Alpine Mountaineering: Classic Climbs

Area Overview | 14'ers 3 Day | 14'ers 4 Day | Custom Programs

Chicago Basin & The Needle Mountains

(Mt. Eolus, 14, 083 ft., from the summit of Windom Peak)

General Information

Chicago Basin is the home of the 14'ers: Deep within the Weminuche Wilderness lies Mt. Eolus (14,083 ft.), Sunlight Peak (14,059 ft.), and Windom Peak (14,082 ft.). From our camp in Chicago Basin we can easily access routes to the summit of each peak. Spring condition mountaineering (May and June) offers some of the best couloir climbing anywhere, taking classic lines directly to the summit of these highly sought after peaks. By virture of the Durango - Silverton Railway, we can limit the length of our approach to Chicago Basin to a mere 6 miles. We take care of all the details, so that you can focus on admiring the beauty of Chicago Basin, and the climbs to the top of the 14'ers found within.

Other options in Chicago Basin and the Needle Mountains include:

• Pigeon Peak (13,972 ft.)
• Turret Mountain (13,835 ft.)
• Jagged Mountain (13,824)
• Knife Point (13,265 ft.)
• Animas Mountain (13,786 ft.)

Please allow for a minimum of 3 days to attempt climbs in Chicago Basin & The Needle Mountains.

Dates: Arranged on a private basis. Please call to schedule your custom adventure.

Climbing Season: May, June, July, August, and September

Cost: Varies according to itinerary, please call or refer to our Custom Trips Page

Client to Guide Ratio: 3:1

Beginning/Intermediate Level Climbing and Hiking

(Chicago Basin with routes shown in red)

Trip Cost Includes: Backpacking and climbing guides for the duration of the trip. All group technical equipment required for the climbs. Airport and hotel transfers, and local transportation during the course free of charge for those who fly to Durango. For an additional charge, we can also provide food, cooking equipment, and tents.

Not Included: Hotel costs before, during, or after the courses. 3% land use surcharge, 7.5% sales tax on rental equipment, $3 Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue card (required), train tickets trip cancellation insurance, personal climbing/camping equipment and gear, or guide gratuities.

Registration and Cancellation: You will need to fill out our Domestic Registration Form, cancellation policy agreement, and liability waiver, and send it to us with a 50% deposit. Balance is due on the first day of the course. Please click on our Registration/Travel link to access the required forms.