Chicago Basin facts for kids
Chicago Basin is a beautiful mountain area in Colorado, USA. It's found high up in the Needle Mountains, which are part of the larger San Juan Mountains. This special place is inside the Weminuche Wilderness, a protected area within the San Juan National Forest. A stream called Needle Creek flows through it, eventually joining the Animas River.
Discovering Chicago Basin
Chicago Basin is a very popular spot, especially in summer. Many people come here to hike and climb mountains. The upper part of the basin is surrounded by three very tall mountains. These are called "fourteeners" because their peaks are more than 14,000 feet (about 4,267 meters) high! The three fourteeners here are Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak.
Getting There by Train
Reaching Chicago Basin is quite an adventure! The most common way to get there is by riding a historic train. This train is called the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It's a real steam locomotive that chugs through a deep canyon alongside the Animas River.
The train makes a special stop at a place called Needleton. This spot is close to where Needle Creek meets the Animas River. Visitors usually ride the train from towns like Durango or Silverton. They get off at Needleton and then hike about 6 miles (about 9.6 kilometers) up Needle Creek to reach Chicago Basin.
Wildlife and Further Adventures
When you visit Chicago Basin, you might even see some amazing wildlife! There are mountain goats living in the area. They are known for their white fur and incredible climbing skills.
Many backpackers don't stop at Chicago Basin. They continue their journey over Columbine Pass. This pass leads to another beautiful area called the Vallecito Creek watershed. It's a great way to explore even more of the stunning Colorado wilderness.
