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. Distance - 21 - 38 miles round trip (33.80 - 61.26 km) Elevation gain - 8,913 - 12,329 feet (2,716.68 - 3,757.88 m) Duration - 15 to 25 hours (book time) Hike Class: Class 3. I have done this one twice!! We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. 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. The trail begins at the southern end of the Weminuche and travels north until it reaches Hunchback Pass (12,400 feet). 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. Chicago Basin - Wikipedia The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. We just finished this trail. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. Click here for more information on parking.SILVERTON:You are invited to park your vehicle at our Silverton Depot on 10th& Cement Streets at no charge. pack up to 7 miles a day, endurance is key. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. Plenty water sources, every day at least 2. Small town but free parking unlike Durango. Exposure on both sides but beautiful weather. Manage Settings United States. This was my first hike of more than five miles. It was chilly at night dropping below 30 but we had enough gear and food. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. 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. 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. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. the train ride in makes this trail even more epic! Chicago Basin - Chicago Basin - abcdef.wiki Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. Great trail, unreal views! This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. DURANGO DEPARTURES: Gear must be loaded in the boxcar 45 minutes prior to departure to allow you to be in your seatsbefore the final boarding call. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Located in the heart of the Needle Mountainsdeep in the Weminuche Wildernesslies. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Bring 2-3 pairs depending on the type of trip. Although I can't say much about the route we took, I can definitely say this is not for the faint of heart. By following this drainage downstream for 8.5 miles, it is possible to hike up Johnson Creek for a little over five miles to Columbine Pass. When flagging the train in either direction, you must be on theeastside of the tracks. From this junction, the trail climbs almost3,000 feet in 5 milesalongthe creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. Share sensitive information only We took the train on a Thursday to Needleton, backpacked up too Chicago Basin that night, and allowed for climbing peaks on Friday and Saturday. Ouray, CO 81427, Text: 970.946.0713 Throw in access via an old steam-engine, narrow-gauge train and it becomes clear why this area grows in popularity every year. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? elk park train stop to needleton - sky-cover.co.uk This was our third trek on this trail. When departing from Durango, you must be in your assigned seat at least one half hour before train departure! The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests maintain hundreds of trails for these activities outside the wilderness boundary. Situated in the Needle sub-range of the Rocky Mountains, at 4,287 m, Sunlight Peak is one of three fourteeners in the area alongside Windom Peak and Mount Eolus. Official websites use .gov A .gov This time wasn't as bad as 1993, where my ancient A-frame tent blew down, but I'd suggest doing it in August for longer days and less rain. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. Trail to Chicago Basin. Wear proper hiking boots with good support for this rugged hike. Train to Needleton stop. This is the general newsletter signup form. 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. is_redirect && ! Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. We werent sure about the weather because it had been 80% chance of thunderstorms on NOAA; we got very lucky with lots of sunshine though. I went down to the starting location. Expect to see wild animals in the backcountry! Windom peak was my first 14er. 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. Donations to this fund go directly to educate wilderness visitors and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects in the Weminuche. Follow the fork east along Needle Creek for approximately 0.75 miles. Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. There is a permanent fire ban for Needle Creek and all of its headwaters. Lay back and enjoy being wrapped in soft, fluffy down on nights down to 30F. Incredible hike all told, with amazing views, up-close wildlife, and streams/creeks the whole way. Altitude Elevations in the Weminuche range from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. An insulated vest is an optional item on our programs but we do think vests offer excellent flexible layering options in a variety of circumstances, weather conditions, and trip types. Another mile leads you to the junction with the Elk Park Train Stop spur. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek (504) - US Forest Service 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. The Radar Pocket cap is packable, durable, and looks great! Dont forget to use a wag bag. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Nine miles long, the route climbs 3,760 feet to the Continental Divide. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. 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. Reservations can only be made for Durango or Silverton origination. We did North Eolus instead, which had more of those large granite boulders that took us to the top. Day 1: Needleton -> Chicago Basin Distance: 7.4 mi Elevation: 3,773 Time: 4:40 hrs Day 2: Chicago Basin -> Sunlight & Windom Peaks Distance: 6.2 mi Elevation: 4,352 Time: 12:40 hrs Day 3: Chicago Basin -> Needleton Distance: 7.4 mi Elevation: -3,773 Time: 3:30 hrs Colo 14er Rank: #39, #32 Difficulty: Sunlight - class 4, Windom - class 2+ + We know that by working together, doing the hard work on the ground, and the slow work of building a wilderness conservation ethic, that we can protect the amazing wild character of the Weminuche for ourselves and for future generations. Hikers should take note that, while this route isnt overly technical, it will still require a good amount of hiking experience. 710 Main Street The Silverton Steam excursion departing at 9:00am will not service any wilderness stops. