We estimated ~100 trees that we had to go over, under, or around - felt like a tough mudder. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee on our programs. You must flag the train to signal to the engineer that you wish to board. 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 fund also supports SJMAs volunteer ranger program, which equips and trains local volunteers, empowering them to give back to the Weminuche. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment you will use in a variety of circumstances. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. Great trail, unreal views! Just north of the flag stop is one of the last of two remaining wooden water tanks on the Durango and Silverton. City of Ouray Ouray Ice Park Ouray Via Ferrata. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. LockA locked padlock 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. We took the narrow gauge train from Durango to the Needleton stop, which was basically a clearing in the forest. It spattered at us but wasn't too bad. Needle Creek seen near campsite. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. 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. Founded in 1988, the San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA), promotes the exploration and protection of public lands in Southwest Colorado through stewardship and conservation education for people of all ages. Call our reservation office for dates and times of other flagstops. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Camping restrictions around Twin Lakes (accessed from Chicago Basin). Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. When the sun shines brightly on fresh snow in the mountains your eyes will thank you for a quality pair of shades. San Juan Mountain Guides 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. 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. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. 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. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Animas River seen from Needleton Suspension Bridge. From Durango:Reservations should be made in advancethrough the Durango ticket office. From here, we hiked the 6 miles to get to Chicago Basin and our camping spot. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. pack it in, pack it out. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well. Trail conditions often change rapidly; please be well prepared! We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Once up the scree field, the trail picks up again on the right hand side but isn't always obvious. 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. Select a pair that fits well, is warm, and is comfortable. and found Eric and Whitney resting quietly just off the path leading to the bridge. Highly recommend! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Roundtrip prices range from $143 - $186, and one-ways to Needles start as low as $76. We didn't want to risk going up and over Hunchback, down Vallecito, up Johnson Creek, over Columbine Pass and into Chicago Basin. 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. Please inform a reservation agent at time of booking as to the number of backpacks in your party. Wear proper hiking boots with good support for this rugged hike. Plan accordingly. I'll never forget it. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. https://youtu.be/2iDmEsqbobA. For the cost of the card, you have helped ensure that trained and well-equipped search and rescue teams will respond should you become lost or in need of rescue and they will not have to incur undue expense due to your emergency. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. At the Divide, the trail connects with the Continental Divide Trail. Click here to find out more about the Backpacker Special CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! 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. some lite scrambling is neccessary. : The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes. Pack out and properly dispose of all trash. Absolutely incredible! Another mile leads you to the junction with the Elk Park Train Stop spur. 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. It does not pay medical transport which includes helicopter flights or ground ambulance. I carried 2 liters but could've gotten away with 1 bottle. 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. Visitors to Chicago Basin typically ride the train from Durango or Silverton, get off at Needleton, and hike about 6 miles . Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. We camped here and summited North Eolus the following day (we were wanting to summit Mount Eolus as well, but once we got to the saddle between the two, Mount Eolus looked way more exposed and precarious). Be sure to bring any necessary equipment and supplies for a long journey into the mountains. You can help protect the Wilderness by planning ahead, complying with regulations and leaving no trace. A small knife is an indispensable tool to carry with you in the mountains. Continue another 2.5 miles to reach the junction with the Animas River and the Animas River Trail. The Continental Divide Trail traverses more than 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Canada, with more than 80 miles within the Weminuche Wilderness. The fourth day we hiked from Chicago basin to the needleton train stop, which was an easy ~7 miles downhill. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Because of this we consider it to be a hard trail but the views were worth every single second. 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. 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. The trees down are no joke - this probably added an hour to our day. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. This is a long out-and-back hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. It has been our group's favorite for several years. Windom peak was my first 14er. 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. Pine River to Emerald Lake: The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. This was the last day for me in the Colorado alpine. . Essential for all of our programs. At 6.5 miles you begin the steep climb to Columbine Pass. This 19-mile trail parallels the beautiful Vallecito Creek through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. The trainride from Durango to Needleton is approximately 2.5 hours. Train to Needleton stop. 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. So beautiful with many waterfalls and accessible water along the way. 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. When departing from Durango, you must be in your assigned seat at least one half hour before train departure! 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. 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. wow! The SJMG Durango office is located at 1111 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301. 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. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. 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 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. Small town but free parking unlike Durango. Please refer to the Short Stop Table (to be added) to determine which train will be stopping at your desired flag stop on the date you will be boarding. And the continuous mountain/valley views are second to none! document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); gform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 13, 'https://mtnguide.net/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.svg' );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_13').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_13');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_13').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing. Near 11,200', turn left . Keeping left at the junction, you will continue along the winding bank of the creek as it heads to the southeast, climbing uphill through the forested expanse of the Chicago Basin for 6.7 km. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. DURANGO: Long term parking in Durango is available in our large lot adjacent to the train yards. Beyond the basin, the main trail climbs another 1,400 feet over two miles to Columbine Pass where it meets up with the Johnson Creek Trail, which drops into the Vallecito Creek drainage. 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. We will meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides office at 0730 and then proceed to the Durango and Silverton Railroad Station where we board the historic Narrow Gauge Train. View from trail to Sunlight Peak. Unless you have a current Season Pass there is a freight charge per backpack ($15). Supported by the Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund, the San Juan Wilderness Stewardship Crewprovides a boots on the ground education and stewardship presence in the wilderness to improve access, restore damage, and enhance the visitor experience. 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. Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. Spruce beetle infestations and avalanche falls have led to thousands of downed trees that block trail access and affect local ecosystems. Needleton is a popular trailhead for hiking into the Needle Mountains. P.O. This was my first hike of more than five miles. 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. A midlayer for anything from ski tours to alpine ascents, the CoEfficient Hoody features Polartec Power Dry High Efficiency fleece with a gridded interior for increased wicking performance and added breathability. Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. 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. I wouldn't even be able to tell you the way my group and I went up. Want to report conditions for this trail? Anyone who purchases a current hunting/fishing license, or boat, snowmobile, ATV registration already contributes to the fund. Great hike! Stunning! Come learn with the best Similar to the base layer 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. connected to the .gov website. The Colorado Trail follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail before following Elk Creek to Molas Trails. We summited at 12:45pm just as a thunderstorm was rolling in, so we made quick work of getting down. Packs will be loaded and stored in a boxcar under the supervision of the train crew. If the aircraft then becomes a medical transport due to a medical emergency, the medical portion of the transport is not covered. You're mostly in the sun and always with a panoramic view of the area mountains. The trail begins to the left of Twin Lakes and is easily followed until you hit the scree field that goes up the rocky divide between the two mountains. Again we exchanged pleasantries as we had the last two days and Bob and I then made our way across the bridge and over to the railroad tracks that would carry us to Silverton. From this junction, the trail climbs almost3,000 feet in 5 milesalongthe creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. We rode the train from Silverton to the trailhead. 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. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. 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. 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. Recreational livestock are prohibited from being restrained within 100 (35 adult steps) of water. San Juan Mountain Guides LLC provides services and employment opportunities regardless of an individuals ethnic or cultural heritage, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or physical handicap. Highly recommend! There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Any feedback appreciated. There are plenty of flies and bugs along the trail, so dont forget the bug repellent. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. Was back at twin lakes by 930am and decided to just summit Sunlight and Windom as long as the clouds held up. 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. There are no camping spots until you reach Chicago Basin. You may want to drop off the rest of your party and gear closer to the train and then park the car. That and all the rocks you have to rock climb so put away those hiking sticks when you get past Twin Lakes. United States. 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? We almost made the summit of Mt Eolus but due to more snow along the last 500' we opted not to chance it. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. On day two, we encountered an even larger debris field between Beaver Pond and the ascent to the miner's shack. 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. From either vantage point, a commanding panorama of the Needle Creek drainage is possible. Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app. 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. In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. The downed trees that had once covered the trail in early June have since been cleared for the most part. 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). 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. Overall this was a wonderful challenge. Book This 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. Most LED type headlamps will do but we recommend the Black Diamond Storm for its versatility. Built for flash-storm protection, the 100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. We opted for the Durango Silverton train, and I booked tickets back in April to get us choice seats in the first-class Knight Sky car. Only the Silverton Diesel Train is designated for flag stops. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Unoccupied seats will be sold as a no-show. 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. This is the hand-over-hand section that leads you to the saddle between the two peaks. The soft yarn blend will provide a cozy sanctuary throughout winters chill. 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. For information regarding trail conditions, to acquire a trail map, or to purchase back country insurance (highly recommended), contact the U.S. Forest Service at 970-247-4874. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. A mecca for climbing, hiking, cycling, and foodies; make sure you plan to spend some time in town before and after your SJMG trip. We took the Durango train to the Needleton train stop ($116 round trip, must purchase over the phone). Check out our. This is an optional item on our programs. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. is_redirect && ! 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. i tried to get some film too! We camped at ~9300 ft. Donations to this fund go directly to educate wilderness visitors and implement on-the-ground stewardship projects in the Weminuche. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Ice fest is next week we hope to see you there! Here, Colorado backpacking is at its best but also increasingly more crowded. This trail is often used as an approach for climbing the four 14ers found in the Needle Mountains. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. You'll eventually come to a rock wall composed of large, stable, granite boulders. 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. To reach Chicago Basin, use the Approach Page. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. Hiked to base camp - lots of sites but it can be crowded for a reason. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). Posted on August 4, 2022 by jim. For more in depth information, check out the. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. This pack is well suited for weekend excursions or quick overnight forays when you are toting less than 40 pounds. The darker the better. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. 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. after one of the seven bands of Ute people who made the Southwest Colorado Rockies their home. I have backpacked in the Weminuche three times, all in September, and each time we encountered some bad rainy weather. Nine miles long, the route climbs 3,760 feet to the Continental Divide. Waterfall seen on hike to Chicago Basin. Too many people and not enough camp spots. 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. There are no southbound stops at Needleton for departures from Silverton. 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 Thanks again. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. Lunch begins when breakfast ends and ends when dinner begins. #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 The best times to visit this trail are July through September. This 850+ down fill sleeping bag has a 64" shoulder girth and 39" foot girth. Follow the fork east along Needle Creek for approximately 0.75 miles. We strongly recommend advanced booking to assure seating. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. Big snow storm coming in tomorrow, winter conditions expected for rest of year. All told, it took us 5 hours (one-way). North Eolus was an easy transition across. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs for superior traction. 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. Failure to have gear loaded by the appointed time could cause you to lose your seats. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Check out this 37.5-mile point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. Great trail and great mountains. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. It resides at 8,277 feet of elevation in San Juan County. These are wear all the time in all conditions base layer pants. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. Here, you will continue along the trail as it passes through the forest for 1.5 km, meeting up with the banks of Needle Creek, before arriving at a junction in the trail. The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango La Plata County Airport. was designated by Congress in 1975, and expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993. with the goal of empowering the local community to give back to our most treasured wilderness.
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