Chicago Basin 14er Trip (Sunlight, Windom, and the Eolus’s)

Let’s hike the 4 14ers in the Chicago Basin, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It’ll be a very fun adventure to backpack, and summit the mountains there. We will be taking the train from Durango up to Needleton Trailhead, backpack to and camp at Chicago Basin, summit two 14ers (Sumlight and Windom) the following day, and summit two more (Eolus and North Eolus) the next, with a return trip to Needleton in the late afternoon to take the train back to Durango.

September 11, let’s meet at Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride around 12pm for anyone who wants to carpool, we will camp at a dispersed camping area east of Durango, and head our early morning for the train station. If anyone finds a hotel and AirBnB for that evening, let me know.

September 12
We must be at the train station by 9:15 AM on September 12 to board. Train ride is 2.5 hours to Needleton Trailhead. Chicago Basin hike (Class 1) is 6 miles one-way, and 2800ft elevation gain.

September 13:
We climb Sunlight and Windom. 7-8 miles round trip from camp at Chicago Basin. Sunlight is a Class 4 and Windom is a Class 2.

September 14:
We climb the Eolus’s, 6.4 mile round trip, 3350ft elevation gain. Both are Class 3 routes.

September 15:

We return to Needleton by 4pm to take train back to Durango.

I can only take 5 people on this trip, including myself. Those who come must have some scrambling experience up high mountains and be willing to do all 4. If you have some experience in rock climbing, that’ll work. For safety reasons, at least two people must ascend the Class 3 and 4 routes together.

RSVP soon, I will have it open until August 31 to allow flexibility to anyone who can’t come, and allow people on the waitlist to come. Once you’re confirmed, you’re committed for the trip.

Tickets are $129.08 each. Those who send me the cash for their ticket will be confirmed for the trip, and clear to go. No shows or last minute cancellations won’t be acceptable, and will not receive refunds.

Equipment needed:
Backpack
Small day backpacks for summiting from the basin
Tent/Hammock
Water Filters
Wag Bags (waste bags)
Portable water heaters
Utensils for food
Your own food
Water
Headlamp
Jackets
Hiking Pants/Shorts
Hiking Boots/Scrambling shoes
Helmets (an absolute must)
Toiletries
Bear canisters (equipment to keep bears away from food)
Hiking poles
Sunscreen
Etc

Due to Chicago Basin’s popularity, I highly recommend bringing wag bags to carry out your own waste.
Climbing helmets are a must. Anyone who doesn’t have a helmet will not be allowed to come.

Please note that all those who come on this trip are responsible for their own safety, preparation, and equipment. No one (including the organizer) is liable for anyone’s safety.

Let’s all have a great adventure.

See you all in September.