The nature back there is unbelievable. Due to the popularity of the Weminuche Wilderness, it is important to choose your camp wisely. Backpacking from the Train - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Weminuche Wilderness: Trails, Camping, and Guides - SJMA Legendary San Juan local @sbrunso said it best: The traverse showed me things I had never seen before. A really incredible trip with unbeatable views! There are a lot of trees down throughout the Johnson Creek and Needle Creek drainages - another hiker counted 155 trees across the trail on the way down from Chicago Basin to Needleton, but it looks like the FS is working their way up, clearing from the bottom up. 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. Hikers must ford the creek so prepare to get your feet wet. The 8:15am Silverton Diesel excursion will service all short stops for wilderness access through August 13. Day Hiking Trails Beginning August 14, the 8:15am Steam Departure will service Wilderness short stops. Increasing numbers of visitors are disturbing wildlife, impacting trails, polluting creeks and streams, and leaving all kinds of waste behind. after one of the seven bands of Ute people who made the Southwest Colorado Rockies their home. Great trail, unreal views! Great hike! Be aware that choosing a non-stop flight can sometimes be more expensive while saving you time. At 6.5 miles you begin the steep climb to Columbine Pass. So minor experience is okay, but only if you have experienced guides and are in good physical condition. We got to the train stop at noon and the train picked us up at 3pm. Online booking is not available at this time. The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Located in the heart of the Needle Mountainsdeep in the Weminuche Wildernesslies. Stopped about 150 feet from the peek to turn around and glad we did - rain rolled in and made the trails very sleek and muddy. Super exciting squeezing through the rocks like a spider goat and once again had the summit all to myself by 11am! 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. The darker the better. My two 15 year olds and I just completed it mid July 2021 and it took us five days. Similar to the base layer top. Summited at 10:30am. 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. 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. 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. Passengers are not permitted to carry firearms on the train. 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. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! Elk Park/Needleton Loop: Thanks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this is the most popular backpacking loop in the Weminuche. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. epic views, love the goats, we even took a bath in the creek - it was freezing! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Once up the scree field, the trail picks up again on the right hand side but isn't always obvious. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! There was another group who did this, and the train staff didn't seem to have any problem with it (we had paid for a RT ticket anyway). This was my first hike of more than five miles. Click here to find out more about the Backpacker Special CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! Many hotels offer a free shuttle pickup. You must flag the train to signal to the engineer that you wish to board. If experiencing any symptoms which include headache, loss of appetite, and weakness or drowsiness, descend quickly. I'd definitely had Sunlight (class 4) and Windom ("hard class 2" according to me). Situated in the Needle sub-range of the Rocky Mountains, at 4,287 m, Sunlight Peak is one of three fourteeners in the area alongside Windom Peak and Mount Eolus. If you are making multiple payments, a group leader can book a reservation that other members of the party will call to add with their reservation number. Once at the saddle, choose which mountain to summit (or do both). Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Pack out and properly dispose of all trash. To exit we kept walking all the way to Purgatory. 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 Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. The boundary of the Weminuche Wilderness is 2.7 miles up the trail, the fishing is fantastic. 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). Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. I scrambled my way up without too much trouble, only to later see a trail leading up a rocky slope that bypasses the rock scrambling. Colorado residents and visitors are well served by dedicated volunteer search and rescue teams, but mission costs are often in the thousands of dollars. It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. There aren't any roads to the trailhead so you have two options. This took us 2 hours (7:45am - 9:40am), stopping for pictures and water. Cell phone service is limited. Needleton train stop: Ride in on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. The unincorporated community of Needleton is very secluded east from the Highway 550. 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. 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. ), 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. 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. The catwalk is much more low key than the YouTube video makes it look. Unoccupied seats will be sold as a no-show. Andrew Hamilton's 2014 Attempt | 14er Speed Record Attempt We recommend the BUFF for all of our programs as a multi-purpose insulation piece and trendy headgear! Had to backpack from the road, but worth it. The best times to visit this trail are May through September. Very isolated in the middle of the trail, we only saw 1 other person each day. #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. Chicago Basin Backpacking, SW Colorado, Needleton Train, Needle Creek Elevations range from 8,000 feet at trailheads to over 14,000 at the peaks. The Colorado Trail passes through the Weminuche from Stony Pass to Molas Pass as it links 486 miles of trails from Denver to Durango. We saw deers, elk, mountain goat, beavers. Check out our trail access page for more information. 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. 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. 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. 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. This is the hand-over-hand section that leads you to the saddle between the two peaks. Reservations can only be made for Durango or Silverton origination. 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. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. #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 We had a couple of long days and some short days with lots of time to relax. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. Site developed by Agency Tourism Marketing. Except for service animals accompanying their master/trainer, we will not carry any live animals in any cars on our train. 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. Recreational livestock are prohibited from being restrained within 100 (35 adult steps) of water. Online reservations will be available soon. 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. PS. Met amazing people and followed the creek for photography shots. This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. Disposal of human waste and wash water is prohibited within 100 feet (35 adult steps) of any water source. Difficulty - Extremely Strenuous. These pants dig climbs that take them a few hundred feet off the deck. Wilderness Access is only available during our summer season which runs May-October. 