Chicago Basin Traverse Backpacking

This 4 day 3 night backpacking trip begins in the ever popular Chicago Basin, the home of the 14'ers in the Weminuche Wilderness, and finishes on top of the Endlich Mesa above Lemon Reservoir. Along the way we'll have the opportunity to climb a 14'er, see wild mountain goats, hike on unbelievably well maintained trails both above and below treeline, and see some of Colorado's most beautiful wildflowers. The perfect trip for the backcountry enthusiast that wants to experience the essence of wilderness backpacking.

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, - the 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. Come and join us on a truly unforgettable trip in Colorado's largest wilderness area!

*If our scheduled trips do not fit your needs, we can also schedule private dates to accommodate your schedule needs/requirements.

Sample Itinerary

Day 0: 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 to a creek side camp in a beautiful, open alpine meadow in 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: 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 the city Reservoir. 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, during, 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.

Prerequisites: Participants need to be in good physical condition and be able to carry a 40 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 first day of the course or trip. Cancellation must be made 45 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.