Segment 11

American Basin & Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area

  • Distance: 42.5 miles

  • Vertical: +14160', -14809'

  • Highlights:

    • Velocity Basin

    • Animas Forks

    • Sloan Lake

    • Redcloud Traverse

  • Main Challenges:

    • Technical terrain

    • Weather exposure

    • Snow in early and late season

  • Scrambling Grade: Up to Class 3

  • Exposure: Moderate

Unnamed 13ers, Red Cloud Wilderness Study Area

Segment 11 tackles some of the San Juans’ most popular 14ers, Handies, Redcloud, and Sunshine. To access them, the route leaves Silverton by going up and over Boulder Gulch, giving a phenomenal view of Velocity Basin before descending Eureka Gulch to the Animas River. The trail through Eureka Gulch can be difficult to follow.

Near Animas Forks, the GCR follows the Hard Rock 100 route to American Basin and Handies Peak. A short side spur to Sloan Lake is highly recommended.

After Handies, the GCR takes a lengthy ridge traverse from Sunshine Peak to Redcloud Peak and a couple 13ers all the way to East Alpine Gulch and joins the San Juan Solstice Route directly into Lake City. This is a long stretch above treeline with limited exit options. Plan around weather accordingly.

In the future, we hope to expand this segment in two areas:

  1. Between Boulder Gulch and Picayne Gulch

  2. Uncompahgre Wilderness (closed during the 2026 scouting mission due to the Gold Mountain Fire).

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This map and its information may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.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 Route information may be inaccurate or out of date and was last reviewed on October 2026.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

Velocity Basin

Seasonal Closures

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

Animas River, near Eureka

Permits & Fees

There are no permits or fees for this segment.

Grizzly Gulch, near Handies Peak

Water

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

Red Cloud to Sunshine Peak Trail

Camping

  • Roadside camping near Eureka and along the Animas River is in first-come, first-served designated sites only.

  • No camping at Sloan Lake.

  • No camping above treeline in Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area.

San Juan Solstice Route

Other Considerations

  • Critical Habitat: Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Area is a critical habitat for endangered butterflies. Please hike on durable surfaces.

  • 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.