needleton to chicago basin

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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 20 h 6 min to complete. 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. Durango Silverton Train. Posted on August 4, 2022 by jim. Highlights were kite lake, columbine pass, and Chicago basin. Parking is $10.00 per day for passenger cars and $15.00 per day for RVs. The trails were easy to follow and well marked all the way up to Twin Lakes and on to the top of N. Eolus. Fog and trees seen from Chicago Basin. This is a very popular area for camping, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. connected to the .gov website. Online booking is not available at this time. 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. Additionally, the trailhead is only accessible via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, so make sure to arrive early and leave yourself plenty of time for the return journey. There are many added benefits to trekking poles. Most LED type headlamps will do but we recommend the Black Diamond Storm for its versatility. Another mile leads you to the junction with the Elk Park Train Stop spur. The delightful mountain towns of Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs, South Fork and Creede surround and provide access into the wilderness. 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. Summited at 10:30am. Check out our trail access page for more information. 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). Don't be afraid of Mr. T. A good pair of wrap around sunglasses are an essential item for all of our trips. (Note: D&SNG does not assume any responsibility for your vehicle.) You will need to pay for each day your vehicle will be in the lot. All rights reserved. This 850+ down fill sleeping bag has a 64" shoulder girth and 39" foot girth. Found it really hard to find camping and the usfs map of the basin didnt seem to match closures of where you can camp. Overall was an exciting trip and really pushed myself to catch all the peaks with my 10lb backpack for weight training. 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. Dogs - Allowed. Difficulty - Extremely Strenuous. Done over 5 nights and 6 days. Roundtrip prices range from $143 - $186, and one-ways to Needles start as low as $76. Head out on this 17.4-mile out-and-back trail near Silverton, Colorado. PS. The basin is a popular spot for climbers and backpackers and is home to three Colorado Fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet). There are many different ways to get involved with our stewardship efforts in the Weminuche Wilderness. Gorgeous backpacking trail. 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. bottle will suffice but consider trip length when deciding how much to pack. The only southbound option for wilderness access will be Elk Park. It has been our group's favorite for several years. 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). ( Larger parties must book under one reservation. Mechanized means of transport are not permitted (mountain bikes). Needle Creek seen near campsite. That and all the rocks you have to rock climb so put away those hiking sticks when you get past Twin Lakes. Durango has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while youre in the area. NOTE that on an average summer day, 50 people will disembark from the train to head to Chicago Basina beautiful, but crowded, backpacking destination. Local: 970.325.4925 My wife and I completed this hike in September of 2016 and loved it. Insulating water bottle parkas are recommended in the winter months, for ice climbing or cold weather alpine trips. The card is not insurance. Molas Lake to Animas River via Molas Trail, Vestal Basin via Colorado and Elk Creek Trail, Stony Pass, ATV Trail 821, and Cinnamon Pass OHV Route. 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. Summer brings the certainty of afternoon thunderstorms with increased rain and storms during the monsoon season. Updated for touchscreen compatibility, the StormTracker Sensor Gloves are equally at home alpine climbing, ski touring or ice climbing. A friend and I attempted this horseshoe hike in reverse last weekend (Aug 14). Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk: Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Altitude Elevations in the Weminuche range from 7,000 to 14,000 feet. Just north of the flag stop is one of the last of two remaining wooden water tanks on the Durango and Silverton. This hike covers 34 miles and involves more than 8,000 feet of climbing. There was a new amazing view after every turn. The Weminuche, named after one of the seven bands of Ute people who made the Southwest Colorado Rockies their home, was designated by Congress in 1975, and expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993. Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak Routes. There are two ways to get into the Chicago Basin - a looong hike in from Purgatory or a ride on the Durango Silverton Train. Camping restrictions around Twin Lakes (accessed from Chicago Basin). We got off the train at elk park ~11:45am and hiked ~6 miles uphill the first day. Elk Park/Needleton Loop: Thanks to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this is the most popular backpacking loop in the Weminuche. 