mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217 
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Post by mk on Jun 3, 2016 5:16:13 GMT -8
We'll be heading to Chicago Basin at the end of the month and are on countdown now. So I'm wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions to share about hiking in from the train, the basin itself, hiking the 14ers, etc. ... My husband has been there once but this will be my first trip there and I'm looking for tips or stories or whatever.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,960 
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Post by Westy on Jun 3, 2016 7:44:28 GMT -8
This is a very popular area that has several restrictions in place no campfires anywhere and several no camping zones. As you depart the train, cross the bridge, turn south and following the trail. Often there is a forest service volunteer once you walk thru a small patch of private property. Train recommendations: Do not get the open gondola! It's a Smoke & Cinders hike for a reason. Go standard class. Also you must recognize that the train is 1880's technology and can break-down. It's not usual but it can happen. Be prepared for a delay, in today's world people are accustomed to tight schedules. Windom and Sunlight are typically done in one day and Eolus on another. Eolus features a narrow ridge called "Sidewalk in the Sky". Summit before noon is the generally accepted rule. Pee on rocks as the salt in urine attracts mountain goats introduced to the area for hunters and not native to the area. Want to get away from it all? Chicago Basin is a backcountry Navy Pier or Wrigley Field, lots of people. If you don't have to bag a 14er, Jupiter Mountain just on the east side of Columbine Pass will provide solitude, a dash of route finding and true mountain ambience. Jupiter MountainWe have two trips planned in the Wenimuche this summer, very early July and mid-August. There is a plethora of trails and a considerable number of bicentennial peaks in the area, which brings us back year after year. FYI:Our preferred Durango venues are the General Palmer Hotel and Ken & Sue's Restaurant. Good Luck and best wishes for a great adventure! |
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mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
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Post by mk on Jun 4, 2016 19:50:34 GMT -8
Thanks, Westy, for the tips. Pretty sure my husband already booked the train for the open car. Rick is a train guy (both employment and hobby-wise) and I'm pretty sure he didn't give the rest of us a choice. lol. We've done many train trips, so are familiar with train "schedules." Fortunately, we're all pretty flexible. (We have a group of 6). Hopefully this will be one of many trips to the Wenimuche. I've only been to Colorado a couple of times, but what I've seen I've loved. Chicago Basin is definitely the itinerary this time because of the 14ers there. I don't have a peak-bagging checklist, but the guys in our group sort of do. The 3 of them work together and started climbing together about 12 years ago, beginning with Mount Rainier. Once they scaled down to "regular" hiking/backpacking, I started to get interested.  Hope your adventures are great, as well -- I'll be looking for your trip reports! (not sure if I'll have one -- the photo thing has so far escaped me.) |
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Post by larrys on Jun 27, 2016 5:30:01 GMT -8
I would strongly suggest taking a dayhike up to Columbine Pass. My favorite pass. There are some nice campsites as you get into the upper basin that gets you away from the heavy traffic heading up to do the 14ers. Love Chicago Basin. Also try Mahogany Grill in Streater Hotel.
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