Rails to Trails: Top 5 Tips for Backpacking Chicago Basin in the Needle Mountains / San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Tucked deep within the Weminuche Wilderness of Southwestern Colorado, Chicago Basin is an epic bucket-list destination. Surrounded by towering peaks including three famous 14ers Mount Eolus, Sunlight Peak, and Windom Peak. This trip combines rugged high-alpine back country camping with a historic steam train approach.

Here are five essential tips to make your expedition into the Needle Mountains smooth and unforgettable:

1. Be Gear Ready

Dialing in your pack weight is essential when tackling a steep elevation gain with multi-day gear. You’ll need a solid combination of reliable shelter, cold-weather layers for high-altitude nights, lightweight cooking gear, and adequate water filtration.

For a complete itemized checklist of everything we carry on back country trips—including our favorite gear—check out our Article: (Linked near the bottom of this page)

2. Be Train Ready

Everything you need to know about the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train:

A. Book your tickets early.

The drop-off at Needleton via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is popular. Reserve your seats months in advance.

Ready to ride? You’ll need to call the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad at 1-888-872-4607 to lock in your seats. Keep in mind that departures are only available starting out of Durango or Silverton. Pro tip: secure all tickets for your group in a single transaction so you don’t end up separated on train day!

When you arrive at the train depot, you’ll hand your heavy backpacking packs over to the crew, who store them in the dedicated baggage car.

B. Enjoy the Train Ride

Settle into your seats and enjoy the scenic 2.5-hour ride winding along the Animas River Canyon. There are restrooms and snacks and drinks available in the train.

C. Getting off the train

Pay attention as you near the Needleton Flagstop. The conductor will notify you when it’s time to get off.

The train stops just briefly at Needleton. It is a remote spot along the tracks with no formal station building.

The crew will quickly unload your packs, (Be ready to help and grab any backpack (not just your own) and line them up so backpackers can find their gear and the train can get on its way.

Before you know it the train will be chugging away, leaving you at the trailhead edge ready for the real adventure to begin.

3. Be Hike Ready

Hike info:

Needleton to Animas River Bridge

~0.5 miles

is a mostly flat walk south from the track stop; cross the suspension bridge over the river. Fill up and filter water before you get deep on the trail.

Neddle Creek Trail Climb

~4.5 miles and 2,400 feet of elevation gain

A continuous, steady climb along Needle Creek through thick forest and rocky canyon corridors. Fill up water any chance you get.

Basin Approach & Camp Setup

~1.5 miles and. 600 feet of elevation gain.

The canyon opens up into dramatic alpine meadows near timberline (~11,200 ft). Find a camping spot for your group.

Pace the Elevation Gain & have a water plan :

You’ll be hiking above 11,000 feet. Give your group time to adjust to the altitude before pushing up to the higher lakes or mountain passes. (We definitely were feeling the altitude as we got higher, take your time and drink plenty of water. Plan for streams potentially dry in some areas so ensure you have plenty of water fill ups and filters when you are near the streams.

4. Be Camp Ready

Everything you need to know for Camping in Chicago Basin

A. Prepare for Wildlife:

Mountain goats and marmots in the basin crave salt. Never leave sweaty hiking boots, trekking pole handles, or clothing outside your tent, or you might find them chewed to shreds by morning! We learned from a fellow backpacker that he had his tent and clothes eaten up when he went for a hike.

B. Prepare for Weather

Protect Your Gear From Afternoon Storms: San Juan Mountain weather turns quickly.

Plan your high-altitude daily hikes early, aiming to be off high ridges and back near tree line before noon when lightning risk peaks.

C. (Leave no Trace) in High-Traffic Areas:

Chicago Basin sees heavy use. Stick strictly to established campsites, filter all water, and use proper waste management to keep the alpine ecosystem pristine.

D. Follow the Rules

Weminuche Wilderness Rules & Regulations

To preserve this fragile alpine basin, strict U.S. Forest Service regulations are enforced throughout the Needle Creek drainage:

Campfire Ban: Open campfires are strictly prohibited in the Needle Creek drainage and Chicago Basin to prevent forest fires and preserve fallen timber. Backpacking stoves are required for cooking.

Camping Distance: Tents must be pitched at least 100 feet away from streams, lakes, and established trails. Camping is prohibited in Twin Lakes Basin.

Group Size Limit: Maximum group size is strictly limited to 15 people.

Human Waste & Sanitation: You must bury human waste in catholes at least 6 to 8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources. Pack out all toilet paper. (Using WAG bags/RESTOP bags is highly recommended due to high visitor volume).

Trash: Pack out every scrap of trash you pack in. Never leave food scraps or waste in the train depot bins or on wilderness land.
Backpacking Gear & Packing

5. Have your Itinerary

Screenshot

Suggested 4-Day Expedition Itinerary (This was our Itinerary and it worked great for our group)

Day 1: Train Ride & Hike In — Board the morning train in Durango, disembark at Needleton Flagstop (~11:00 AM), and hike ~6.5 miles up Needle Creek Trail to establish basecamp in Chicago Basin.

Check out our video VLOG of our Day 1 Train Ride and Hike in.

Day 2: Basin Exploration & Relaxation — Explore secondary basins, photograph wild mountain goats, fish Needle Creek, or rest at basecamp.

Check out our video VLOG of our Day 2 Hanging around Camp and Wildlife Viewing.

Day 3: High Alpine Lakes or Summit Push — Take a day hike up to Twin Lakes or Columbine Pass, or make an early morning summit attempt on one of the surrounding peaks. (Our group was not ready for the hike to a peak but we enjoyed the lakes)

Check out our Video VLOG from our Day 3 Hiking to Twin Lakes and swimming.

Day 4: Hike Out & Return Train — Break down camp early, descend 6.5 miles back down to the Needleton tracks, and flag down the afternoon train for the scenic ride back to Durango. Enjoy dinner nearby at a local Durango restaurant. We enjoyed Steamworks Brewery., they offer a great selection of foods and drinks.

Check out our Video VLOG from our Day 4 Hike out and Train Ride.

Check out everything you need to pack for Chicago Basin here:

Ultimate Chicago Basin Gear Breakdown: Everything We Packed for this Backpacking Trip

Rails to Trails: Top 5 Tips for Backpacking Chicago Basin in the Needle Mountains San Juan Mountains of Colorado