needleton to chicago basin

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. We hardly saw any other hikers until Chicago Basin. A cap of 15 people per party exists with a total cap of 9 parties per day at Needleton. Anyone who purchases a current hunting/fishing license, or boat, snowmobile, ATV registration already contributes to the fund. 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. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). They were all well marked but took extra time to navigate. Be prepared to spend on average 5 days to complete the loop, and make the proper arrangements. Also, I only summited Windom. I wouldn't even be able to tell you the way my group and I went up. Trailhead Location - Needleton Trailhead (Train Stop) or Purgatory Trailhead. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip. Marmots and mountain goats will explore your camp so be sure to hang your food, trash, and toiletries between two trees at least 10 feet from the ground or so. 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. Lay back and enjoy being wrapped in soft, fluffy down on nights down to 30F. 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. Our total distance was about 42 miles. Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app. Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while youre in the area. If I recall correctly we did it in 6 nights. It was chilly at night dropping below 30 but we had enough gear and food. incredible views reward lots of effort!!! Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Every mountain we encountered was amazing! 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. All of the packs are unloaded and the train departs leaving you (and about 30 other people) all alone. Beginning August 14, the 8:15am Steam Departure will service Wilderness short stops. For a detailed backpacking itinerary, dig into the associated guidebook. There were at least 5 if not 6 avalanche debris fields on the Elk creek trail. From here, we hiked the 6 miles to get to Chicago Basin and our camping spot. This is a long out-and-back hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. At approximately 1.5 miles, the trail reaches Purgatory Flats, a wide open area along Cascade Creek. If you are planning a trip to the Chicago Basin area during this time, you will have to share your wilderness experience with quite a few other people. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. 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. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies. Gorgeous backpacking trail. wow! If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Durango La Plata County Airport. 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. Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? Big snow storm coming in tomorrow, winter conditions expected for rest of year. However, a good pair of trekking poles is a worthy piece of gear to have with you for long approaches or treks through the mountains. United States Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit the D&SNGRR from transporting live animals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We strongly suggest purchasing aColorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card. The mountain scenery is spectacular the whole way, and you cross over several high passes along the way. The two main access locations are atNeedleton, the entrance to Chicago Basin; andElk Park, access point to the Colorado Trail. Small amounts of debris from avalanche on the Needles creek trail but easy to navigate. 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. AVY Course and a Solid crew Setting out from the trailhead at the Needleton Flagstop, you will cross the bridge over the Animas River and follow the trail as it bends to the southwest. Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. This took us 2 hours (7:45am - 9:40am), stopping for pictures and water. #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! 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. Book This All in all beautiful scenery and a great hike. Had to climb over a hundred trees, no joke. From the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stop travel less than a mile to the junction with Animas River Trail. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. connected to the .gov website. 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. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. All summits in the Rocky Mountains require varying amounts of mountaineering skills; those attempting any of them should be mindful of the hazards of afternoon thunderstorms, sudden drops in temperature, and precipitous terrain. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. We like the Spatha knife for its size, weight, versatility, and ability to clip onto a harness. The trip from Durango to the Needleton stop is about 2.5 hours (the train is very slow). 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. As a visitor, you must be able to exist with what you can take in (and out) and rely on your own outdoor skills. Chicago Basin comprises the upper portion of the Needle Creek watershed in the Needle Mountains (Colorado), . A great day in one of Colorados most beautiful areas. 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. Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We covered the .8 miles back to the Needleton bridge in about 20 mins. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing. 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. Advance Registration is required for this program. 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. Groups can not exceed 15. 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. Want to report conditions for this trail? This area was covered in snow when we went in late June, but honestly I think the snow made it easier to ascend. Call our reservation office for dates and times of other flagstops. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. I summited Windom Peak in July of 2009 with a group from my high school. 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. Built for flash-storm protection, the 100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. Due to the popularity of the Weminuche Wilderness, it is important to choose your camp wisely. The trail begins at the southern end of the Weminuche and travels north until it reaches Hunchback Pass (12,400 feet). 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. Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund: In 2019, SJMA launched the Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund with the goal of empowering the local community to give back to our most treasured wilderness. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Route. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. 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. What a trip! @liam_doran_outdoors The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes. This was the last day for me in the Colorado alpine. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. A variety is always best. Along the way well have the opportunity to climb a 14er (Windom Peak), see wild mountain goats, hike on unbelievably well maintained trails, both above and below treeline, and see some of Colorados most beautiful wildflowers. From the Needleton drop cross the Animas River on a good footbridge. 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. Trip, Outdoor Research Filament Hooded Down Jacket, Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves, Longs Peak: Rocky Mountain National Park. Fog and trees seen from Chicago Basin. Some of these areas can be accessed via a narrow gauge train that runs between Durango and Silverton. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. We almost made the summit of Mt Eolus but due to more snow along the last 500' we opted not to chance it. We summited at 12:45pm just as a thunderstorm was rolling in, so we made quick work of getting down. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well. This is an optional item on our programs. The best times to visit this trail are July through September. