Segment 10

Weminuche High Route

  • Distance: 37.8 miles

  • Vertical: +15552', -14449'

  • Highlights:

    • Upper Ruby Meadow

    • So much of the Needles Range

    • Highland Mary Lakes

  • Main Challenges:

    • Technical terrain

    • Route finding

    • Weather exposure

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: Sustained Class 2 & 3

  • Exposure: Moderate

Noname Basin & Twin Thumbs Pass

Explore the heart of the San Juans and some of Colorado’s most remote and beautiful mountains along the Needles Range. The GCR follows a modified version of Steve Howe’s Weminuche High Route, taking you to beautiful destinations such as Ruby Lake, Twin Thumbs Pass, Jagged Mountain, and Leviathon Peak.

This segment is largely cross-country terrain with sustained route-finding and scrambling at or above treeline. The hard work rewards you with the highest density of views per mile in the state. Please understand this is particularly challenging segment.

A trailed option that goes up the more popular Chicago Basin and eventually connects to the Continental Divide Trail is also provided. We also hope to verify another route through Vestal Basin in the future.

The segment ends with an exploration of Highland Mary Lakes and the peaks near Silverton, including an optional stop at the Silver Lake Mine ruins, before descending into town for some well-earned R+R.

Important: Read Before Viewing

The Great Colorado Route travels through remote, high-elevation backcountry. Hazards include severe weather, lightning, altitude illness, river crossings, wildlife, rockfall, steep and exposed terrain, route-finding errors, and limited or no cell service or emergency rescue.

This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. Conditions, closures, and land access change. It is not a substitute for your own judgment, navigation skills, current conditions, and other sources. You are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

By clicking below, you acknowledge these risks and agree to the Terms of Use of this website.

Loading map…

Use at your own risk. Backcountry travel is inherently dangerous. Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026. Always carry appropriate navigation tools, verify current conditions and land access, and make your own decisions. See the Terms of Use.

Logistical Considerations

Turret Peak & Upper Ruby Meadow

Seasonal Closures

We are not aware of any official seasonal closures, but high snow can make sections difficult or impassable without specialized skillsets.

Sunlight Basin

Leviathon Peak and Lake

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for this segment, other than if you wish to take the Silverton Train either to or from the Needleton wilderness stop. See Segment 9 for information.

Water

Water is less problematic in this area, though be mindful of extended stretches above treeline and streams.

Highland Mary Lakes

Camping

No camping near Twin Lakes.

No fires in Chicago Basin or Vestal Basin.

You will likely camp near or above treeline along this segment, so please monitor weather forecasts and make safe decisions.

Arrastra Basin

Other Considerations

  • Extreme Remoteness: This area is one of the most remote parts of Colorado, and rescue could take several days to reach you.

  • Snow Travel: Thru hikers may encounter high snow levels when traversing this section and are encouraged to carry appropriate gear (e.g., microspikes and ice axe), know how to use them, and have backup plans if their planned route is unsafe or impassable.