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. , which equips and trains local volunteers, empowering them to give back to the Weminuche. Of the 14 of us that started out for the summit, 12 reached the top; the two that didn't summit suffered from altitude sickness or a fear of our height. As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. It was chilly at night dropping below 30 but we had enough gear and food. Buckhorn Limousine offers a shuttle as well. Follow the fork east along Needle Creek for approximately 0.75 miles. The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. With an average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the Weminuche is known for its challenging, rugged terrain from the deep Animas River Gorge to the wildflower-filled basins to towering peaks. The Continental Divide Trail traverses more than 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Canada, with more than 80 miles within the Weminuche Wilderness. A cap of 15 people per party exists with a total cap of 9 parties per day at Needleton. This is the "fourth bridge" of vallecito creek, north of the vallecito campground/Trailhead. Possession of motorized equipment or motorized means of transport are not permitted. From this junction, the trail climbs almost3,000 feet in 5 milesalongthe creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. Remember, wilderness areas prohibit mountain bikes as well as motorized vehicles. Experience this 17.4-mile out-and-back trail near Silverton, Colorado. Completed this loop early July 2021. There are 3 bridges at around 3 miles, 5.5 miles and 7 miles. The Silverton Steam excursion departing at 9:00am will not service any wilderness stops. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Outfitter-guides who receive any form of compensation must obtain a special-use permit to operate on public land. I summited Windom Peak in July of 2009 with a group from my high school. 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. Plan accordingly. I started at 630am and made my first summit to Mt Eolus at 8am, which was all to myself! And the continuous mountain/valley views are second to none! The Radar Pocket cap is packable, durable, and looks great! Amazing hike and rough terrain. Thanks again. Please remember, Colorado weather can change in an instant, so always be prepared for heat or cold, rain or snow! The soft yarn blend will provide a cozy sanctuary throughout winters chill. Overall this was a wonderful challenge. Be sure to bring any necessary equipment and supplies for a long journey into the mountains. Click here for more information on parking. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Click here to find out more about the Backpacker Special CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! We meet at the San Juan Mountain Guides office in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning. The top of Columbine Pass is the end of Needle Creek Trail and beginning of Johnson Creek Trail #821, which descends over 3,500 feet in 7 milesto Vallecito Creek. A great addition to any of our programs. On day three, we made our way up and over the Continental Divide and into the beautiful meadow just below Hunchback Pass. Want to learn more about our current projects, ways to stay involved and news from the San Juan Mountains Association? Built for flash-storm protection, the 100% waterproof, super-breathable Helium II weighs an incredibly light 6.4 ounces. Advance Registration is required for this program. We highly encourage the consumption of coffee on our programs. I highly recommend it. As more and more Americans head to the backcountry, the fragile high-alpine environments of the Weminuche face numerous threats. Started from the Purgatory Trail to the Animas River Trail to Needle Creek Trail. Only the Silverton Diesel Train is designated for flag stops. The trail begins at the southern end of the Weminuche and travels north until it reaches Hunchback Pass (12,400 feet). At the Divide, the trail connects with the Continental Divide Trail. The turnoff to Emerald Lake is at mile 6.3 (Trail #528). Gotta love this community! Route NOTICE: Starting 2019, only trains starting from Durango will drop hikers off at the Needleton stop. From your camp in Chicago Basin, hike northeast toward the end of the basin on the great trail - 1. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We strongly suggest purchasing aColorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card. A headlamp is recommended for all of our programs and is an essential piece of equipment you will use in a variety of circumstances. Be aware that as temperatures increase, snowmelt swells every creek and river making crossing challenging or even impossible. 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. You ride the Durango/Silverton Steam Train and it drops you off. As it typically goes in Colorado, just as you think you are accomplishing something big, a trail runner comes in from Purgatory trail that morning and does all four WHILE finding the energy to run back 16 miles. Know Before You Go: Regulations, Outdoor Safety and More, San Juan National ForestHeadquarters Chicago Basin Trip Planning GuideSan Juan National Forest information. We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. We camped in the Chicago Basin, which was about a five hour hike from the train stop including a lunch break. 