Are dogs allowed on Chicago Basin?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Chicago Basin but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Chicago Basin?

No, Chicago Basin does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Chicago Basin?

Chicago Basin is rated expert. It is 15.2 miles long with 5,220 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

ExpertOut and Back

Colorado

Chicago Basin

Silverton, Colorado

15.2 mi

Distance

5,220 ft

Elev. Gain

7h 16m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Chicago Basin comprises the upper portion of the Needle Creek watershed in the Needle Mountains (Colorado), a subrange of the San Juan Mountains in the US State of Colorado. It lies within the Weminuche Wilderness, part of the San Juan National Forest. Needle Creek is an east-side tributary of the Animas River. The basin is a popular destination in summer for climbers and backpackers. The upper portion of the basin is surrounded by three fourteeners: Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak. Columbine Pass lies to the east of the lower basin.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,496 ft

Max:3,816 ft

1,591 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context