

Hikers can choose to tag all 4 in one day (only for the hardy!) or head back down to the campsites, and make the trek back up a separate day or two do finish the 14ers. We believe this is the most efficient way and rewarding way to summit pending good conditions. Our recommended path is: North Eolus, Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom. Hikers have the option to go whatever path, or summit these 14ers in any order. The trails are all well traveled, well maintained, and easy to follow. Camping spots are still quite frequent only a short distance off the trail. It is here that the trail really starts to gain more elevation quickly. The Needleton Trailhead starts right along the Animas where hikers begin heading south on flat terrain before reaching the junction to turn left heading up alongside Needle Creek. Needleton Trailhead (Train) Approach – 21 Miles (33.80 km) – 8,913 Feet (2,716.68 m) Elevation Gain The trail is very well traveled, well maintained, and easy to talk on, making it relatively simple to travel quick.

Hikers descend about 1,000 feet before reaching the Animas river and slowly making there way upwards along the river. There is ample camping at tons of points along this approach, making it easy to do this approach in segments or camping along the approach on the way in or out. It takes hikers down an incredible canyon along Cascade Creek before crossing a gorgeous bridge over the Animas River, and then following the Animas for several miles before reaching the junction where the Needleton approach starts. Purgatory Flats near the Purgatory Trailhead
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We have created a trail map image, as well as several map links to download GPX files and such for your trip.
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There are two main options for hiking all 4 fourteeners, taking the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad train to the Needleton Trailhead, or hiking a long distance in from the Purgatory Trailhead.Trailhead Location – Needleton Trailhead (Train Stop) or Purgatory Trailhead There are two main routes (one shortened by train), and the statistics or each are listed here:ĭistance – 21 – 38 miles round trip (33.80 – 61.26 km)Įlevation gain – 8,913 – 12,329 feet (2,716.68 – 3,757.88 m) Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Directions | Pictures Here, you’ll learn about the train system to the trailhead, hiking all the way in, camping information, peak information, and more. These 4 peaks (arguably 5) are located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, have what may be one of the most difficult approaches to any Colorado 14er, but feature some of the most incredible views in all of the U.S. In this article, we are going to give you everything you need to know to hike the Chicago Basin 14ers.