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Will definitely be back to try again and spend more time here - amazingly beautiful hiking area. Unless you have a current Season Pass there is a freight charge per backpack ($15). Once up the scree field, the trail picks up again on the right hand side but isn't always obvious. I realized after spending 30 years in the San Juans, I havent put a dent in the terrain This pack is well suited for weekend excursions or quick overnight forays when you are toting less than 40 pounds. A great addition to any of our programs. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. 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. 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. We covered the .8 miles back to the Needleton bridge in about 20 mins. The top of Columbine Pass is the end of Needle Creek Trail and beginning of Johnson Creek Trail #821, which descends over 3,500 feet in 7 milesto Vallecito Creek. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! As you visit, you will join thousands of others who travel in the Weminuche each year. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. What a trip! Posted on August 4, 2022 by jim. Difficulty - Extremely Strenuous. It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. Gorgeous backpacking trail. Het maakt een stop (op verzoek) bij Needleton, een locatie in de buurt van de samenvloeiing van Needle Creek en de Animas. Coffee is the lifeblood of champions. That and all the rocks you have to rock climb so put away those hiking sticks when you get past Twin Lakes. 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 ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat. 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. This will lead to the trail to Chicago Basin and the beginning of the climb. LockA locked padlock (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). The elevation is what makes this so hard. NOTE that on an average summer day, 50 people will disembark from the train to head to Chicago Basina beautiful, but crowded, backpacking destination. The trails were easy to follow and well marked all the way up to Twin Lakes and on to the top of N. Eolus. Jupiter Mountain | 13,838' Jupiter Mtn. SW Slopes Route, Map & Photos I'll be doing this loop this September 2023 except in reverse. Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. Super fun peaks! A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment you will use in a variety of circumstances. In order to reach the Chicago Basin, you will need to take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and get off at the Needleton Flagstop. Summer brings the certainty of afternoon thunderstorms with increased rain and storms during the monsoon season. Online reservations will be available soon. Either way, we offer plenty of fixed date trip options to get you out into Colorado's finest wilderness area! The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Hikers must ford the creek so prepare to get your feet wet. 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. We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. There are 3 bridges at around 3 miles, 5.5 miles and 7 miles. Needle Creek Trail #504 to Chicago Basin, CO Hike Private Messages X Notifications X Replies X Home Home FAQ Contribute Shop Find TrailDEX Filter Areas A to Z Easy Hikes in Season Dog Hikes in Season Plan MapRoute Editor Route CloudRoute Scout Foliage DEX Wildflower DEX Add Publish a Guide Although the Weminuche is known for its rugged terrain, its ecosystems are fragile. Additional information websites:Weminuche Wilderness Trip Planning Information:http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/wilderness. You'll be glad you brought it and your guide will make sure to help capture the moment of you being awesome. Increasing numbers of visitors are disturbing wildlife, impacting trails, polluting creeks and streams, and leaving all kinds of waste behind. There is no southbound wilderness drop offs for Needleton. #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, Days out working on mixed leading skills with San Juan Client and guide Jesse Selwyn Stable construction and 2.5-inch thickness offer greater comfort for a full night of sleep, so you won't feel the uneven, rough terrain beneath you. join the progression with us Ice fest is next week we hope to see you there! North Eolus was an easy transition across. Book This Excellent 3-day trip!! We recommend the BUFF for all of our programs as a multi-purpose insulation piece and trendy headgear! In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Super exciting squeezing through the rocks like a spider goat and once again had the summit all to myself by 11am! This is a spectacular trip with abundant scenery and lots of solitude. 1-877-872-4607 Sign Up To Receive Our Emails 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. Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. Great trail. The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. There aren't any roads to the trailhead so you have two options. Serious Tallis and scree if youre between groups - missed the morning rush window and caught 6 people on their way down. 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. 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. SPF 15 or higher is recommended. The Osprey Atmos AG 50 features Ospreys Anti-Gravity suspension system for quick drying ventilation and all-day comfort. Took the train from Durango and got off at Needleton. 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. The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. Click here for more information on parking. 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? Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. connected to the .gov website. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. 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. View from trail to Sunlight Peak. 