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larrys 
Group: Members
Posts: 385
Joined: Jul. 2003
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Posted on: Feb. 11 2013, 10:31 pm |
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Ben or anyone,
I am working out the logistics of doing the Elk Creek to Chicago Basin trip in late July. If I am camped in the upper portion of the Chicago Basin, could someone give me a ballpark guess on how long it would take to summit and get back down to catch the last train of the day back to Durango? I am in decent shape and have climbed a few 14ers. Seems like I remember it took a few hours just to hike down to the train from Columbine Pass. Thanks
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| Post Number: 2
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frihauf
Group: Members
Posts: 1030
Joined: Feb. 2002
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Posted on: Feb. 12 2013, 1:59 pm |
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That would be tough to do in one day, but you could do it. If you head up Windom VERY early, such as 2-3am you should be able to do it. If it was me (42 in decent but not amazing shape), I would give myself 6-8 hours to summit and get back to camp. The hike hout to the train is another 3-4 hours, but after summiting, maybe a little longer.
Ben
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"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Ben Franklin
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| Post Number: 3
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larrys
Group: Members
Posts: 385
Joined: Jul. 2003
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Posted on: Feb. 13 2013, 10:29 pm |
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Thanks Ben that is what I needed.
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| Post Number: 4
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overthehillwalker
Group: Members
Posts: 581
Joined: Apr. 2002
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Posted on: Feb. 16 2013, 5:30 pm |
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It is very possible. I would check the smoke and cinders schedule for a round-trip from Silverton, might give you more daylight. I think your plan is good, but...I would toss a weather day in your plan a for mid-to-late July summit. If your not dead set on the 14ers I would suggest Jupiter Peak. Same views, with solitude from the Chi Basin multitude.
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| Post Number: 5
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Indianabob
Group: Members
Posts: 276
Joined: Oct. 2004
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Posted on: Feb. 16 2013, 7:49 pm |
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I agree that it is doable if your get a very early start. The hike down to the railhead from the Upper Chicago Basin is pretty quick and Windom is a fairly straightforward climb. As a lowlander in his early fifties, it would be too much for me though.
I did Windom when we spent a few days in the Chicago Basin in 2011. It was a fun climb. Multitudes is an apt description for the number of folks camping in the basin but it is a beautiful place. I definitely want to go back but I think the Winds are going to be our next mountain trip -not for a couple of years I'm afraid.
Attached Image
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| Post Number: 6
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highpeakdrifter
Group: Members
Posts: 821
Joined: Jul. 2006
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Posted on: Feb. 18 2013, 10:10 pm |
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From the train at Needleton to the summit of Windom is a 7000 ft. climb. Then back down by three...
Doable, but why not just camp at Chicago Basin the first night?
You've spent a lot of time and money just getting to this point...Just relax, spend two nights at Chicago Basin, and during the middle day, climb all three fourteeners, about 9-10 hrs.
I've done the races up to and down from Chicago Basin. Racing and backpacking don't mix.
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| Post Number: 7
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Reminiscence
Group: Members
Posts: 3532
Joined: Sep. 2007
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Posted on: Feb. 19 2013, 12:42 pm |
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I walked from 550 and summitted the Chicago Basin peaks, 4-5 days all told if I remember accurately. That's the way to do it.
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When you are out West
Please, at my behest
Since you are Nature's guest
Do something to help the rest:
Dismantle a fire ring;
Take a stone and give a swing.
You may find that it will bring
A lift of goodness 'neath your wing.
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| Post Number: 8
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larrys
Group: Members
Posts: 385
Joined: Jul. 2003
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Posted on: Feb. 19 2013, 2:41 pm |
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Thanks for all the help. I am doing the loop hike from Elk Creek with my last days in the Chicago Basin then out to the train. Decided to add a day in there just in case the weather gets me. I plan on starting on Thursday, July 25th and climb Windom on Tuesday the 30th, then catch the train out on Wednesday. No sense making it harder on myself than it will be anyway.
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