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An epic day covering all four of Chicago Basin's challenging 14ers.


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Map Key

12.3

Miles

19.7

KM

Point to Point

13,936' 4,248 m

High

8,195' 2,498 m

Low

7,735' 2,358 m

Up

2,057' 627 m

Down

15%

Avg Grade (9°)

71%

Max Grade (35°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This hike must be accessed via the Chicago Basin Trail, which is in turn accessed either by train (summer only) or by a long hike in (Animas River Trail).

Overview

This truly epic hike summits all four Chicago Basin 14ers in one fell swoop. While similar in distance and elevation gain to many Sawatch 14ers or to 14er quadruple DeCaliBron, this hike is a whole other beast. All of these peaks are at least somewhat technical, so it's slower going and with added risk. Starting at camp in Chicago Basin, the Grand Slam begins the Twin Lakes Approach, up Sunlight and Windom, back down and over to the Eolus Group, and finally back down from Twin Lakes. Between 14er finishers, completing all these mountains in one day is a big deal, and offers some pretty awesome bragging rights. This is a heck of a trip.

Need to Know

Access: The route GPX starts at Needleton, and you'll need to take the train in in order to start from here. Book your tickets in advance! Alternatively to taking the train, you could hike all the way in from Purgatory, adding a day or two to your trek.
Camping: Permits are not required, but some rules apply. Camping high in the basin is generally frowned upon. See Twin Lakes Approach for further information; camping along the end of Chicago Basin Trail is preferred.
Dogs: While portions of this hike can easily be explored by fit dogs, the peaks above it are generally too technical for them.

Description

From camp off the Chicago Basin Trail, start up Twin Lakes Approach. From here, it's recommended you summit Sunlight and Windom first, as the rock on Sunlight is slightly more technical and prone to getting slippery. It's easier to escape from the Eolus Group should the weather change later in the day.

So, climb Sunlight and Windom. Then come back down to the Twin Lakes and climb the Eolus Group next. From here, all that's left is a descent back down Twin Lakes Approach.

If you don't want to take the train and want an epic multi-day backpacking experience, start from Purgatory. Starting from Purgatory means you don't need to worry about a train ticket, plus you get some extra mileage out of the deal. For this route, consider at least two nights; hike in and camp the first day, summit all four 14ers on the next day, and hike out the following day. Add in an extra day if you want to enjoy the basin a bit more!

Flora & Fauna

From world class alpine views and vegetation to unique alpine critters, Chicago Basin's got it all. Wildflowers down low are stunning. Marmots and pika are everywhere, and mountain goats love it up high, especially near Twin Lakes.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince with improvements by Ashley Peterson and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 11 votes

#595

Overall
  4.9 from 11 votes
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Photos

Looking up at the Chicago Basin.
Feb 25, 2024 near Silverton, CO
Birds's eye view nearing the Sunlight summit.
Feb 25, 2024 near Silverton, CO
Sunrise from Windom Peak.
May 3, 2017 near Silverton, CO
Sunlight Spire and Windom Peak from Sunlight Peak. The last day of good weather.
Aug 3, 2018 near Silverton, CO
A view from above.
Apr 22, 2015 near Silverton, CO
Hikers stroll into camp with Chicago Basin's Needle Mountains in the background. You wanna go here now, don't you?  Chicago Basin Trail
Apr 23, 2015 near Silverton, CO

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 28, 2021
Private User
Oct 26, 2020
Anthony Tomsio
28.9mi
Jul 28, 2019
Cullen Moore
0845 Durango-Silverton train 1140 Start hike from Needleton 1430 Trail opens up in Chicago Basin 1514 Campsite just before "no camping" sign
Sep 5, 2016
Ethan Gehl
Jan 17, 2010
Jacek Czyz
Start Needleton 1pm Jan15 after approach from Cascade Creek Railroad station. 1-st bivi New York Creek bridge, 2-nd ChicagoB. Did 4x14 solo in 15.5h. — 73h 00m
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