The most popular hike is to the Chicago Basin. Today well have the opportunity to explore Chicago Basin and potentially hike a 14er, Windom Peak (14,083 ft.) if weather allows. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock 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 . 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. Overall this was a wonderful challenge. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. Online booking is not available at this time. Low-profile GORE WINDSTOPPER. 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. Mt. Bookings must be made by phone. You must flag the train to signal to the engineer that you wish to board. All rights reserved. San Juan Mountain Guides Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. The Highland Mary Lakes are rated fair for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout, but keep in mind, like most subalpine lakes, tend to remain frozen until summer. A great addition to any of our programs. Lots of deer. Want to report conditions for this trail? 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. is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_13').val();gformInitSpinner( 13, 'https://mtnguide.net/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg' );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [13, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_13'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}setTimeout(function(){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_13').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_13').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [13]);window['gf_submitting_13'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_13').text());}, 50);}else{jQuery('#gform_13').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [13, current_page]);} );} ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. We camped in the Chicago Basin, which was about a five hour hike from the train stop including a lunch break. With its jagged peaks, mountain sides blanketed with wildflowers, cascading waterfalls and endless creeks, streams and rivers filled with fish, the Weminuche Wilderness is a dream-come-true for backpackers and mountaineers. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Continue another 2.5 miles to reach the junction with the Animas River and the Animas River Trail. 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. Click here to find out more about the Backpacker Special CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! 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. 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. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 9 min to complete. Check out our trail access page for more information. Disposal of human waste and wash water is prohibited within 100 feet (35 adult steps) of any water source. 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). Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. At 6.5 miles you begin the steep climb to Columbine Pass. Insulating water bottle parkas are recommended in the winter months, for ice climbing or cold weather alpine trips. Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. Just north of the flag stop is one of the last of two remaining wooden water tanks on the Durango and Silverton. Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while youre in the area. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. 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. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! A small knife is an indispensable tool to carry with you in the mountains. This is an optional item on our programs. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. Amazing hike and rough terrain. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. There are switchbacks for the next 2 miles and an ascent of 1,500 feet. Buy tickets in advance! Overall was an exciting trip and really pushed myself to catch all the peaks with my 10lb backpack for weight training. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. Unless you have a current Season Pass there is a freight charge per backpack ($15). This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. Multiple airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. The trail is approximately 3 miles, one way, but can be made into a 7.8 mile loop via a segment of the Continental Divide Trail to Cunningham Gulch Trail. This is a unique experience and adds an interesting start and finish to our trekking trips unlike any other in the US. The elevation is what makes this so hard. 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. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. @liam_doran_outdoors The three tallest 14,059 foot Sunlight Peak, 14,084 foot Mount Eolus and 14,087 foot Windom Peak are the most popular climbs, but there are many other peaks offering mountaineering challenges and scenic wonder. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Here, Colorado backpacking is at its best but also increasingly more crowded. This allows you to pick the cheapest days to fly if your trip allows flexibility and score cheap flight deals to Needles. 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. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. 15 Burnett Court The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. SPF 15 or higher is recommended. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of any water source. A required item on the majority of our programs, a baseball cap helps to keep harmful sun off your face. The correct method is bywaving your hands horizontally across your knees. And the continuous mountain/valley views are second to none! This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. It's near McDonald's and has a large parking area nearby. This is great, loved it! We woke up at 4:30 AM the next morning and began our hike to the summit. The leap of faith is surely the hardest move - but to some its optional since the geo marker is lower. Super fun peaks! Vallecito Creek is challenging to ford, and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff (mid May through Mid June) but also prepare for afternoon thunderstorms throughout the summer. It spattered at us but wasn't too bad. 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. Bugs were pretty bad this year. Ran I to some bad weather that chased us out on the 2nd day but we saw a few moose on this trail. 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. