Our comfort zone is just that: comfortable. But what lies beyond the borders that we set for ourselves? God calls each one of us into an adventure with Him that stretches beyond our limits, revealing our never-ending reliance on Him. In this week-long expedition, we will examine biblical characters who demonstrated boldness by stepping outside of their comfort zones. As a group, we will discuss these stories and challenge one another to find ways to follow these figures’ examples in our everyday lives.
For centuries, the San Juan mountains have been renowned as some of the most rugged terrain in the Colorado Rockies. This expedition is a week-long backpacking adventure into the heart of this jagged landscape. The route traverses the banks of the mighty Animas River, crosses the historic Durango-Silverton Railroad, and journeys to a basecamp below Colorado’s most remote group of 14ers. It will include a summit attempt at 14,084’ Mount Eolus.
The route takes a 35 mile RT out-and-back trail to the summit of Mount Eolus. It rises a total of 8,506 feet. This adventure begins at Purgatory Flats Trailhead. 4WD is not required to reach this trailhead. The route first heads South from the trailhead, then heads east as the Animas River is encountered. It shares this passage with the Durango-Silverton Railroad. At the confluence with Needle Creek, the route turns southwest to follow the Johnson Gulch Trail. Following this trail eventually deposits hikers in the Cirque formed by the Windom Group (Mt. Eolus, Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak. A basecamp is established south of Mt. Eolus. Mt Eolus is summited via the Northeast Ridge. This route is primarily class 2 hiking, but includes some exposed class 3 sections. Water is accessible throughout the route with the exception of the summit hike above Camp 4.
