Chicago Basin Conditions?

[Dad Mike]

Did anyone go to Chicago Basin this past weekend? I'd love a conditions update.

I called the train and they said they are sold out on Thursday and Friday (June 12 and13). I can't imagine that 80pp are headed up there this early in the season. Anyone know why that might be the case? Do large groups buy it out? Like boy scouts or something like that?

[wushock316]

Rafters and tourist.

[Dad Mike]

They buy out the 40 wilderness / hiking tickets per day?

[seannunn]

When we went 2 summers ago, we really only saw 2 other people up on the peaks besides the 5 of us (there were probably more but we didn't see them, especially above tree line).
There was a fairly large family group (15?) that hiked up 2-3 miles and camped there for a few days. Seemed like a fun thing to do, just a lot different from going for climbing purposes.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

[Tweedie]

There was a recent trip report on the basin. Sounds like lots of down trees and San Juan Mountain Association Trail crew is not due to be in there for a few more weeks (I spoke to the lead). So expect +\-91 down trees!!

On a brighter note, They did clear the trail to Emerald already.

Sounds like Twin Lakes is holding some snow.

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/peakstat ... cnum=31869

[nyker]

Did anyone go to Chicago Basin this past weekend? I'd love a conditions update.

I called the train and they said they are sold out on Thursday and Friday (June 12 and13). I can't imagine that 80pp are headed up there this early in the season. Anyone know why that might be the case? Do large groups buy it out? Like boy scouts or something like that?

Unless you want to take the train for nostalgic purposes or because you just want to take it , I'd vote for the Purgatory option. It's a bit more further walking, although it's pretty flat generally and it gives you far more flexibility with starting and finishing versus building your schedule and days around the train schedule. Then you don't have to worry about departure times, available slots, getting tickets, etc. and just focus on your hiking and climbing.

[Pvillain]

Latest conditions report said there was still a significant amount of snow above 12,500ft. With the higher temps expected through the next 10 days, is there a chance that the peaks up will be relatively snow free by July 4th weekend? I doubt all will be melted off but will any of them be accessible without snow/ice gear by then? I’ve got the train tickets purchased already but my group and I aren’t thrilled with the idea of navigating a melting snow field to reach the summits.

[Tweedie]

Chicago Basin July 3, 2020

IMG_9174.jpeg (1.18 MiB) Viewed 204 times

This is the basin on July 3, 2020 from Windom’s west ridge. All the snow was pretty much avoidable or easy walking going up Windom. I think you could do Sunlight without snow on that trip too. But Eolus has that basin leading to the ridge that holds snow. So it might be a challenge. Also, Here is what Sunlight looked like.

Chicago Basin July 3, 2020

IMG_9174.jpeg (1.18 MiB) Viewed 204 times

[Pvillain]

Much appreciated. Thanks for the info!