Chicago Basin 1: Sunlight & Windom Peaks - Greg Willis Bring your water filter along with 1.5-2 liters of water with you. Some of these areas can be accessed via a narrow gauge train that runs between Durango and Silverton. 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. on official, secure websites. Was able to summit 3 out of 4. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. Absolutely stunning! LockA locked padlock Some pretty sections, but a bit disappointed overall. 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. High waters can also be the result of afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Either way, we offer plenty of fixed date trip options to get you out into Colorado's finest wilderness area! At 6.5 miles you begin the steep climb to Columbine Pass. 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. 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. Even took a quick dip in the lake because it was so hot out! The combination of convenient access via the narrow gauge train to Needleton and the access to iconic 14ers attracts visitors from around the world making Chicago Basin a heavy use area . Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. Andrew Hamilton's 2014 Attempt | 14er Speed Record Attempt Needleton is now a flag stop on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Choosing the right base layer really makes a difference in comfort, moisture-wicking, and the balance between cool and warm at the right time and in the right places. Weve chosen a couple more popular routes to highlight below, but if you study a map, you will see the endless backpacking trails and route possibilities within the Weminuche. A must have for alpine and ice climbing trips and objectives. Parking is $10.00 per day for passenger cars and $15.00 per day for RVs. is_redirect && ! On day four, we hiked along the 4wd road to Pole Creek and picked up our ride there. Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Come learn with the best Camping Day 1 Chicago Basin, Day 2 Vallecito Creek bridge, Day 3 Rock Creek trail junction, Day 4 Eldorado Lake where I'm meeting some Colorado Trail thru hiking friends to hike with, Day 5 Elk Park and hiking out to Molas Pass on day 6. Feel free to text me at 616-443-9183. Hop aboard to be the first to hear about upcoming events, specials, and train news. The unincorporated community of Needleton is very secluded east from the Highway 550. 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. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Sunlight Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip! Trees seen from campsite. I'm hoping that we weren't unncessarilly cautious and missed out. Again, a lot of trees were down that we had to circumnavigate. wow!
