Is it right for you?
West Trinity is the western of the three Trinity summits in the Grenadier Range, deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Reaching it is a multi-day backpack.
From a high camp in Vestal Creek, you climb to the saddle between Vestal and the Trinities, then follow the steep southwest ridge about 1,000 feet to the top. It is mostly Class 2+ with some Class 3. Allow about two hours from camp.
From the upper camp it's about 2.5 miles round trip and 2,000 feet. The upper camp sits in the last open trees beside Vestal Creek at 11,760 feet, about 9 miles from the Molas trailhead: 6.5 miles to the beaver ponds on Elk Creek, then about 2.5 miles up the steep, unmaintained Vestal Creek trail. Marmots here are known for wrecking gear and food. From the Molas trailhead the whole trip is about 20.5 miles and 6,600 feet. Most people go on to Trinity Peak and East Trinity, which adds Class 4 moves. Mileage and gain are our estimates.
Plan of the day
Leave the upper Vestal Creek camp by 6 a.m.
Be at the saddle by 8:30 a.m.
Class 3 steps on the southwest ridge.
Moderate. Many cairns; some lead off route.
Elk Creek, the beaver ponds and Vestal Creek. Little or none up high. Filter it.
This week on the summit
Conditions on the summit
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Afternoon storm risk is the line that matters. Everything else is comfort. In summer, plan to be off the ridge before the build-up starts, not as it starts. Forecast for the summit point, adjusted for its elevation · data from Open-Meteo.
Getting there
Molas Pass - Elk Park
From Silverton, drive south on US 550 toward Molas Pass. About 5.3 miles from the Silverton turnoff, and a little past the Molas Lake road, turn left into the Molas trailhead lot. From Durango, cross Coal Bank and Molas passes; the lot is about 1.1 miles past the top of Molas Pass on the right. The dirt lot is fine for any car but can be muddy and have potholes.
You can also ride the Durango and Silverton train to the Elk Park stop and skip the descent from Molas Pass; check the railroad's current schedule and stops. Camping is available near Molas Lake and Little Molas Lake. Protect your food and gear in Vestal Creek: the marmots there are known to chew through tents, packs and anything salty.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Molas Pass - Elk Park. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →