A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. Any feedback appreciated. Currently there are no permits required for recreational activities in the Chicago Basin. Lay back and enjoy being wrapped in soft, fluffy down on nights down to 30F. Arriving at a fork, you will bear left to begin climbing the steep and rugged alpine terrain, eventually arriving at the scenic shores of the Twin Lakes after 1.8 km. Local: 970.325.4925 P.O. Passengers must abide by any camping, fire, or other restrictions per USFS regulations and are responsible for understanding any policy impacting the area they are visiting. Hiking Colorados Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Areas Greatest Hiking Adventures. From your camp in Chicago Basin, hike northeast toward the end of the basin on the great trail - 1. Hiking from Twin Lakes to the summit of North Eolus took 2 hours, 45 minutes. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee on our programs. When departing from Durango, you must be in your assigned seat at least one half hour before train departure! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It resides at 8,277 feet of elevation in San Juan County. Disposal of human waste and wash water is prohibited within 100 feet (35 adult steps) of any water source. Completed this loop early July 2021. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Mount Eolus looked pretty hairy with steep drop-offs. Once you have taken in the views and had your fill of exploring the rugged, mountainous terrain, you will follow the same route back downhill through the Chicago Basin to return to the trailhead where you began your lengthy adventure. We summitted Windom and saw how crazy the others looked so we went back to base camp in the rain and took a rest day the next day. I carried 2 liters but could've gotten away with 1 bottle. We rode the train from Silverton to the trailhead. It took us 7 days to complete it. Typically a 4 oz. Check out this 37.5-mile point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail at any time of the year. Planned on doing South Peak as well but conditions were too snowy/icy for me. Please refer to the timetable below to find the dates & times of the train scheduled to allow pick up and drop off at these flagstops. Beautiful but a tough hike 2 spots over 13k so many wildflowers and mountain goats! Ouray, CO 81427, Text: 970.946.0713 Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. Stuff sacks are a great way to organize your gear in your pack and help to keep things tidy in a variety of ways. Hikers must ford the creek so prepare to get your feet wet. Excellent trip, lots of varied terrain, meadows, forests, small mountain ponds and lakes, avalanche tree slides, large and small rock slides, multiple high passes with great views. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. We camped at ~9300 ft. Knowing there are many more trails within the Weminuche, weve chosen to highlight the most popular trails, all of which are located on the San Juan National Forest. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). The trail connects Wolf Creek Pass approximately 30 minutes east of Pagosa Springs, CO to Stoney Pass near Silverton, CO by traveling through the rugged beauty of both the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! 7/19 Bonus Hiking Trail: Chicago Basin/Twin Lakes Trail Camp Elevation: 11,000 ft. Junction Elevation: 11,204 ft. Elevation Total: 204 ft. Mileage Total: 1.9 miles TRIP REPORT: Durango-Silverton Train to Needleton (7/19) Start Time: 9:15am End time . Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). Absolutely incredible! We did North Eolus instead, which had more of those large granite boulders that took us to the top. The most difficult/technical part of the climb was sort of bouldering, but basically scrambling up a pile of rocks-not difficult, but also not a walk in the park. Too many people and not enough camp spots. You can help protect the Wilderness by planning ahead, complying with regulations and leaving no trace. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Weminuche is known for its challenging, rugged terrain from the deep Animas River Gorge to the wildflower-filled basins to towering peaks. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. and found Eric and Whitney resting quietly just off the path leading to the bridge. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. Highly recommend. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. Setting out from the trailhead at the Needleton Flagstop, you will cross the bridge over the Animas River and follow the trail as it bends to the southwest. There are a few small stream crossings and some muddy areas but overall good conditions. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. It's mainly visited for hikers departing on overnight backpacking trips into Chicago Basin. Regardless of which mountain you're hiking (Sunlight, Windom, Eolus, or North Eolus), you'll first have to hike to Twin Lakes by taking the trail to the end of Chicago Basin and then up one of its sides. Similar to the base layer top. This trail is often used as an approach for climbing the four 14ers found in the Needle Mountains. There are many different ways to get involved with our stewardship efforts in the Weminuche Wilderness. All livestock feed must be certified weed free. Nearly everyone who comes by Needleton does so via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Our total distance was about 42 miles. 