San Juan Mountain Guides We almost made the summit of Mt Eolus but due to more snow along the last 500' we opted not to chance it. It's near McDonald's and has a large parking area nearby. 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. We took the narrow gauge train from Durango to the Needleton stop, which was basically a clearing in the forest. 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. Pets must be under voice control or physical restraint. 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. Our new hooded version of the Filament has the same design as the popular hood-less version and a DWR-treated shell of ultralight 10D Pertex Quantum GL keeps moisture away from premium 800-fill down inside. So beautiful with many waterfalls and accessible water along the way. San Juan National Forest - Needle Creek Trail (504) - US Forest Service This is a long out-and-back hike, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Due to the popularity of the Weminuche Wilderness, it is important to choose your camp wisely. can't surpass this in backcountry experience! The second day we did ~13 miles which included two peaks with kite lake in between. The scenery on this tough hike is definitely worth the effort. Check local Fire Restrictions / Activity before you go: SJMAs online store provides many maps and guidebooks to help you plan your Weminuche adventure. There are 3 bridges at around 3 miles, 5.5 miles and 7 miles. There are a lot of down trees and we had rain and some route finding to cross streams. Backpacking the Chicago Basin in Colorado - Buckhorn Cliffs Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! Cardiovascular activities such as running, swimming, and cycling are great to build heart and lung endurance. Another mile leads you to the junction with the Elk Park Train Stop spur. Camping restrictions around Twin Lakes (accessed from Chicago Basin). The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. Check out this 37.5-mile point-to-point trail near Silverton, Colorado. 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. 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! 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. Recent avalanche activity over the winter/spring created several debris fields that required us to do some significant trailblazing. Insulating water bottle parkas are recommended in the winter months, for ice climbing or cold weather alpine trips. From Durango:Reservations should be made in advancethrough the Durango ticket office. 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. 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. To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink water, and eat snacks. From this junction, the trail climbs almost3,000 feet in 5 milesalongthe creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. The Colorado Trail follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail before following Elk Creek to Molas Trails. Throw in access via an old steam-engine, narrow-gauge train and it becomes clear why this area grows in popularity every year. join the progression with us If the aircraft then becomes a medical transport due to a medical emergency, the medical portion of the transport is not covered. Will definitely be back to try again and spend more time here - amazingly beautiful hiking area. Chicago Basin area was very pretty, and not too crowded with tents. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. 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. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. The trail is easy to follow but quite steep, ascending 3,000 feet before reaching the basin. The day after that we hiked out. Online reservations will be available soon. We had been told by the forest service that we would encounter more avalanche debris fields in the basin. Some route finding on the way to the top to Eolus. 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. Hikers should take note that, while this route isnt overly technical, it will still require a good amount of hiking experience. From here, we hiked the 6 miles to get to Chicago Basin and our camping spot. Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Wilderness Access is only available during our summer season which runs May-October. Thanks again. Route NOTICE: Starting 2019, only trains starting from Durango will drop hikers off at the Needleton stop. Hiking Colorados Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness Areas: A Guide to the Areas Greatest Hiking Adventures. Near 11,200', turn left . When flagging the train in either direction, you must be on theeastside of the tracks. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Located in the heart of the Needle Mountainsdeep in the Weminuche Wildernesslies. Highly recommend! Photo @brooklynwarren There are switchbacks for the next 2 miles and an ascent of 1,500 feet. Backpacking from the Train - Official Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Ended up summiting North Eolus instead. The nature back there is unbelievable. A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. This will lead to the trail to Chicago Basin and the beginning of the climb. Most of the avalanche debris on Elk Creek/CT has now been cleared, and what is left is fairly easy to navigate. 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. This beautiful valley makes up the headwat. My experience was only the indoor climbing gym and small, simple hiking excursions around my hometown. In order to successfully carry a 35 lb. Most LED type headlamps will do but we recommend the Black Diamond Storm for its versatility. Het maakt een stop (op verzoek) bij Needleton, een locatie in de buurt van de samenvloeiing van Needle Creek en de Animas. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. Lots of people in the Chicago Basin, no one in the Johnson creek or Vallecito creek area. 