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. 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. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Difficulty - Extremely Strenuous. This 19-mile trail parallels the beautiful Vallecito Creek through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Absolutely incredible! This area was covered in snow when we went in late June, but honestly I think the snow made it easier to ascend. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. West Needles Contiguous Wilderness Study Area. Weather remained beautiful, although the white fluffy clouds were building up, and Eventually slugged myself to Windom, catching the last 2 hikers of the day at 1pm. This will lead to the trail to Chicago Basin and the beginning of the climb. 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. We followed Bear Creek down to the Rio Grande by following the 4wd road and used our sat phone to arrange for transportation to Silverton. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. We made it to Chicago Basin and I made it to the "saddle" of Sunlight peak before talking myself out of going up the rest of the way (regretting it to this day). 1-877-872-4607 Sign Up To Receive Our Emails 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 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. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. All livestock feed must be certified weed free. The soft yarn blend will provide a cozy sanctuary throughout winters chill. Stunning! Beginning August 14, the 8:15am Steam Departure will service Wilderness short stops. I carried 2 liters but could've gotten away with 1 bottle. ), 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 darker the better. I have done this one twice!! Overall a pretty remote and isolated trail with beautiful scenery, clean water everywhere and pristine nature. 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. #thelocalexperts #backcountryelevated #milliondollartraverse #ouraycolorado, 2022 San Juan Mountain Guides All Rights Reserved | Website by, Peru: Chopicalqui and Yanapaccha Expedition, Nepal: Ama Dablam and Kyajo Ri Expedition. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. The new BD Distance series poles are light, collapsible, and adjustable. 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. Local: 970.325.4925 Even took a quick dip in the lake because it was so hot out! It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. Great trail and great mountains. Rio Grande Southern Galloping Goose #5 Excursions, K-28 100th Anniversary Fall Photo Special, Ghost Crawl: Haunted Durango Train Museum Experience, http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/wilderness. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Ouray, CO 81427, Text: 970.946.0713 Near 11,200', turn left . A great day in one of Colorados most beautiful areas. High waters can also be the result of afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. These pants dig climbs that take them a few hundred feet off the deck. Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat. Built for flash-storm protection, the 100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. 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. 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. A cap of 15 people per party exists with a total cap of 9 parties per day at Needleton. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. It does not pay medical transport which includes helicopter flights or ground ambulance. Summer brings the certainty of afternoon thunderstorms with increased rain and storms during the monsoon season. Avalanche debris was cleared. Het maakt een stop (op verzoek) bij Needleton, een locatie in de buurt van de samenvloeiing van Needle Creek en de Animas. Had to backpack from the road, but worth it. There are 31 trailheads providing several hundred miles of maintained trails, including sections of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. pack it in, pack it out. 1 - 2 Large, durable bags for oragnizing and transporting your gear during airline travel etc. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! 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. 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. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. Wear proper hiking boots with good support for this rugged hike. : The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. 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. From your camp in Chicago Basin, hike northeast toward the end of the basin on the great trail - 1. Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. incredible views reward lots of effort!!! We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. A few turned around on Sunlights route due to overcrowding and rockfall. During the Summer of 2023, San Juan Mountain Guides will be offering the Chicago Basin Backpacking trip only by Private Arrangement. 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. The three tallest 14,059 foot Sunlight Peak, 14,084 foot Mount Eolus and 14,087 foot Windom Peak are the most popular climbs, but there are many other peaks offering mountaineering challenges and scenic wonder. An official website of the Chicago Basin Trip Planning GuideSan Juan National Forest information. Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams, but mission costs are often in the thousands of dollars. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. It has been our group's favorite for several years. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Beautiful but a tough hike 2 spots over 13k so many wildflowers and mountain goats! View from trail to Sunlight Peak. For trekking trips in Colorados Weminuche Wildernessyou should be ready for: Durango is located in the SW corner of Colorado, at the intersection of the sandstone towers of the desert, and the jagged, San Juan Mountains. 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. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Legendary San Juan local @sbrunso said it best: The traverse showed me things I had never seen before. What a trip! However, after the first couple of miles and adjusting to altitude, I love it! 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. We just finished this trail. 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. Choose your footing wisely here as rocks will shift and fall away. 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.
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