5 miles to Chicago Basin 8.9 miles to Columbine Pass Minimum elevation: 8,230 feet (Needleton train stop) Maximum/ending elevation: 12,680 feet (Columbine Pass) At a Glance General Information Directions: From Durango, CO: Purgatory Flats Trail #511 to Animas River Trail #675: Drive ~26 miles. The basin is a popular spot for climbers and backpackers and is home to three Colorado Fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet). While it did have some beautiful parts, Particularly at the top of the Continental Divide and Columbine Pass, I was disappointed by the avalanche debris in the first 6 miles and the lack of trail maintenance on the section below hunchback pass to the Vallecito Bridge. After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by hiking up Needle creek into the heart of the Chicago Basin. Pine River to Emerald Lake: The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. This beautiful valley makes up the headwat. From either vantage point, a commanding panorama of the Needle Creek drainage is possible.Chicago Basin:Aside from its splendid hiking terrain, Chicago Basin also serves as a base camp for mountain climbers intent on scaling summits. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. connected to the .gov website. The tough but stretchy, breathable but wind-resistant Ferrosi fabric stays cool during long approach hikes, moves with you while talus wrangling and high-stepping on the sharp end, and blocks wind during long hours of belaying up high. If I were to do it again, I wouldve done a few more miles the first day - theres a nice campsite before the first peak. For a detailed backpacking itinerary, dig into the associated guidebook. I scrambled my way up without too much trouble, only to later see a trail leading up a rocky slope that bypasses the rock scrambling. We did this trip in September. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. That and all the rocks you have to rock climb so put away those hiking sticks when you get past Twin Lakes. Monday through Wednesday itineraries typically provide a slightly quieter experience in Chicago Basin and take advantage of the fact that in summer, your travel plans or work schedule might be a bit more relaxed and flexible. The elevation is what makes this so hard. Nine miles long, the route climbs 3,760 feet to the Continental Divide.Continental Divide Trail:At the Divide, the trail connects with the Continental Divide Trail. We took the Durango train to the Needleton train stop ($116 round trip, must purchase over the phone). Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 9 min to complete. Also wish I packed in a small pack for the day hikes because our backpacking packs were large and felt a little unstable at some of the steeper parts. This part of the trip follows Needle Creek the whole way, albeit reaching the creek is not easy (or advisable) since the trail is often much higher than the creek and there is foliage and steep drop-offs if straying off-trail. You will have to do some hand-over-hand rock scrambling on these boulders, however you're not in danger of falling off a cliff and there's plenty of choices/routes to take to make it easier for you. The Weminuche Wilderness faces a lot of challenges and if we as a community dont stand up for the Weminuche, nobody will. Parties must book together. on official, secure websites. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Check out our trail access page for more information. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. We camped in the Chicago Basin, which was about a five hour hike from the train stop including a lunch break. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! When flagging the train in either direction, you must be on theeastside of the tracks. Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide, Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, etc. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! Hiked to base camp - lots of sites but it can be crowded for a reason. SILVERTON DEPARTURES:You will be booked on one of the afternoon trips out of Silverton and arrive at Elk Park flag stop about 30 minutes after leaving Silverton. A slim cut helps the CoEfficient Hoody fit comfortably under your shell, and with a redsigned, trim fit, this layer takes up little space in your pack. Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. Our Outside Magazine and Mens Journal Gear of the Year award-winning storm shell is engineered for fast-and-light alpine climbs and all-day backcountry tours. Needleton Stop Needle Creek Trail: Originating at the former mining camp of Needleton, Needle Creek Trail climbs along an old stage road that follows its namesake seven miles into Chicago Basin. Altitude Elevations in the Weminuche range from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. The two main access locations are atNeedleton, the entrance to Chicago Basin; andElk Park, access point to the Colorado Trail. Chicago Basin comprises the upper portion of the Needle Creek watershed in the Needle Mountains (Colorado), . The day after that we hiked out. In 2020, SJMA wilderness volunteers rose to the challenge of skyrocketing visitation by patrolling busy trails to promote Leave No Trace principles, distribute REStop bags to prevent human waste from polluting the backcountry, clean graffiti from rocks, and to remove trash from our trails. Route Information Backcountry Campground No When to do May-September Pets allowed Yes - On Leash Family friendly No Route Signage Average Crowd Levels Low Route Type Out and back Chicago Basin Hike Elevation Graph We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. From this junction, the trail climbs almost3,000 feet in 5 milesalongthe creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We strongly suggest purchasing aColorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are no camping spots until you reach Chicago Basin. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Other articles such as groceries and extra equipment will be also be handled as freight and additional charges will apply based on weight. The Colorado Trail passes through the Weminuche from Stony Pass to Molas Pass as it links 486 miles of trails from Denver to Durango. PS. