Theme of the trip: don’t forget the keys or car swap details and if you do — hitch a ride!

A group of friends and I decided to take the Durango trail to the Needleton trailhead and hike into Chicago Basin to attempt a few 14ers in the Weminiche Wilderness. It was later in the season so the mosquitos would be gone and it was only the weather, rain or snow, we would have to contend with.

The train ride itself is worthy of the experience. Being dropped off in the wilderness is epic and certainly worth the money. The hike into the basin is on a relatively easy trail, but being dropped off midday we had to suffer through the heat on the approach. Perhaps the beers we indulged in on the train also contributed to the struggle.

The weather forecast was wet that weekend but we had a one day window that allowed us to summit Windom and Sunlight Peak. Sadly linking up North Eolus and Eolus was not an option that day as weather quickly moved in during our descent off Sunlight.

The rain came down on our way back to camp and we ended up spending a few hours in the tents waiting out the storm. We still had a blast despite unfavorable weather and I was happy to get two peaks.

Hiking out to Needleton and being picked up by the train in the middle of the wilderness was equally as fun as being dropped off. I can’t wait to return to Chicago Basin again with many unfinished objectives! This was a stellar trip with great company! 

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Silverton: Handlebars Food & Saloon, Golden Block Brewery, Brown Bag Silverton, Avalanch Brewing Company.

Durango: 360 Durango next to the train station, Oscar's Cafe, Carver Brewing, Ska Brewing.