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. Stunning! Two 1 liter bottles is the standard for days in the mountains. https://youtu.be/2iDmEsqbobA. Lots of deer. There is no southbound wilderness drop offs for Needleton. This hike is definitely a good one! Authorized Concessionaire in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. Mulaz outsole with a technical edging platform and aggressive rear lugs for superior traction. City of Ouray Ouray Ice Park Ouray Via Ferrata. The Weminuche Wilderness area offers a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages and abilities, from multi day backpacking excursions to day trips on horseback or peaceful mornings with the fly rod. i tried to get some film too! For more in depth information, check out the. Soft Shell fabric deflects biting gusts, and a tricot lining retains valuable heat. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Hiked from elk park to needleton 7/1/2022-7/4/2022. P.O. The trailhead for the Chicago Basin Hike can be found at the Needleton Flagstop along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Buy tickets in advance! High waters can also be the result of afternoon thunderstorms, so be prepared. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. Whether you want to be involved in a long term effort like our volunteer program, join for a single-day campsite clean up or donate to SJMAs Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund. #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! If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. But always be aware of thunderstorms and get an early start when summiting a mountain! Dont forget to use a wag bag. We recommend wide mouth Nalgene (or similar) water bottles for the majority of our programs. This is the hand-over-hand section that leads you to the saddle between the two peaks. 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. Please contact Special Handling in the Reservation Office at 970-385-8832 to make arrangements. 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. Supported by the Weminuche Wilderness Stewardship Fund, the. 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. If symptoms persist, seek medical aid. It is obvious where people have camped so be sure to follow suit. Overall was an exciting trip and really pushed myself to catch all the peaks with my 10lb backpack for weight training. (970) 247-4874, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sanjuan/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=43092&actid=50, Minimumelevation: 8,230 feet (Needleton train stop), Maximum/ending elevation: 12,680 feet (Columbine Pass). This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card. 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. for areas you plan to visit (Chicago Basin, Emerald Lake, Vestal Basin, etc). (we were going from Needleton to Elk Park). At that point, one of our trek members sustained a significant ankle injury. All great except the rain!!! A great day in one of Colorados most beautiful areas. My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Trailhead Location - Needleton Trailhead (Train Stop) or Purgatory Trailhead. Great trail. A great addition to any of our programs. I live at sea level and definitely wished I did more training for altitude because it was rough. This will be the easiest part of the hike and where you'll see the most marmots and mountain goats (they get quite close to you but aren't aggressive at all). Hiking from Twin Lakes to the summit of North Eolus took 2 hours, 45 minutes. The darker the better. There are two ways to get into the Chicago Basin - a looong hike in from Purgatory or a ride on the Durango Silverton Train. Chicago Basin to Mount Eolus - AllTrails.com Clearly has not been maintained for a few seasons. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. One stream crossing after the Vallecito bridge about mid calf. Any feedback appreciated. The basin is a popular spot for climbers and backpackers and is home to three Colorado Fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet). Backpacking in Chicago Basin by way of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Needle Creek Trail #504 to Chicago Basin, CO Hike Did this in and back turning around a waterfall. All freight itemsmust be properly tagged with ownership and destination. From the Needleton drop cross the Animas River on a good footbridge. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Elk Park Train Stop to Needleton Train Stop is a 36 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that features beautiful wild flowers. 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. [emailprotected]. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin. Same spirit, same guts, and same award-winning hybrid-mapped design of the Cathode Hooded Jacket, minus the sleeves and hood. Purgatory Flats trail heads straight down a series of switchbacks through a forest filled with aspen and xxx with the occasional view of the surrounding peaks (Twilights and Spud Mountain). Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. Feel free to text me at 616-443-9183. The Continental Divide Trail traverses more than 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Canada, with more than 80 miles within the Weminuche Wilderness. My group did it in 5 days, but I would recommend giving yourself 6 or 7 so you aren't having to push yourself to get to the train on time. What a trip! Eolus, Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak. on official, secure websites. All livestock feed must be certified weed free. 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). We walked 44 miles vs the 36 listed in the app. 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. There were 12 students and 2 teachers, with student experience ranging from basically nothing to climbing at the local indoor climbing gym, to small excursions to places like Devil's Lake (in WI). Backpackers with plenty of time on their hands might hike the Divide Trail north to either Stony Pass or the Highland Mary Lakes area.Vallecito Creek Trail:Heading south, the route leads to Hunchback Pass and from here to the upper end of the Vallecito Creek Trail. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment you will use in a variety of circumstances. This trail travels east from the railroad, climbing into the upper reaches of the Needle Mountains. We loved this trail and would highly recommend! Backpackers with plenty of time on their hands might hike the Divide Trail north to either Stony Pass or the Highland Mary Lakes area. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters
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