Train to Backpack to Camp to Iconic Colorado 14ers
Details
If you haven't done the 14ers from Chicago Basin, here's your chance to get two of them. We'll train in from Durango, drop at Needleton, backpack to Chicago Basin, do two 14ers if weather permits, hike back to the train, take it to Silverton, retrieve our shuttled vehicles, then drive to Ouray and soak in hot pools in the center of the Swiss Alps of Colorado. Adventure every step of the way.
ITINERARY
THUR AUG 6 - Planning meet-and-greet meeting 6 pm in downtown Denver. Safety will be discussed, so attendance is required.
WED AUG 12 - Drive to Durango and camp at campground near town.
THUR AUG 13 - Drop cars at shuttle company, and take the 815 train to Needleton drop-off, hike 6 miles and 3k feet to Chicago Basin and set camp.
FRI AUG 14 - Hike 6 miles rndtrp and 2,800 feet to Windom, Sunlight or Eolus.
SAT the 15th - Hike 6 miles rndtrp and 2,800 feet to Windom, Sunlight or Eolus.
SUN the 16th- Hike down to the Needleton pickup point and catch the 1142 am train to Silverton. Lunch in Silverton. Retrieve cars. Drive 1-2 hours to Ouray, stay at the Twin Peaks Resort in the center of town and soak in one of 12 pools, and take in the Colorado's Swiss Alps that surround you. Fabbylous.
MON AUG 17 - Drive 6-7 hours home.
WARNINGS:
1). All 14ers in this basin are challenging. Participants must have the required equipment (including helmet), sills and experience.
2). Weather rules all.
3)., Safety first.
4). No campfires in Colorado basin (I think).
5). We'll do the easiest of the two 14ers.
COSTS:
$154 for the train ride. Reservations: 888-872-4607. 17 out of 40 tickets left as of April 1.
Your share of the car shuttle cost ($100-$200, depending on # of vehicles and participants.
Campground fee.
Ouray hotel room.
HOW TO SIGN-UP: I'm recruiting from multiple sources, so to participate send me an email: mtnry@aol.com.
I hope you can join.
Ryan