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. Built for flash-storm protection, the 100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee on our programs. The Colorado Trail follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail before following Elk Creek to Molas Trails. You may want to drop off the rest of your party and gear closer to the train and then park the car. Chicago Basin comprises the upper portion of the Needle Creek watershed in the Needle Mountains (Colorado), . To prevent damage to your own and others equipment, we require objects such as ice axes, crampons, and fishing equipment to be enclosed in a protective covering. Box 2261 (mailing) 15 Burnett Court (physical) Durango, CO 81302 970.385.1210 info@sjma.org, 2018 - All Rights Reserved - San Juan Mountains Association | Web Design by Sweet P Web Development, The Continental Divide Trail traverses more than 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Canada, with more than 80 miles within the Weminuche Wilderness. Dogs - Allowed. Unoccupied seats will be sold as a no-show. be aware of your place, take what you need! A great day in one of Colorados most beautiful areas. I'd definitely had Sunlight (class 4) and Windom ("hard class 2" according to me). Donations to this fund go directly to educate wilderness visitors and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects in the Weminuche. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Wilderness Access - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad This is a long out-and-back hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. 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. See also 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. Filter your water again at Twin Lakes and then continue to your mountain of choice. We took the narrow gauge train from Durango to the Needleton stop, which was basically a clearing in the forest. Durango Silverton Train. The card is not insurance. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Other articles such as groceries and extra equipment will be also be handled as freight and additional charges will apply based on weight. In my opinion its gonna be months before the snow melts and trails are accessible and even then there are a ton of trees that will still need to be cut and moved off the trail. 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. The under-the-helmet hood and full-length zipper let you regulate temperature on the go, so you dont find yourself overheating a half hour into the day. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. Next morning at 7:30am I pushed up to Twin Lakes and then up to North Peak of Mt Eolus. Was able to summit 3 out of 4. An ultra-compressible piece youll never leave behind, its so light and packs down so small youll forget its clipped to your harness until you throw it on to ward off a sudden mid-route downpour. The most popular hike is to the Chicago Basin. Larger parties must book under one reservation. For more in depth information, check out the. Be aware that as temperatures increase, snowmelt swells every creek and river making crossing challenging or even impossible. The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango La Plata County Airport. From here, we hiked the 6 miles to get to Chicago Basin and our camping spot. Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs for superior traction. #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! Hiked to base camp - lots of sites but it can be crowded for a reason. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. add domain users to local administrators group cmd; smart cash loan first convenience bank; quincy fl police department officers; david gresham son of joy davidman Elk Creek Trail:This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. Hiking from Twin Lakes to the summit of North Eolus took 2 hours, 45 minutes. This will be the easiest part of the hike and where you'll see the most marmots and mountain goats (they get quite close to you but aren't aggressive at all). A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. Packs will be loaded and stored in a boxcar under the supervision of the train crew. This is a very popular area for camping, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. #climbing #mixedclimbing #sanjuans #mountains #ice #icefestival #iceclimb #winter #eureka #climbing_photos_of_instagram #climbice #ice #rockymountains #alpinist #colorado #whorehouse #steepice #climbing_is_my_passion #alpine #optoutside #mountains, Shredding in the San Juans with Guide Jason Denley Needle Creek seen near campsite. By purchasing a CORSAR card you are contributing to the Search and Rescue Fund, which will reimburse these teams for costs incurred in your search and rescue. 15 Burnett Court There are 31 trailheads providing several hundred miles of maintained trails, including sections of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Hike your own pace and keep pushing yourselves :). A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. For more information on accessing Chicago Basin, the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness area visit our Wilderness Access page here. All great except the rain!!! 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. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. Wilderness Access is only available during our summer season which runs May-October. Chicago Basin Backpacking, SW Colorado, Needleton Train, Needle Creek It spattered at us but wasn't too bad. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. The darker the better. All livestock feed must be certified weed free. Spruce beetle infestations and avalanche falls have led to thousands of downed trees that block trail access and affect local ecosystems. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Day Hiking Trails My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. To reach Chicago Basin, use the Approach Page. Trip, Outdoor Research Filament Hooded Down Jacket, Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, Longs Peak: Rocky Mountain National Park. Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. Chicago Basin is situated within the Weminuche Wilderness at 11,200 ft elevation (timberline is 11,800 ft). Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. From your camp in Chicago Basin, hike northeast toward the end of the basin on the great trail - 1. 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. Supported by the Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund, the. Heading south, the route leads to Hunchback Pass and from here to the upper end of the Vallecito Creek Trail. Chicago Basin to Mount Eolus - AllTrails.com This is great, loved it! Big snow storm coming in tomorrow, winter conditions expected for rest of year. Backpackers with plenty of time on their hands might hike the Divide Trail north to either Stony Pass or the Highland Mary Lakes area.