It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. Beginning August 14, the 8:15am Steam Departure will service Wilderness short stops. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. I carried 2 liters but could've gotten away with 1 bottle. Will definitely be back to try again and spend more time here - amazingly beautiful hiking area. We ended up finishing around 5pm on the 5th day, so instead of waiting around for the return train to Durango on day 6, we took the train to Silverton for lunch, then rode the whole return trip to Durango. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. Here, Colorado backpacking is at its best but also increasingly more crowded. A variety is always best. We reached the summit around 11 AM and headed back shortly after-about 12 hours round trip. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. You must flag the train to signal to the engineer that you wish to board. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. Heading to a 14er soon? We ride the narrow gauge train to the Needleton stop, where our trek will begin. Please contact Special Handling in the Reservation Office at 970-385-8832 to make arrangements. Hiking Colorados Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Areas Greatest Hiking Adventures. You can help protect the Wilderness by planning ahead, complying with regulations and leaving no trace. 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. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). Remember, wilderness areas prohibit mountain bikes as well as motorized vehicles. 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. This 850+ down fill sleeping bag has a 64" shoulder girth and 39" foot girth. Flying drones is not permitted over congressionally designated wilderness areas or primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Coal Bank Pass to Engineer Mountain Summit Hike. Click here to find out more about the Backpacker Special CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! After climbing through the basin, you will push up a steep slope to arrive at the shores of two stunning alpine lakes with gorgeous mountain views. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. 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. Legendary San Juan local @sbrunso said it best: The traverse showed me things I had never seen before. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies. We didnt take the train so we started at Molas Lake and walked to Needlestop. Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. It's near McDonald's and has a large parking area nearby. Increasing numbers of visitors are disturbing wildlife, impacting trails, polluting creeks and streams, and leaving all kinds of waste behind. Be aware that as temperatures increase, snowmelt swells every creek and river making crossing challenging or even impossible. We took the narrow gauge train from Durango to the Needleton stop, which was basically a clearing in the forest. 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. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. 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. The Boosters reversible design lets you choose. Last section of Sunlight Peak. Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. 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. It has been our group's favorite for several years. i tried to get some film too! Im assuming forest service will clear this soon. This took us 2 hours (7:45am - 9:40am), stopping for pictures and water. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. 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. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! The trail from Chicago basin was beautiful and full of goats every turn. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. Hiked to base camp - lots of sites but it can be crowded for a reason. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Windom Peak - West Ridge | Route | 14ers.com Weminuche Wilderness: Trails, Camping, and Guides - SJMA Needle Creek Trail to Chicago Basin | Hiking route in Colorado The fund also supports SJMAs volunteer ranger program, which equips and trains local volunteers, empowering them to give back to the Weminuche. The Outdoor Research Echo Hoody also offers good sun protection. Due to the popularity of the Weminuche Wilderness, it is important to choose your camp wisely. 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. $76 Cheap Flights to Needles , CA - Expedia.com Visitors to Chicago Basin typically ride the train from Durango or Silverton, get off at Needleton, and hike about 6 miles . Jupiter Mountain | 13,838' Jupiter Mtn. SW Slopes Route, Map & Photos Summited at 10:30am. Bugs were pretty bad this year. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The catwalk is obvious trailwise, a little intimidating but shouldn't be something you stop you in your tracks, just take your time. 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. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Coal Bank Pass to Engineer Mountain Summit, Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak, Mount Eolus via Animas River Trail, Sunlight Peak via Animas River Trail and Needle Creek Trail, Jura Knob via Pass and Engineer Mountain Trail. The darker the better. Amazing views that are worth the effort. For more information on accessing Chicago Basin, the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness area visit our Wilderness Access page here. Backpacking in Chicago Basin by way of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. As more and more Americans head to the backcountry, the fragile high-alpine environments of the Weminuche face numerous threats. 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. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! Super fun peaks! The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. Buy tickets in advance! Share sensitive information only Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. 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. Backpacking the Chicago Basin in Colorado - Buckhorn Cliffs 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. 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. Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. But always be aware of thunderstorms and get an early start when summiting a mountain! I live at sea level and definitely wished I did more training for altitude because it was rough. Other articles such as groceries and extra equipment will be also be handled as freight and additional charges will apply based on weight. The Needle Creek trail begins on the edge of the Weminuche Wilderness and ascends a narrow mountain valley along the banks of its eponymous creek, all the way to Chicago Basin. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Route. It's mainly visited for hikers departing on overnight backpacking trips into Chicago Basin. At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. NOTICE: Starting 2019, only trains starting from Durango will drop hikers off at the Needleton stop. Come learn with the best A small knife is an indispensable tool to carry with you in the mountains. 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. Summer brings the certainty of afternoon thunderstorms with increased rain and storms during the monsoon season. on official, secure websites. 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. The card will allow reimbursement to county sheriffs for costs incurred on a mission. ) or https:// means you've safely Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers. There are 31 trailheads providing several hundred miles of maintained trails, including sections of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. Well marked past the Twin Lakes. 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. Featuring a lengthy overall distance, rugged terrain, and plenty of elevation gain, the Chicago Basin Hike is a challenging adventure that will require experience and a good degree of planning. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests maintain hundreds of trails for these activities outside the wilderness boundary. Watch for the trail turnoff to the east that crosses two forks of Needle Creek. 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. 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. Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. 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. And the continuous mountain/valley views are second to none! Trees seen from campsite. 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. Operating under special use permit in the San Juan National Forest and the Grand Mesa/Uncompahgre National Forest Denali National Park Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Silverton BLM Moab BLM. 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. We camped at ~9300 ft. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? Elk Park/Needleton Loop: Thanks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this is the most popular backpacking loop in the Weminuche. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. Advance Registration is required for this program. Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. There are a few small stream crossings and some muddy areas but overall good conditions. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. Again, we did North Eolus, which is the same trail as Mount Eolus (until you reach the saddle). . Needleton, Colorado - Wikipedia San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek (504) - US Forest Service You'll be glad you brought it and your guide will make sure to help capture the moment of you being awesome. This is great, loved it! The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. 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. Wilderness Access - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). We made the decision to cut our trek short. A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. Hikers must ford the creek so prepare to get your feet wet. Black flies were a pain the whole week. 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+ + I highly recommend it. There are many itinerary options available for this trip so get in touch with our Office Staff to determine what might work best for you and your group! Come and join us on a truly unforgettable trip in Colorados largest wilderness area! #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. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. 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). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. These pants dig climbs that take them a few hundred feet off the deck. Be sure to bring any necessary equipment and supplies for a long journey into the mountains. This will lead to the trail to Chicago Basin and the beginning of the climb. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Only the Silverton Diesel Train is designated for flag stops. 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.

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