Failure to have gear loaded by the appointed time could cause you to lose your seats. I started at 630am and made my first summit to Mt Eolus at 8am, which was all to myself! After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by hiking up Needle creek into the heart of the Chicago Basin. The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. We camped at ~9300 ft. The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. This is a long out-and-back hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. I'll be doing this loop this September 2023 except in reverse. 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. Trip, Outdoor Research Filament Hooded Down Jacket, Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, Longs Peak: Rocky Mountain National Park. Insulating water bottle parkas are recommended in the winter months, for ice climbing or cold weather alpine trips. Located in Southwest Colorado, the Weminuche Wilderness area (pronounced whem-a-nooch) is the largest Wilderness area in Colorado, spanning 499,771 acres across the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests. Debris form 2020 avalanches on the elk park section have been cleared but theres quite a bit of fallen trees blocking the needle creek trail out of the Chicago Basin. 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. Experience this 17.4-mile out-and-back trail near Silverton, Colorado. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide, Group camping and cooking equipment (tents, stoves, etc. A relic of the mining trade of the 1880s 1930s, the train is world famous as it is one of the few narrow gauge railroads left in existence. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Hiking Colorados Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Areas Greatest Hiking Adventures. , this is the most popular backpacking loop in the Weminuche. (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). The Weminuche, named after one of the seven bands of Ute people who made the Southwest Colorado Rockies their home, was designated by Congress in 1975, and expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993. The unincorporated community of Needleton is very secluded east from the Highway 550. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. Completed this loop early July 2021. During its peak period of use (July 4th through Labor Day), Chicago Basin is crowded by wilderness standards, and campsites can be hard to find. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There are switchbacks for the next 2 miles and an ascent of 1,500 feet. 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. The 8:15am Silverton Diesel excursion will service all short stops for wilderness access through August 13. 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. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Please contact Special Handling in the Reservation Office at 970-385-8832 to make arrangements. North Eolus was an easy transition across. Weminuche Wilderness: Trails, Camping, and Guides - SJMA The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. Except for service animals accompanying their master/trainer, we will not carry any live animals in any cars on our train. 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. Overall was an exciting trip and really pushed myself to catch all the peaks with my 10lb backpack for weight training. Also, I only summited Windom. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! Funds remaining at the end of the year are used to help pay for training and equipment for these teams. Come and join us on a truly unforgettable trip in Colorados largest wilderness area! Plan accordingly. LockA locked padlock This was my first hike of more than five miles. Highly recommend! Donations to this fund go directly to educate wilderness visitors and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects in the Weminuche. The beginning of the trail makes a very enjoyable day hike (great for kids) through a deep canyon filled with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers. Wilderness Access - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). We strongly recommend advanced booking to assure seating. Elevations in the Weminuche range from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. Needleton trail from train drop to chicago basin is in pretty good shape except for 2-3 avalanche patches towards the top. 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. ( Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. As you visit, you will join thousands of others who travel in the Weminuche each year. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Filter your water again at Twin Lakes and then continue to your mountain of choice. All of the packs are unloaded and the train departs leaving you (and about 30 other people) all alone. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Photo @brooklynwarren Chicago Basin is easily spotted as it's where the trees clear out and you're met with a grassy meadow with patches of trees to camp under. Advance Registration is required for this program. It makes a stop (when requested) at Needleton, a location near the confluence of Needle Creek and the Animas. High waters can also be the result of afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. 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. We summited at 12:45pm just as a thunderstorm was rolling in, so we made quick work of getting down. Beautiful but a tough hike 2 spots over 13k so many wildflowers and mountain goats! Route. Choose your footing wisely here as rocks will shift and fall away. Of the 14 of us that started out for the summit, 12 reached the top; the two that didn't summit suffered from altitude sickness or a fear of our height. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Pets must be under voice control or physical restraint. From the Needleton drop cross the Animas River on a good footbridge. At the Divide, the trail connects with the Continental Divide Trail. