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A blocky scramble on good rock up the Windom Peak 14er.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

Point to Point

13,972' 4,259 m

High

12,957' 3,949 m

Low

1,015' 309 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

29%

Avg Grade (16°)

54%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views · Wildlife

Due to the sheer size of some of the blocks that must be climbed, it is advised that you do not bring dogs on this route. That said, this is the easiest Chicago Basin 14er, so if your dog can do any of the hikes here, it's this one.

Description

From the top of Twin Lakes Approach, hike east on fairly flat alpine tundra. In about 0.2 miles come to a headwall at 12,600 ft separating the sub-basins of Sunlight Peak and Windom. Angle to the right, gaining about 400 ft of elevation before coming to a talus field. From here, the route is more obvious as most of it is visible. Hike southeast up toward a saddle, reaching ridge proper at about 13,250 ft. From here the trail disappears; the remaining 800-900 ft is basically just talus hopping. Follow cairns along the left side of the ridge. Around 13,800 ft the talus gets more blocky and increasingly solid. While it requires some class 2+ moves, class 3 can be avoided with careful route finding. Come to a small amphitheater of rocks near the summit and top out on a surreally square summit block.

From here, return to the headwall near Sunlight Peak for a double or Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam, or head back down to camp if the weather's turning.

Flora & Fauna

This approach boasts incredible wildflowers. From the lower basin up to the Twin Lakes is easily one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado, and you'll pass many marmots, pika, and mountain goats who seem to agree. Once at the lakes, there's plenty of grass. Mountain goats seem to have a thing for Mt. Eolus, so expect to see them on the other end of the basin but not here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#8932

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#712

in Colorado

#8,932

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1,907 Since Apr 16, 2015
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Photos

Sunrise from Windom Peak.
May 3, 2017 near Silverton, CO
A view from above.
Apr 22, 2015 near Silverton, CO
Chicago Basin ~ San Juan Mountains, CO
Apr 22, 2015 near Silverton, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 22, 2019
Valerie Norton
Climbed on a 5 day trip: https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2019/08/vallecito-to-windom-windom-peak.html
Jul 27, 2019
Ian Feathers
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