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). There are 31 trailheads providing several hundred miles of maintained trails, including sections of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. In order to protect the watershed, camping is not permitted within 100 feet (approximately 35 adult steps) of streams or lakes, except as designated or posted. epic views, love the goats, we even took a bath in the creek - it was freezing! See also From either vantage point, a commanding panorama of the Needle Creek drainage is possible. Select a pair that fits well, is warm, and is comfortable. Needleton is now a flag stop on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Will definitely be back to try again and spend more time here - amazingly beautiful hiking area. Owing to its easy access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, its proximity to three of Colorados 14-ers, and its scenic beauty, Chicago Basin is a very popular backpacker destination in the Weminuche Wilderness. Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. The darker the better. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. There are some exceptions to this, so if you're low on water (and have a water filter), get water while the creek is accessible. Anyone who purchases a current hunting/fishing license, or boat, snowmobile, ATV registration already contributes to the fund. join the progression with us While it may be long and challenging, the Chicago Basin Hike is a beautifully scenic route that will expose you to some of the most beautiful views in Colorado. Please contact Special Handling in the Reservation Office at 970-385-8832 to make arrangements. So beautiful with many waterfalls and accessible water along the way. The Radar Pocket cap is packable, durable, and looks great! Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs for superior traction. Gain access to the San Juan National Forest and the Weminuche Wilderness for backpacking, day hikes, rafting, and fishing trips via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad during the summer season. Feel free to text me at 616-443-9183. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. Share sensitive information only People may be added to a reservation but will need to supply the reservation number and let reservations know that they are adding to an existing reservation.From Flag stops:Unless you purchased your round trip tickets in advance, flagstop tickets originating from either Needleton or Elk Park must be purchased from the conductor (exact fare) at the point of origin on a space-available basis. We took the narrow gauge train from Durango to the Needleton stop, which was basically a clearing in the forest. Lip balm is important to bring on all trips. Online booking is not available at this time. This was my first hike of more than five miles. Hikers should take note that, while this route isnt overly technical, it will still require a good amount of hiking experience. Below are some approximate driving times if youd like to drive to Durango. Explore this 60.4-km point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. It makes a stop (when requested) at Needleton, a location near the confluence of Needle Creek and the Animas. There is no southbound wilderness drop offs for Needleton. We covered the .8 miles back to the Needleton bridge in about 20 mins. some lite scrambling is neccessary. Due to the popularity of the Weminuche Wilderness, it is important to choose your camp wisely. The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. Although the Weminuche is known for its rugged terrain, its ecosystems are fragile. Do not be drawn up the climbers trail to the twin lakes between Eolus, Sunlight and Windom. I summited Windom Peak in July of 2009 with a group from my high school. If you are planning a trip to the Chicago Basin area during this time, you will have to share your wilderness experience with quite a few other people. A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. The catwalk is much more low key than the YouTube video makes it look. DURANGO: Long term parking in Durango is available in our large lot adjacent to the train yards. Our most popular items are: Whether you are a peak bagger, fly fisherman, avid backpacker, nature lover or all of the above, the Weminuche is a dream-come-true. Was back at twin lakes by 930am and decided to just summit Sunlight and Windom as long as the clouds held up. There is a permanent fire ban for Needle Creek and all of its headwaters therefore there is no campfires or wood stoves in the Needle Creek/Chicago Basin area. Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. It was quite a workout, but well worth it. Donations to this fund go directly to educate wilderness visitors and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects in the Weminuche. Packs will be loaded and stored in a boxcar under the supervision of the train crew. Stunning! Needle Creek to Chicago Basin: Accessed from the Needleton Train Stop or the Animas River Trail, this well-maintained trail climbs steadily up Needle Creek for approximately 5 miles to Chicago Basin. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The SJMG Durango office is located at 1111 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301. Made it down and across the rocky gully - this was certainly my least favorite part as there were little cairns and you got to pick your own adventure over slabs of various sized rocks at pretty quick gains. Parking is $10.00 per day for passenger cars and $15.00 per day for RVs. Needle Creek Trail:Originating at the former mining camp of Needleton, Needle Creek Trail climbs along an old stage road that follows its namesake seven miles into Chicago Basin. wow! These special areas require the visitor to be mentally and physically prepared to take nature on its own terms and to be able to travel without mechanical transport. Want to report conditions for this trail? Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. The card will allow reimbursement to county sheriffs for costs incurred on a mission. Excellent 3-day trip!! Then made my way back down to my camp at 12:30pm, packed up, and hauled butt back to the 3:45pm train, made it to train stop by 3pm. Sunlight Peak is fairly remote and is surrounded by wild terrain, including a number of rugged mountains, the beautifully scenic Twin Lakes, and the vast Chicago Basin. Larger parties must book under one reservation. Nine miles long, the route climbs 3,760 feet to the Continental Divide. