Trip
Hiking – Helmet Peak - Rush Basin
Small in stature with a sun-drenched south ridge approach. Helmet Peak is a great climb in the La Plata Mountains. Just one mile and one thousand feet of ascent lands you on the summit. Helmet is the launch point for a two-and-half mile ridgeline traverse to Rush Basin, a hidden, high alpine cirque.
Contacts
- Sat, Sep 13, 2025
- Western Slope
- Hiking, Environmental Awareness
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 6.8 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,770 ft
- Pace: 1.5 mph
- 7 (7 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Route Surface: Off trail, some talus, light scrambling on ridge to Rush Basin.
The participating group will meet at 7:30 AM on Saturday, September 13th at the Speedway Gas Station in Durango at 20453 US-160, Durango, CO 81301. The group can carpool from this point since high clearance, 4x4 vehicles will be needed to travel the 11.5 miles of rocky and choppy road to the parking platform (from the intersection of Hwy 160 and Montezuma CR 44). The plan will be to drive the 30 plus miles from the Durango Speedway and be ready to start hiking by 8:30 AM.
Required Equipment
- Ten Essentials
- Hiking Poles
- Rain Jacket