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. We were exhausted by the time we reached the shack and decided to camp there for the night. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. There are no camping spots until you reach Chicago Basin. The summit provides quite a view of various 14ers, Elk Park basin, Sunlight, Windom, and a couple alpine lakes. Highly recommend. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The most popular hike is to the Chicago Basin. It is 6.6 miles from Needleton to Chicago Basin. By city ordinance, overnight camping is not allowed in our parking lot. The best spot for camping was at Kite Lake, worth waking up to see the sunrise reflected on the lake. 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. Low-profile GORE WINDSTOPPER. Last section of Sunlight Peak. The unincorporated community of Needleton is very secluded east from the Highway 550. Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. Below are some approximate driving times if youd like to drive to Durango. Get fit for summer with our fitness planning guide! The four debris fields we crossed we scary enough. Wear proper hiking boots with good support for this rugged hike. Two friends of mine and I did this backpack in 1995. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Amazing views and pretty easy navigation (cant miss the trail). I am curious - does anyone have first hand knowledge of current conditions in Chicago Basin, Columbine Pass, Johnson Creek and Vallecito Trail. This trail is often used as an approach for climbing the four 14ers found in the Needle Mountains. The trip from Durango to the Needleton stop is about 2.5 hours (the train is very slow). Took the train from Durango and got off at Needleton. You're mostly in the sun and always with a panoramic view of the area mountains. 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? We like the Spatha knife for its size, weight, versatility, and ability to clip onto a harness. I wouldn't even be able to tell you the way my group and I went up. The downed trees in forums were cleaned up and the trail was very well maintained. From the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stop travel less than a mile to the junction with Animas River Trail. Be prepared for a lot of bugs and rain. The correct method is bywaving your hands horizontally across your knees. Had never seen so many mountains (we're from OK). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. A trip to Chicago Basin provides the opportunity to climb three of Colorados 14ers Mt. 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. The Colorado Trail passes through the Weminuche from Stony Pass to Molas Pass as it links 486 miles of trails from Denver to Durango. Visitors to Chicago Basin typically ride the train from Durango or Silverton, get off at Needleton, and hike about 6 miles . 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. Did this route from July 28 to August 3. It is obvious where people have camped so be sure to follow suit. The Osprey Atmos AG 50 features Ospreys Anti-Gravity suspension system for quick drying ventilation and all-day comfort. The darker the better. Met amazing people and followed the creek for photography shots. Filter your water again at Twin Lakes and then continue to your mountain of choice. Unless you have a current Season Pass OR originate in Silverton, there will be a freight charge per backpack. Photo @brooklynwarren 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! Each year this area receives about 10,000 visitor use days. Definitely recommend to bring waterproofs shoes and pants to be comfortable. 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. 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). P.O. 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. Lots of flowers, waterfalls, and views. A secondary route climbs steeply to Twin Lakes. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Needleton is now a flag stop on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. From either vantage point, a commanding panorama of the Needle Creek drainage is possible.Chicago Basin:Aside from its splendid hiking terrain, Chicago Basin also serves as a base camp for mountain climbers intent on scaling summits. Coming down from hunchback pass we had to climb over or around several (and I mean several) trees that were across the path. Synthetic socks area must for all outdoor activities. This is a few blocks away from where you board the train. It is a fairly difficult hike, but not one that isn't doable. 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. This area has excellent views and photographic possibilities. Unoccupied seats will be sold as a no-show. Coffee is the lifeblood of champions. However I'm looking forward to making another trip here soon. Watch for the trail turnoff to the east that crosses two forks of Needle Creek. Do not bury it. The access point to Chicago Basin is somewhat unusual, but that's what makes this trip so special. Book This join the progression with us 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. Reservations can only be made for Durango or Silverton origination. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Consider supporting Colorado Search and Rescue by purchasing a 1-year or 5-year CORSAR Card.

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