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+ + Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Roundtrip prices range from $143 - $186, and one-ways to Needles start as low as $76. Distance - 21 - 38 miles round trip (33.80 - 61.26 km) Elevation gain - 8,913 - 12,329 feet (2,716.68 - 3,757.88 m) Duration - 15 to 25 hours (book time) Hike Class: Class 3. You'll be glad you brought it and your guide will make sure to help capture the moment of you being awesome. It is obvious where people have camped so be sure to follow suit. 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. Needle Creek seen near campsite. A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. We are early 50s, fairly fit experienced hikers from Durango, and we gave ourselves 5 nights/6 days. Hiking Colorados Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Areas Greatest Hiking Adventures. Also, I only summited Windom. We strongly recommend advanced booking to assure seating. Heading to a 14er soon? The soft yarn blend will provide a cozy sanctuary throughout winters chill. Our trek group of 6 - ages ranging from 17 to 64 years. Backpacking the Chicago Basin in Colorado - Buckhorn Cliffs Lay back and enjoy being wrapped in soft, fluffy down on nights down to 30F. There are two ways to get into the Chicago Basin - a looong hike in from Purgatory or a ride on the Durango Silverton Train. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). 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. 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. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. Needleton Stop 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. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. Chicago Basin comprises the upper portion of the Needle Creek watershed in the Needle Mountains (Colorado), . We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Book This A variety is always best. Windom peak was my first 14er. Our Outside Magazine and Mens Journal Gear of the Year award-winning storm shell is engineered for fast-and-light alpine climbs and all-day backcountry tours. Lip balm is important to bring on all trips. 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. Advance Registration is required for this program. Waterproof Gore-Tex abrasion resistant polyester uppers with a patented TPU Thermo Tech Application. It was a dream and once in a lifetime trip! The best times to visit this trail are July through September. We met others that were completing this 36-40 mile trip as we were walking into the wilderness from Needleton. 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. 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. 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. I started at 630am and made my first summit to Mt Eolus at 8am, which was all to myself! ) or https:// means you've safely 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 elevation is what makes this so hard. Small town but free parking unlike Durango. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. Remember, wilderness areas prohibit mountain bikes as well as motorized vehicles. The SJMG Durango office is located at 1111 Camino Del Rio, Durango, CO 81301. 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. Black flies were a pain the whole week. Backpackers and hunters may arrange for firearms to be transported as freight. Select a pair that fits well, is warm, and is comfortable. Amazing views that are worth the effort. I was feeling brave so I decided to go with the 4:30 am start, figuring that if I was running late I could run the downhill from Chicago Basin to Needleton. 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. #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, Days out working on mixed leading skills with San Juan Client and guide Jesse Selwyn High waters can also be the result of afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. When the sun shines brightly on fresh snow in the mountains your eyes will thank you for a quality pair of shades. A few turned around on Sunlights route due to overcrowding and rockfall. Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. There are no southbound stops at Needleton for departures from Silverton. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by hiking up Needle creek into the heart of the Chicago Basin. Last section of Sunlight Peak. For more in depth information, check out the Continental Divide Trail Coalition webpage. [emailprotected]. A must have for alpine and ice climbing trips and objectives. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Amazing hike and rough terrain. Trail: Chicago Basin from Needleton Needleton Elevation: 8,212 ft. Camp Elevation: 11,000 ft. . This 19-mile trail parallels the beautiful Vallecito Creek through the heart of the Weminuche Wilderness. Excellent 3-day trip!! Our most popular items are: Whether you are a peak bagger, fly fisherman, avid backpacker, nature lover or all of the above, the Weminuche is a dream-come-true. Needle Creek Trail to Chicago Basin | Hiking route in Colorado So beautiful with many waterfalls and accessible water along the way. 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. You'll eventually come to a rock wall composed of large, stable, granite boulders. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. 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. As a visitor, you must be able to exist with what you can take in (and out) and rely on your own outdoor skills. Brandon why didnt you ask for Tiffanys number??? The basin is a popular spot for climbers and backpackers and is home to three Colorado Fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet). Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. The Outdoor Research Echo Hoody also offers good sun protection. Typically a 4 oz. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. 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. 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. The new BD Distance series poles are light, collapsible, and adjustable. pack it in, pack it out. You then pass over the continental divide twice and the train picks you back up. 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. Columbine Pass and Chicago Basin probably were the highlights of the trip -- incredibly high and scenic alpine country. Great trail. The trainride from Durango to Needleton is approximately 2.5 hours. Its relatively easy to walk over/around them, but be patient and expect a slight delay. Regardless of which mountain you're hiking (Sunlight, Windom, Eolus, or North Eolus), you'll first have to hike to Twin Lakes by taking the trail to the end of Chicago Basin and then up one of its sides. An excellent investment for all of our programs. The most difficult/technical part of the climb was sort of bouldering, but basically scrambling up a pile of rocks-not difficult, but also not a walk in the park. United States Department of Agriculture regulations prohibit the D&SNGRR from transporting live animals. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. The two main access locations are atNeedleton, the entrance to Chicago Basin; andElk Park, access point to the Colorado Trail. The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. See also This popular trail leads to beautiful, high subalpine lakes nestled meadows blanketed with wildflowers in late summer with sweeping views of the majestic Grenadier Range. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Owing to its easy access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, its proximity to three of Colorados 14-ers, and its scenic beauty, Chicago Basin is a very popular backpacker destination in the Weminuche Wilderness. This hike is definitely a good one! San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek Trail (504) - US Forest Service 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. 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.