Dogs Unknown
Features
Views · Wildlife
Due to the sheer size of some of the blocks that must be climbed, it is advised that you do not bring dogs on this route. That said, this is the easiest Chicago Basin 14er, so if your dog can do any of the runs here, it's this one.
Runner Notes
Due to some tricky scrambling and rocky trail, this does not make a good run. It's hard enough just to hike quickly.
Description
From the top of
Twin Lakes Approach, run east on fairly flat alpine tundra. In about 0.2 miles come to a headwall at 12,600 ft separating the sub-basins of
Sunlight Peak and Windom. Angle to the right, gaining about 400 ft of elevation before coming to a talus field. From here, the route is more obvious as most of it is visible. Run southeast up toward a saddle, reaching ridge proper at about 13,250 ft. From here the trail disappears; the remaining 800-900 ft is basically just talus hopping. Follow cairns along the left side of the ridge. Around 13,800 ft the talus gets more blocky and increasingly solid. While it requires some class 2+ moves, class 3 can be avoided with careful route finding. Come to a small amphitheater of rocks near the summit and top out on a surreally square summit block.
From here, return to the headwall near
Sunlight Peak for a double or
Chicago Basin 14er Grand Slam, or head back down to camp if the weather's turning.
Flora & Fauna
This approach boasts incredible wildflowers. From the lower basin up to the Twin Lakes is easily one of the most beautiful areas in Colorado, and you'll pass many marmots, pika, and mountain goats who seem to agree. Once at the lakes, there's plenty of grass. Mountain goats seem to have a thing for
Mt. Eolus, so expect to see them on the other end of the basin but not here.
Contacts
Shared By:
Tyler Prince
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