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. This popular trail leads to beautiful, high subalpine lakes nestled meadows blanketed with wildflowers in late summer with sweeping views of the majestic Grenadier Range. ), 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. Another mile leads you to the junction with the Elk Park Train Stop spur. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. The elevation is what makes this so hard. The Weminuche is home to three of Colorados 14ers, Mount Eolus (14,083 ft), Sunlight Peak (14,059) and Windom Peak (14,082 ft), as well as multiple peaks over 13,000 ft. With the continental divide running through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness, this area is the headwaters for the 5 rivers: Los Pinos (The Pine), Piedra, San Juan and Animas rivers on the west of the continental divide and the mighty Rio Grande river on the east side. 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 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. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. The third day we hiked ~11 miles, starting with 2 miles downhill and then 7 miles to the top of columbine pass and then 2 miles down to camp at Chicago basin. The trail from Chicago basin was beautiful and full of goats every turn. Needle Creek Trail #504 to Chicago Basin, CO Hike The trail from basin up to any of the 4 peaks is impossible to find due to heavy snow coverage still. 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. (Sorry not an actual review, looking for advice) @Chris Bracken / or anyone else who has recently hiked Chicago Basin - are crampons recommended in order to summit even 1 of the 14ers? The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. DURANGO: Long term parking in Durango is available in our large lot adjacent to the train yards. This is great, loved it! Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. We like the Spatha knife for its size, weight, versatility, and ability to clip onto a harness. There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. Come learn with the best Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat. The soft yarn blend will provide a cozy sanctuary throughout winters chill. 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. #sanjuanmountainguides #thelocalexperts #ouray #silverton #powderday #powderskiing #mountains #adventure #winter #skimountaineering #skirando #colorado #skitour #getoutstayout #rockymountains #skimo #ski #splitboarding #backcountryskiing #earnyourturns #adventurelife #springskiing #skiingislife #skitouring #optoutside, ICE FEST is this weekend see our website for availability we are so excited to see you there! The day after that we hiked out. Chicago Basin 1: Sunlight & Windom Peaks - Greg Willis Our new hooded version of the Filament has the same design as the popular hood-less version and a DWR-treated shell of ultralight 10D Pertex Quantum GL keeps moisture away from premium 800-fill down inside. San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek (504) - US Forest Service It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. Highly recommend. By city ordinance, overnight camping is not allowed in our parking lot. Wilderness is a place where the imprint of humans is substantially unnoticeable, where natural processes are the primary influencers and human activity is limited to primitive recreation and minimum tools. join the progression with us We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. We reached the summit around 11 AM and headed back shortly after-about 12 hours round trip. We covered the .8 miles back to the Needleton bridge in about 20 mins. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. An excellent investment for all of our programs. 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. There were 12 students and 2 teachers, with student experience ranging from basically nothing to climbing at the local indoor climbing gym, to small excursions to places like Devil's Lake (in WI). There are 31 trailheads providing several hundred miles of maintained trails, including sections of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. Amazing hike and rough terrain. Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. Parties must book together. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. 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. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. Started from the Purgatory Trail to the Animas River Trail to Needle Creek Trail. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. Passengers are not permitted to carry firearms on the train. Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. This was our third trek on this trail. 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. Aside from its splendid hiking terrain, Chicago Basin also serves as a base camp for mountain climbers intent on scaling summits. There are many added benefits to trekking poles. That and all the rocks you have to rock climb so put away those hiking sticks when you get past Twin Lakes. Once up the scree field, the trail picks up again on the right hand side but isn't always obvious. This hike is definitely a good one! One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. Legendary San Juan local @sbrunso said it best: The traverse showed me things I had never seen before. Online booking is not available at this time. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Hiking from Twin Lakes to the summit of North Eolus took 2 hours, 45 minutes. Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. Reservations can only be made for Durango or Silverton origination. