Chicago Basin 14'ers via steam train

This is one of the top scenic spots in the San Juans. And IMHO, the San Juans are the most scenic of the Colorado Ranges. This three day backpack (Friday thru Sun) is listed as moderate if you just want to backpack in the 6+ miles and explore around Chicago Basin. If you want to join in climbing the three 14'ers, then consider it a hard trip. I have backpacked in and climbed Eolus the first day and then climbed Windom and Sunlight on the second day. But depending on weather and the group interests, we can do the peak bagging on Saturday. Here are some links to this area:
http://www.sjma.org/CB/Chicago%20Basin%20Trip%20Planning%20Guide.htm ;
http://www.neverstopclimbing.com/2010/08/09/the-plan-chicago-basin-eolus...
This trip officially starts at the Train Station in Durango at 8:30 Friday morning June 22 nd. We are taking the 9:15 am Train #463. Unfortunately, we cannot get an earlier train. The return train is on Sunday, leaving Needleton at 3:45 pm, #464. Total round trip cost is $97.98. You need to make reservations yourself. These trains do book up so make the reservation early.
I will drive up on Thursday to Durango, leaving LA Sullivan field at 1 pm. Meet there if you want to carpool. Thursday evening you can camp or stay in a motel in Durango. I will be staying a motel. We will start the Friday morning with a bold breakfast at Carvers.
It can be in the 20's at night so be prepared for cold weather. There will be a running stream, so water is available for purification. No fires of course, so bring or share a stove. The peaks have some exposure so wear appropriate foot ware and be prepared for wind, sleet and such. These peaks are class 2, and I give the giant leap to final tippy top of Sunlight a bold class 3!
Here is a more detailed description of the trip from SumitPost.org :http://www.summitpost.org/windom-peak/150536
When you get to Needleton get off the train, grab your backpack out of the cargo car, and start the hike by crossing the bridge over Animas River. Turn right (south) and hike 8/10 mile to the Neddleton Creek Trail. Hike 6 miles on the Needle Creek trailhead. You will find a series of meadows- camp in the last meadow that you find near treeline, just before the trail gets steep. There is plenty of water, and beautiful views, so camp anywhere you want. From the camp site at Chicago Basin you still have about 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 miles and 1600 to 2900 feet of elevation to go- depending on where you camp. From your camp sight at Chicago Basin climb North for about 1 mile to Twin Lakes at 12,500'. From there climb east .4 mile to the lower end of the basin between Sunlight and Windom. Stay south of a waterfall on the ascent. Turn right (south) to climb to the saddle. From the saddle turn left (east) and up the west ridge of Windom to the summit. This route is the recommended route due to thte fragile environment in the area. Will Rietveld adds: To obtain detailed information for planning a trip to Chicago Basin to climb the 14-ers there, go to the San Juan Mountains Association Website and click on "Chicago Basin Trip Planning". Click here: San Juan Mountains Association