Peak Condition Update | Mt. Eolus

Peak:	Mt. Eolus
Route:	Northeast Ridge
Range:	San Juan
Posted By:	Sunshineof1985
Date of Info:	8/31/2015
Date Posted:	9/7/2015

Details
I climbed all three peaks in one day. Mt. Eolus brings my total count to 37 fourteeners this summer. My hope is to climb them all this summer. You can read more on this hike and others at Sunshineof1985.com. Enjoy! Windom Peak Route: West Ridge Sunshine Peak Route: South Face Mount Eolus Route: Northeast Ridge Distance: 12.17 mi. Elevation Gain (from Needleton Stop): 12,000 ft. elevation gain overall, and 9,000 ft. in one day. Time started: 3:00am End time: 2:30pm Time to Summit Windom Peak from Chicago Basin: 4 hours and 15 minutes Time to Summit Sunlight Peak from summit of Windom Peak: 1 hour Time to Summit Mount Eolus from Sunlight Peak: 3 hours Time to Descend Mount Eolus to Chicago Basin: 3 hours Overall Pace: 1.1 miles per hour GEAR (to bring): Bear spray, helmet, water purifier, first aid kit, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp, flashlight, toilet paper, GPS, extra batteries, extra socks, phone, SPOT Satellite Tracker, Map, Topo Map from 14ers.com, hiking boots with 2 pairs of socks on, extra change of clothes, wear a tank top, long-sleeve, wind-guard/raincoat, light weight puffy coat, lightweight gloves, overnight pack with water sack and extra water (160oz), food for two full days (large bag of jerky, large bag of trailsmix, 4 protein bars, and 4 granola bars). Road Condition: You need to park in the town of Durango. If you are tight on a budget like myself, park in the residential area not far from the train station for free- just be sure to look for parking signs. Train costs $100!! You can also take the train from Silverton- which I recommend. If you call them, you can get a discount- tell them you're being dropped off at Needleton either way. *Trail Condition: Needleton Stop to Chicago Basin (6 mi.): Trail is very well marked and an easy incliine. The best part of the hike is about 3 miles in (lots of waterfalls). Eolus: Cross the stream near Twin Lakes. It's steep, but there are steps in the start, but it then turns to a lot of scree. After the "Cat Walk" DO NOT continue up the ridge line. It's high exposure, and a lot of class 4 moves. Instead, keep an eye out for cairns that follow switchbacks right below the summit. It's much safer.

Details

I climbed all three peaks in one day. Mt. Eolus brings my total count to 37 fourteeners this summer. My hope is to climb them all this summer. You can read more on this hike and others at Sunshineof1985.com. Enjoy!

Windom Peak Route: West Ridge
Sunshine Peak Route: South Face
Mount Eolus Route: Northeast Ridge
Distance: 12.17 mi.
Elevation Gain (from Needleton Stop): 12,000 ft. elevation gain overall, and 9,000 ft. in one day.
Time started: 3:00am
End time: 2:30pm
Time to Summit Windom Peak from Chicago Basin: 4 hours and 15 minutes
Time to Summit Sunlight Peak from summit of Windom Peak: 1 hour
Time to Summit Mount Eolus from Sunlight Peak: 3 hours
Time to Descend Mount Eolus to Chicago Basin: 3 hours
Overall Pace: 1.1 miles per hour

*GEAR (to bring):
Bear spray, helmet, water purifier, first aid kit, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp, flashlight, toilet paper, GPS, extra batteries, extra socks, phone, SPOT Satellite Tracker, Map, Topo Map from 14ers.com, hiking boots with 2 pairs of socks on, extra change of clothes, wear a tank top, long-sleeve, wind-guard/raincoat, light weight puffy coat, lightweight gloves, overnight pack with water sack and extra water (160oz), food for two full days (large bag of jerky, large bag of trailsmix, 4 protein bars, and 4 granola bars).

*Road Condition: You need to park in the town of Durango. If you are tight on a budget like myself, park in the residential area not far from the train station for free- just be sure to look for parking signs. Train costs $100!! You can also take the train from Silverton- which I recommend. If you call them, you can get a discount- tell them you're being dropped off at Needleton either way.

*Trail Condition: Needleton Stop to Chicago Basin (6 mi.): Trail is very well marked and an easy incliine. The best part of the hike is about 3 miles in (lots of waterfalls). Eolus: Cross the stream near Twin Lakes. It's steep, but there are steps in the start, but it then turns to a lot of scree. After the "Cat Walk" DO NOT continue up the ridge line. It's high exposure, and a lot of class 4 moves. Instead, keep an eye out for cairns that follow switchbacks right below the summit. It's much safer.

Comments or Questions
Not registered?

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App