The Chicago Basin located in the Weminuche Wilderness, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado receives around 100,000 visitors every year due to its scenic beauty and incredible hiking opportunities. Chicago Basin is an excellent multi-day destination for backpackers that can be reached by a 15.2-mi (24.5-km) trail located near the town of Silverton, Colorado. The trail can be accessed only by The Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The best time to hike this trail is from late June through mid-September when it's snow-free. The peak season is from July 4th through Labor Day.
There are plenty of campsites in the area to choose from. Several of them are located along Needle Creek, near Twin Lakes and Columbine Pass trails. In the summer, Chicago Basin is covered with wildflowers. Hikers can see picas, marmots, and semi-wild mountain goats. The main highlight of the hike is the possibility to conquer fourteeners—Mt. Eolus, North Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak. Some hikers have managed to complete all these peaks in just one day. Check out the area around Twin Lakes, one of the most popular in Colorado.
Practical info
What four fourteeners can be accessed from Chicago Basin?
In the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Chicago Basin allows access to four fourteeners - Mount Eolus, North Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak. They are quite well-liked among both hikers and mountaineers, and vanquishing all of them, a fierce challenge. Show more
What is the best time to visit the Chicago Basin?
Visiting the Chicago Basin from late June to mid-September is ideal as the snow will have melted, providing sunshine and clear skies. This duration is characterized by warm days and is usually the peak season, which lasts from July 4th to Labor Day. Visitors that desire the best of Chicago Basin's beauty should plan their trips accordingly. Show more
How can Chicago Basin be accessed?
Accessing the Chicago Basin requires a 15.2-mi (24.5-km) trail near Silverton, Colorado, while the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the only means of getting to the trailhead. Hiking through this region could be an adventurous experience that spans multiple days, with ample camping sites for visitors to appreciate the mountains' beauty. Show more
What is the peak season for hiking in Chicago Basin?
The best time for hiking in Chicago Basin is between July 4th and Labor Day, the peak season. During this period, the weather is clearer and warmer than the other months, with an excellent presentation of wildflowers covering the area. To optimize accessibility and level of beauty exposure, visitors should plan for this season. Show more
What animals can hikers see in Chicago Basin?
Chicago Basin has an abundance of wildlife such as pica, marmots, and semi-wild mountain goats. While hiking, visitors can cultivate their interest in various animal species that inhabit the San Juan Mountains. Hikers should be cautious at all times, but their commitment will reward them with sightings of an array of animals. Show more
