Fall Hiking · La Plata, CO
Chicago Basin
Before you go
Live · nearest station Telluride, 25 miGood window today. Daylight to 8:10 pm.
Smoky
Feels like 60°
Trailhead temp
51° est. at 11,266 ft
Wind
0 mph
UV index
3.1 moderate
Sun window
6:21 am to 8:10 pm
Distance
—
Elevation gain
—
High point
11,266ft
Season
Sep - Nov
About
Chicago Basin is a high-elevation alpine basin in the Weminuche Wilderness, serving as a base camp for four 14ers: Windom Peak, Sunlight Peak, Eolus, and North Eolus. Located near La Plata, Colorado, the area is accessible via a narrow-gauge train to Needleton or by driving to trailheads like Purgatory Flats. The basin sits above timberline at approximately 11,200 to 11,266 feet, offering open terrain, alpine meadows, and Needle Creek. Fall hiking from September through November provides access to these routes, which range from moderate day hikes to demanding multi-day backpacking trips. The area is known for heavy use and dramatic mountain scenery, with no cell service and limited resupply options.
Trail profile
Gain
—
Avg grade
—
Steepest
—
High point
11,266 ft
Good to know
Parking at the trailhead
Dogs allowed on leash
Waypoints
No waypoints mapped for this trail yet.
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