Saw this on FB and wanted to make sure it was here too. The train has cancelled all wilderness access for the rest of 2018.
https://www.prlog.org/12720962-dsngrr-r ... ly-28.html
"Wilderness Access Cancelled for Remainder of 2018
Effective immediately, the D&SNGRR is suspending all wilderness access services for backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts from its Needleton and Elk Park stops. Any passengers who have purchased such excursions will receive full and automatic refunds."
Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
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Jon Frohlich
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miniarmstrong
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
I feel badly for people who have purchased tickets and/or made Chicago Basin plans. Sad news, but that said, if the large fire this year was caused by the railroad (as rumored), you can understand the decision.
Did that rumor ever get confirmed or denied?
Did that rumor ever get confirmed or denied?
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Jon Frohlich
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
They had serious track damage from a storm on July 24. I think that's part of the reason for this news as well.
Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
Excellent news! I'd be happy if that railroad went away altogether. That would filter out 98% of the mountain traffic up there and alleviate some of the overuse impacts in the Wilderness, Chi Basin especially.
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Jon Frohlich
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
This is true although a bit selfishly this is going to make it impossible for me to do Jagged, Pigeon, and Turret this year.
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nyker
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
For Chicago Basin you can always hike in from Purgatory. I think that's a great approach and makes a nice start. You won't have to worry about train schedules or missing any trains on the way back.
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desertdog
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
I know the feeling my last Cents are those plus Jupiter and Vestal. Time to get out the hiking boots!Jon Frohlich wrote:This is true although a bit selfishly this is going to make it impossible for me to do Jagged, Pigeon, and Turret this year.
The summit is a source of power. The long view gives one knowledge and time to prepare. The summit, by virtue of the dizzying exposure, leaves one vulnerable. A bit of confidence and a dash of humility is all we get for our work. Yet to share these moments with friends is to be human. C. Anker
Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
I packed in from Purgatory and approached up to 12k in N Pigeon creek a couple years back, and from Vallecito to 13k under Jagged - so it is possible Jon! Just miserable 
I am not doing that again until I make major investments in light weight backpacking gear, though... so much effort for zero summits 
I am not doing that again until I make major investments in light weight backpacking gear, though... so much effort for zero summits -
Candace66
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
The article linked in the OP only mentions the storm-caused track damage.miniarmstrong wrote:I feel badly for people who have purchased tickets and/or made Chicago Basin plans. Sad news, but that said, if the large fire this year was caused by the railroad (as rumored), you can understand the decision.
Did that rumor ever get confirmed or denied?
I just did some internet searching, apparently no conclusion yet as to the cause of the fire. Though witnesses (including two who are big fans of the RR) say it was caused by the train.
https://www.denverpost.com/2018/07/12/w ... e-durango/
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https://listsofjohn.com/m/Candace+Skalet
https://peakbagger.com/climber/climber.aspx?cid=29263
https://listsofjohn.com/m/Candace+Skalet
https://peakbagger.com/climber/climber.aspx?cid=29263
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stoopdude
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
You can hike from Purgatory to Needleton in 3 hours. It's not a big deal. If you start hiking from Purgatory at 7am, you can beat the train by an hour or two. It's not impossible to get to Chi Basin or Pigeon & Turret without the train!
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seano
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Re: Durango train cancels wilderness access for 2018
Awesome time to do the Chi Basin 14ers, though the mountain goats must be confused and hungry. 
Like others said, getting to Chicago and Ruby Basins from Purgatory is not that bad. It's a pretty hike, though the slog back up out of the Animas can drag. If you're a good mountain biker, I think you can also ride to Needleton before hitting the Wilderness boundary.
Like others said, getting to Chicago and Ruby Basins from Purgatory is not that bad. It's a pretty hike, though the slog back up out of the Animas can drag. If you're a good mountain biker, I think you can also ride to Needleton before hitting the Wilderness boundary.