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. Fog and trees seen from Chicago Basin. The trail was beautiful but I felt anxious because of the confusion with camping. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Coal Bank Pass to Engineer Mountain Summit Hike. From there, the Elk Creek Trail heads 9 miles though the Weminuche to a junction with the Continental Divide trail, past iconic peaks of the Grenadier Range including Arrow, Vestal, and the Trinity Peaks. ), D&SNGRR Train Tickets are an additional fee per person ($120), Hiking up to6-7 miles per day with up to a 30lb pack at altitudes between 8,000 11,000, Hotel costs before, during, or after the program, Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended), Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides. The trail begins at the southern end of the Weminuche and travels north until it reaches Hunchback Pass (12,400 feet). Incredible hike all told, with amazing views, up-close wildlife, and streams/creeks the whole way. https://youtu.be/2iDmEsqbobA. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. I got injured jumping off the bridge there, so we couldn't complete the hike north over hunchback pass, and down Elk creekwe were kinda bummed. Just north of the flag stop is one of the last of two remaining wooden water tanks on the Durango and Silverton. Choosing the right base layer really makes a difference in comfort, moisture-wicking, and the balance between cool and warm at the right time and in the right places. Weve chosen a couple more popular routes to highlight below, but if you study a map, you will see the endless backpacking trails and route possibilities within the Weminuche. Several hundred miles of hiking trails provide endless options for multi-day backpacking trips that promise high mountain passes, beautiful, flower-filled basins and views as far as the eye can see. Waterproof, breathable and lightweight, the GORE-TEX Foray Pants provide dependable rain protection and shrug off the wear-and-tear of the trail and cityscape alike. Stopped about 150 feet from the peek to turn around and glad we did - rain rolled in and made the trails very sleek and muddy. This area has excellent views and photographic possibilities. The summit provides quite a view of various 14ers, Elk Park basin, Sunlight, Windom, and a couple alpine lakes. The 6 miles to the basin alternates between shade and sun and is a steady incline, although not unbearable, even while carrying a 30 lb pack. Started from the Purgatory Trail to the Animas River Trail to Needle Creek Trail. Needle Creek seen near campsite. If the aircraft then becomes a medical transport due to a medical emergency, the medical portion of the transport is not covered. This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. All rights reserved. Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund: In 2019, SJMA launched the Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund with the goal of empowering the local community to give back to our most treasured wilderness. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. The Weminuche Wilderness area offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages and abilities, from multi day backpacking excursions to day trips on horseback or peaceful mornings with the fly rod. Spruce beetle infestations and avalanche falls have led to thousands of downed trees that block trail access and affect local ecosystems. All great except the rain!!! Marmots and mountain goats will explore your camp so be sure to hang your food, trash, and toiletries between two trees at least 10 feet from the ground or so. Only the Silverton Diesel Train is designated for flag stops. Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. Found it really hard to find camping and the usfs map of the basin didnt seem to match closures of where you can camp. Last section of Sunlight Peak. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. All summits in the Rocky Mountains require varying amounts of mountaineering skills; those attempting any of them should be mindful of the hazards of afternoon thunderstorms, sudden drops in temperature, and precipitous terrain. United States. (Note: D&SNG does not assume any responsibility for your vehicle.) All freight itemsmust be properly tagged with ownership and destination. Whether you want to be involved in a long term effort like our volunteer program, join for a single-day campsite clean up or donate to SJMAs Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund. I was verbally told off my a forest service worker for camping in an area that seemed heavily camped in with no signage saying it was not for camping? The trail connects Wolf Creek Pass approximately 30 minutes east of Pagosa Springs, CO to Stoney Pass near Silverton, CO by traveling through the rugged beauty of both the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. There are two other peaks very close by and it is possible to do all three in one day. During the Summer of 2023, San Juan Mountain Guides will be offering the Chicago Basin Backpacking trip only by Private Arrangement. Additionally, the trailhead is only accessible via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, so make sure to arrive early and leave yourself plenty of time for the return journey. Here, you will exit the dense cover of the forest and pass through a sparsely wooded meadow, continuing uphill alongside Needle Creek for another 2.6 km. Our 3 day 2 night Chicago Basin Backpacking/Trekking trip is an excellent introduction to wilderness trekking, and a great way to see the incomparable Chicago Basin in a relatively short period of time. Black flies were a pain the whole week. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. Do not bury it. We arrived at about 11am on July 30th, 2019 at Needleton. Bezoekers van Chicago Basin meestal een rit op de trein van Durango of Silverton, uitstappen bij Needleton, en wandel ongeveer 6 mijl op Needle Creek naar het bassin zelf.
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