Chicago Basin Backpacking

Our 3 day 2 night Chicago Basin backpacking trip is an excellent introduction to wilderness backpacking, and a great way to see the incomparable Chicago Basin in a relatively short period of time. Along the way we'll have the opportunity to climb a 14'er (Windom Peak), see wild mountain goats, hike on unbelievably well maintained trails, both above and below treeline, and see some of Colorado's most beautiful wildflowers.

We utilize the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNGRR) to access the wilderness area. A relic of the mining trade of the 1880’s - 1930’s, the train is world famous as it is one of the few narrow gauge railroads left in existence. This is a unique experience and adds an interesting start and finish to our backpacking trips unlike any other in the US. Come and join us on a truly unforgettable trip in Colorado's largest wilderness area!

4 Day Option: Instead of exiting via Needle Creek and the D&SNGRR, we will pack up our gear and head up and over Columbine Pass and traverse to Trimble Pass and the incredible above treeline hiking on the Silver Mesa to a camp near Lake Marie. The Silver Mesa in particular offers beautiful scenery in all directions due to the unobstructed views in all directions. The final day takes us past the City Reservoir, up onto Endlich Mesa and eventually to our awaiting shuttle vehicle near Vallecito Lake.

Want Custom Dates?

We can schedule any of our Chicago Basin Backpacking trips according to you or your group's schedule needs or requirements. With 3 or more participants the standard group rate is applicable, and with 4 or more people we offer a 10% discount!

**The itinerary for this trip is scheduled for Thursday - Saturday to allow for travel days to and from Durango and to avoid some of the weekend crowds in Chicago Basin.

Sample Itinerary (3 day)

Day 0 (Wednesday): We meet at the Southwest Adventure Guides' office in the afternoon or early evening in order to go over equipment, food, and logistics issues for the following morning.

Day 1: We will meet at the Southwest Adventure Guides' office at 7:30 am and then proceed to the Durango and Silverton Railroad Station where we board the historic Narrow Gauge Train. We ride the narrow gauge train to the Needleton stop, where our trek will begin. After adjusting our packs and preparing to hike we begin by hiking up Needle creek into the heart of the Chicago Basin.

Day 2: Today we'll have the opportunity to explore Chicago Basin and potentially hike a 14'er, Windom Peak (14,083 ft.) if weather allows. A great day in one of Colorado's most beautiful areas.

Day 3 (Saturday): On our final day we'll hike to the top of Columbine Pass in the morning to enjoy some incredible scenery then pack up and hike out via the Needle Creek Trail where we'll eventually meet up with the train at Needleton and the finish of our trek. What a trip!

Sample Itinerary (4 day)

Days 0 - 2: Same as 3 day itinerary.

Day 3: Today we'll hike up and over Columbine Pass (12,715 ft.) and towards Vallecito Creek, then make our way over Trimble Pass (12,820 ft.), then on to Silver Mesa where we'll eventually camp near Lake Marie. This is a spectacular day hiking over two mountain passes that afford us grandiose views of the entire range.

Day 4: The final day of our backpacking adventure will take us up and on to an impressive ridgeline, the Endlich Mesa, where we'll be able to view Chicago Basin from afar. Losing elevation quickly, we'll end up at Freeman Creek where our shuttle vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Durango. What a trip!!

Additional Information

Included in cost: Guides/trip leaders, all dinner and breakfast meals, group camping and cooking equipment, D&SNGRR Train Tickets, incredible mountain scenery.

Not included in cost: Hotel costs before, or after the trips. 3% land use surcharge. $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required) trip cancellation insurance, personal camping equipment, or staff gratuities. Trail lunches.

Prerequisites: Participants need to be in good physical condition and be able to carry a 35 lb. pack over distances up to 6 miles in length.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy: A 50% deposit is required for all reservations. The balance will be due on the 30 days prior to the start date of the trip. Cancellation must be made 60 days before first day of trip or course, otherwise your deposit will be forfeited. You can apply your trip deposit or fee toward a future trip or course that takes place within one year for a 15% fee. No credits or refunds for no shows or those leaving early. Please click on our Registration link to access the required registration forms.