the most original mining towns in Colorado . Coincidentally this tiny mining outpost features one of the finest restaurants in the region. From Rico we follow the Calico Trail to the Dunton Hot Springs Resort, a remote superbly restored mining camp turned gourmet retreat. Dunton is fascinating with each room at the resort an actual cabin that has been sought out for authenticity and originality.

Day 6-9 We hike to Telluride, the Rocky Mountain 's most beautiful mountain town, on a trail beneath the highest, most rugged peaks of the region. After a van transfer from the trailhead we enjoy the comforts of a superb hotel in this fabled destination. Next day we sample one of the magnificent hikes this region has to offer after which we return to our hotel to prepare for our final celebration dinner.