D&S NARROW GAUGE FROM TRAIN TRACKS TO TRAILS

Accessing Chicago Basin in the Weminuche Wilderness

by Ben Brewer

Chicago Basin, a subrange of the San Juan Mountains, is one of Colorado’s most cherished treasures. Located roughly 30 miles northwest of Durango, the basin is a wild, idyllic area in the densely forested Weminuche Wilderness. It provides limitless possibilities for backpackers seeking quiet reflection in its thousands of acres of unspoiled backcountry.

Journeying to Chicago Basin is a rite of passage for many Durangoans and is usually done during the months of May to October. Many hikers start from the Purgatory Flats trailhead, a three-trail route that spans 15 miles and 3,000 feet of elevation to the outskirts of the basin. It presents physical, mental, and logistical challenges for even experienced backpackers. Overcoming these obstacles has been a point of personal pride for many who live in our mountain community; however, one shortcut exists.

Savvy hikers looking to access Chicago Basin can take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which departs from downtown Durango. Upon departure, and after loading their gear into the boxcar, riders can help themselves to the Narrow Gauge’s many amenities – a last chance for a bite to eat, a cold drink, or some shuteye. The tracks wind through meandering canyons and across steep mountain passes, with views of snowcapped peaks and alpine meadows stretching out in all directions.

A uniquely historic ride, the Narrow Gauge was built in the late 19th century to transport gold and silver ore from the mines in the San Juan Mountains. It is Durango’s most popular tourist attraction today, offering world-class service aboard the nation’s only remaining coal-powered locomotive.

Backpackers seeking Chicago Basin disembark from the train at Needleton, an abandoned mining community. From this train stop, travelers can access the Needle Creek Trail trailhead, only five miles from the lower end of Chicago Basin. In effect, backpackers who take the train can save nearly 10 miles of legwork from the comfort of a train car.

Taking the train in can be a great option for those looking to save their strength for peak bagging. One of the main attractions of Chicago Basin is its famous triad of majestic 14,000-foot peaks: Mount Eolus, Windom Peak, and Sunlight Peak. These peaks are collectively known as the "Chicago Basin 14ers," offering some of the state's most harrowing but richly rewarding hikes. This area has hundreds of unrivaled camping destinations.

On the short journey home, weary travelers from Chicago Basin can take the train for a ride home, even if they walked in. After several days of hiking peaks and eating dehydrated meals, returning backpackers enjoy the Narrow Gauge’s concession car as a seldom-experienced luxury,relishing hot meals and taking in the grandeur of the American West.

Silverton Summer Sounds Music Series 2023

Gather the family, load up the car, and head on up to Silverton for a magical, high-altitude evening of music under the stars! Now in its sixth season, Silverton Summer Sounds is a free open-air music series produced by Silverton Creative District and presented by the Town of Silverton. This familyfriendly event features libations, food, and live music in Memorial Park, situated at the north end of Silverton’s charming downtown district within an easy stroll of myriad hotels, shops and restaurants. Concerts take place at 6 p.m. every 2nd Friday of the month from June through September with two high-caliber musical acts at each show. Headlining talent for the 2023 series includes: June 9: Drunken Hearts (Americana); July 14: The Sugar Thieves (Blues); August 11: Coral Creek String Band (Newgrass); September 8: Nosotros (Latin Grooves). For more information visit silvertonsummersounds.com.

Spoketober is a celebration of Durango’s tight-knit and passionate cycling community. The event, held throughout October, highlights the decades of dedication and sweat equity its residents have committed to make Durango one of the top cycling destinations in the nation, offering more than 300 miles of singletrack trails and serving as home to numerous Olympians. Spoketober Durango will bolster this cycling legacy and feature a wide variety of inclusive cycling-centric events for all levels and disciplines. The event is supported by local organizations, cycling teams, and retailers.

Spoketober is designed to be inclusive of all members of the cycling community and will include events such as a bike commuting empowerment group ride, a bicycle recycle-and-upcycle clinic, a costumed bike parade with Durango DEVO and a community cruise with the Adaptive Sports Association. Additional activities to participate in throughout the month include sweepstakes and giveaways, virtual events, bike races, and other organized rides open to the community.

True Western Roundup

True Western Roundup is back for its tenth season of rodeo and other traditional events at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. The TWR aims to preserve local Western heritage, promote area businesses, support charities, and build community in a family-friendly atmosphere.

This summer, the event series consists of seven rodeos and three special Western events, taking place most Wednesday evenings from June 7-August 23. Special events include the Professional Bull Riders (July 12, 7:00 pm), the Riata Ranch Equine Drill Team performing equine dance steps and aerial acrobatics to a live performance by the San Juan Symphony (August 2, 7:00 pm), and the Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer women’s rodeo (August 23, 6:30 pm).

Full calendar and start times are available at truewesternroundup.com.