Name: Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam
Rating: 4.9

Toolbox

Save to Apple Watch
Plan in onX Backcountry

Driving directions
Download GPX File

Know This Trail?

Upload a photo

Dogs Unknown

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).

While portions of this hike can easily be explored by fit dogs, the peaks above it are generally too technical for them.

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.

Overview

This truly epic hike summits all four Chicago Basin 14ers in one fell swoop. While seemingly short and with surprisingly little vertical, hikers should know that all of these peaks are at least somewhat technical, and this day is sure to exhaust everyone short of Ueli Steck. Starting at camp, it takes hikers up the Twin Lakes Approach, up Sunlight and Windom, back down and over to the Eolus Group, and finally back down Twin Lakes Approach. Between 14er finishers, completing all these mountains in one day is a big deal, and offers some pretty awesome bragging rights.

Need to Know

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!

While similar in distance and elevation gain to many Sawatch 14ers or to 14er quadruple DeCaliBron, this hike is a whole other beast.

Description

This is a heck of a trip.

From camp off the Chicago Basin Trail:

Hike 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, hike Sunlight and Windom. Come back down to the Twin Lakes and hike the Eolus Group. 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.