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. There are many different ways to get involved with our stewardship efforts in the Weminuche Wilderness. We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. From Columbine Pass it is nine miles down to the Needleton trailhead and civilization. Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams, but mission costs are often in the thousands of dollars. Thanks again. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. It makes a stop (when requested) at Needleton, a location near the confluence of Needle Creek and the Animas. There are a few small stream crossings and some muddy areas but overall good conditions. Reservations can only be made for Durango or Silverton origination. 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. Difficulty - Extremely Strenuous. We rode the train from Silverton to the trailhead. This is the general newsletter signup form. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. Highly recommend. Please contact Special Handling in the Reservation Office at 970-385-8832 to make arrangements. Absolutely stunning! Check local Fire Restrictions / Activity before you go: SJMAs online store provides many maps and guidebooks to help you plan your Weminuche adventure. Filter your water again at Twin Lakes and then continue to your mountain of choice. 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 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. 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. SPF 30 would be our minimum recommendation. . Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. It's near McDonald's and has a large parking area nearby. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Dont forget to use a wag bag. Disposal of human waste and wash water is prohibited within 100 feet (35 adult steps) of any water source. So beautiful with many waterfalls and accessible water along the way. Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs for superior traction. This 850+ down fill sleeping bag has a 64" shoulder girth and 39" foot girth. 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. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. This will lead to the trail to Chicago Basin and the beginning of the climb. A small knife is an indispensable tool to carry with you in the mountains. It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. 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. I was a little nervous after getting dropped off at the trail via train and watching it ride away! on official, secure websites. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. Buy tickets in advance! Manage Settings Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. Het maakt een stop (op verzoek) bij Needleton, een locatie in de buurt van de samenvloeiing van Needle Creek en de Animas. 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! I started at 630am and made my first summit to Mt Eolus at 8am, which was all to myself! From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. The nature back there is unbelievable. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. 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. This 19-mile trail parallels the beautiful Vallecito Creek through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. 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. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. You're mostly in the sun and always with a panoramic view of the area mountains. Parties must book together. the train ride in makes this trail even more epic! Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. 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. I just completed this route the July 11-15, 2022. Strangely we didn't see any mountain goats but heard they are normally so persistent that you have to pee on rocks and pack out #2 & all TP in bags that they give for free at the register box. 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. Overall was an exciting trip and really pushed myself to catch all the peaks with my 10lb backpack for weight training. ), 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. This area has excellent views and photographic possibilities. Incredible hike all told, with amazing views, up-close wildlife, and streams/creeks the whole way. I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. 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. Most LED type headlamps will do but we recommend the Black Diamond Storm for its versatility. I carried 2 liters but could've gotten away with 1 bottle. Was able to summit 3 out of 4. Follow the fork east along Needle Creek for approximately 0.75 miles. Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. 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. 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. Nearly everyone who comes by Needleton does so via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. The access to these peaks and the proximity to the train stop make Elk Creek one of the most heavily used trails in the entire Weminuche Wilderness. The Boosters reversible design lets you choose. There are many added benefits to trekking poles. Easily found the climbers route up, as well as the normal route going down. 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. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. 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. City of Ouray Ouray Ice Park Ouray Via Ferrata. Great trail. Take some time here to explore the area surrounding the alpine lakes while also soaking up the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the three nearby fourteeners: Mount Eolus, Sunlight Peak, and Windom Peak. North Eolus was an easy transition across. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. Durango, CO 81301 A must have for alpine and ice climbing trips and objectives. From Highway 550, the Molas Trail winds its way down 4 miles to the Animas River and the entrance to the Weminuche. Have a fear of being closed in or perhaps a wide set of shoulders? My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Hikers should take note that, while this route isnt overly technical, it will still require a good amount of hiking experience. Looking good is important too. The bridge at Vallecito Creek, near Johnson Creek, is still good. I have done this one twice!! SPF 15 or higher is recommended. Each year this area receives about 10,000 visitor use days. ) or https:// means you've safely The airport is a 20 minute drive from our office. Absolutely incredible! 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. The trail was beautiful but I felt anxious because of the confusion with camping. 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 && ! can't surpass this in backcountry experience! Parking is $10.00 per day for passenger cars and $15.00 per day for RVs. 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. 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 . 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. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. Taking day hikes with your loaded backpack at a local park will help train your legs for the mileage you will do in the mountains. We definitely underestimated the length and altitude. An official website of the Watch for the trail turnoff to the east that crosses two forks of Needle Creek. 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. 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. Pine River to Emerald Lake: The Pine River alternates between meadows and canyon, frequently flowing peacefully on the flat valley floor. During its peak period of use (July 4th through Labor Day), Chicago Basin is crowded by wilderness standards, and campsites can be hard to find. The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests maintain hundreds of trails for these activities outside the wilderness boundary. We had a lot of rain, starting everyday around 1 pm and lasting for a couple of hours. Gotta love this community! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC.
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