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! We meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides office in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning. The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. Chicago Basin (7/19-21/11) - Wilderness Wanderings #sanjuanmountainguides #thelocalexperts #ouray #silverton #powderday #powderskiing #mountains #adventure #winter #skimountaineering #skirando #colorado #skitour #getoutstayout #rockymountains #skimo #ski #splitboarding #backcountryskiing #earnyourturns #adventurelife #springskiing #skiingislife #skitouring #optoutside, Family ski outing with guide @brooklynwarren The catwalk is much more low key than the YouTube video makes it look. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. Remember, wilderness areas prohibit mountain bikes as well as motorized vehicles. $76 Cheap Flights to Needles , CA - Expedia.com At its core is a moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is wind resistant and able to control odor. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. Trees seen from campsite. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. This is a very popular area for camping, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Similar to the base layer top. Don't be afraid of Mr. T. A good pair of wrap around sunglasses are an essential item for all of our trips. For more in depth information, check out the. 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. 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? There are plenty of flies and bugs along the trail, so dont forget the bug repellent. Hiking The Chicago Basin 14ers - San Juan Mountains, Colorado 15 Burnett Court Taking day hikes with your loaded backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains. 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. The correct method is bywaving your hands horizontally across your knees. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=43092&actid=50, Minimumelevation: 8,230 feet (Needleton train stop), Maximum/ending elevation: 12,680 feet (Columbine Pass). Stunning! Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. NOTE that on an average summer day, 50 people will disembark from the train to head to Chicago Basina beautiful, but crowded, backpacking destination. Additional information websites:Weminuche Wilderness Trip Planning Information:http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/wilderness. Needleton, Colorado - Wikipedia Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. This is a very popular area for camping, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. connected to the .gov website. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Do not be drawn up the climbers trail to the twin lakes between Eolus, Sunlight and Windom. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. Beginning August 14, the 8:15am Steam Departure will service Wilderness short stops. Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. Just north of the flag stop is one of the last of two remaining wooden water tanks on the Durango and Silverton. Windom Peak - West Ridge | Route | 14ers.com Purgatory Flats trail heads straight down a series of switchbacks through a forest filled with aspen and xxx with the occasional view of the surrounding peaks (Twilights and Spud Mountain). Know what fire restrictions are in effect for San Juan and/or the Rio Grande National Forest. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. Camped in Chicago Basin for the night. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). My group did it in 5 days, but I would recommend giving yourself 6 or 7 so you aren't having to push yourself to get to the train on time. Excellent 3-day trip!! Backpacking the Chicago Basin in Colorado - Buckhorn Cliffs You will need to pay for each day your vehicle will be in the lot. Hiked to base camp - lots of sites but it can be crowded for a reason. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). So I said goodbye to James, who would pack up the tent and sleeping bags and meet me down in Needleton to catch the train. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. Backpackers with plenty of time on their hands might hike the Divide Trail north to either Stony Pass or the Highland Mary Lakes area.Vallecito Creek Trail:Heading south, the route leads to Hunchback Pass and from here to the upper end of the Vallecito Creek Trail. Chicago Basin to Silverton : Trip Reports : SummitPost Animas River seen from Needleton Suspension Bridge. Below are some approximate driving times if youd like to drive to Durango. This is the general newsletter signup form. Again, we did North Eolus, which is the same trail as Mount Eolus (until you reach the saddle). Some of these areas can be accessed via a narrow gauge train that runs between Durango and Silverton. While out hiking the trail, you will work your way through the forested basin alongside Needle Creek, before making the final push through the alpine landscape to reach the shores of the Twin lakes. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. 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. Backpacking in Chicago Basin by way of the Durango & Silverton Narrow From Durango:Reservations should be made in advancethrough the Durango ticket office. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. 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. Day Hiking Trails San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek Trail (504) - US Forest Service Check trailhead signs or Forest Service Offices for site-specific camping, campfire, and livestock regulations. 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. Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. Super exciting squeezing through the rocks like a spider goat and once again had the summit all to myself by 11am! There are 3 bridges at around 3 miles, 5.5 miles and 7 miles. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. There are a few small stream crossings and some muddy areas but overall good conditions. Low-profile GORE WINDSTOPPER. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes.
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