Chicago Basin Train Questions

[Marmot96]

Debating either hiking from Purgatory or taking the train to Chicago Basin the weekend after this one.

Can you take the train out on any day once you are done? Or are you locked in to a certain schedule? The website wasn't too clear on that.

I also read there is complimentary beer on the train. That would be an influencing factor for sure.

Thanks for any advice!

[pmeadco]

Yes, you can get back on the train any day you want -- they will find you a spot.
I don't recall any free beer. Where was that?!?

Either way, hiking or train, is great, IMO. It really depends on your priorities. That is, do you need to save time, or do you want to see more of the country? The hike from the highway adds time and some miles, is free, and lets you enjoy hiking along the river for a few hours. Taking the train puts you at the trailhead fresh, but later in the day.

[highpilgrim]

You can take any train out when you're ready. If the train is full, you'll have to stand.

No free beer on the train. Concession car sells beer, some of which is good. Modus among them.

It's easy to stash beer in the Animas or better yet Needle Creek. Hide it good, the local kids will enjoy it if you don't. It will be plenty cold if it's still there when you get back.

[Phill the Thrill]

Debating either hiking from Purgatory or taking the train to Chicago Basin the weekend after this one.

Can you take the train out on any day once you are done? Or are you locked in to a certain schedule? The website wasn't too clear on that.

I also read there is complimentary beer on the train. That would be an influencing factor for sure.

I've packed in from Purgatory TH and I've taken the train from Silverton (twice). I enjoyed both, and I think it depends on how much time you have and what you want to do with the time.

Regarding the train: You will have a reservation for a particular date/time, but they will allow you to return anytime as long as space is available. And NO there is not free beer - I was on the train last week and paid good money for a beer!

[kwhit24]

Debating either hiking from Purgatory or taking the train to Chicago Basin the weekend after this one.

Can you take the train out on any day once you are done? Or are you locked in to a certain schedule? The website wasn't too clear on that.

I also read there is complimentary beer on the train. That would be an influencing factor for sure.

Thanks for any advice!

If you end up taking the train I would recommend getting back to the train stop much earlier than the scheduled time (we were 1.5 hours early). The regular train was having issues and running like an hour behind so an earlier train picked us all up (like 15 people) even though they don't all stop at the Needleton stop.

[Tornadoman]

Having taken the train for the first time for a Wednesday to Saturday Chicago Basin trip, I was impressed by the way the crew handled the backpackers. They definitely are used to our type and show that with their flexibility. As we were waiting at Needleton to board the train back to civilization on Saturday (Silverton 11:15 AM train) a couple guys arrived who were scheduled to take the train to Durango 4+ hours later. They were able to quickly talk to the train crew who let them ride to Silverton instead. They were then going to be able to eat/relax in Silverton for a while and then take the same train back to Durango. The train crew separated out their packs to the side to keep them stowed to make sure they arrived at the right location. Seems like the crew is easy to work with and ready to work with folks on the fly.

[illusion7il]

IMO, the train is waste and you are at the mercy of train schedule. You also have to pay for parking. From Durango the train leaves at 8:45 and drops off a Needleton at 11:15 but they want you there an hour before the train leaves. Since most of the approach to Needleton is downhill, a moderate paced hiker could start from Purgatory (Free parking) at 7am and beat everyone that is riding the train. This will also give you first choice on a camp site in Chicago Basin. It's 9 miles from Purgatory to the Needle creek bridge. The downside is you have to slog back up all this on the way out. Enjoy!

[Phill the Thrill]

IMO, the train is waste and you are at the mercy of train schedule. You also have to pay for parking. From Durango the train leaves at 8:45 and drops off a Needleton at 11:15 but they want you there an hour before the train leaves. Since most of the approach to Needleton is downhill, a moderate paced hiker could start from Purgatory (Free parking) at 7am and beat everyone that is riding the train. This will also give you first choice on a camp site in Chicago Basin. It's 9 miles from Purgatory to the Needle creek bridge. The downside is you have to slog back up all this on the way out. Enjoy!

I've taken the train twice from Silverton and I think it's well worth it. You leave Silverton at 2:30 pm and arrive at Needleton at 3:45 pm, so not a long trip. You can obtain a "Backpackers Special" ticket for $70 round trip, with no charge for the backpack, and the parking is free in Silverton. The 3:45 pm arrival leaves plenty of time to reach Chicago Basin before dark (in the summer of course). On the return you catch the train in Needleton at 11:15 am, with a 12:30 pm arrival in Silverton, leaving enough time to return to the Denver area that evening. This schedule makes a 4-day trip very do-able, with two full climbing days. Of course, it's better to stay longer!

[grahampa]

Taking the train from silverton worked for me. Parking was free and the train is a main attraction in the town so it's easy to find. Nice little town as well. Don't try to place your reservation online though just call the place. they will explain everything you need to know very well to you.

[wineguy]

If you decide to take the train, I'll add one other consideration. I've taken it twice from Durango and once from Silverton. The scenery is more spectacular between Durango and Needleton. Before my first train trip I was thinking about it as a necessary evil to save my geezer legs and feet. And some have complained about the cinders from the smokestack. But I found the scenery spectacular and the ride enjoyable, anticipation during the ride in and satisfaction during the ride out.

[stoopdude]

I've never taken the train but I hiked in from Purgatory last month. On the way in, you can easily beat the train to Needleton if you hike from Purgatory, and start early. It's probably a four hour hike. It's all downhill or flat from Purgatory to Needleton. The hike out takes a bit longer, as you have to gain almost 2,000 feet from the Animas to Purgatory. The hike in is extremely beautiful and solitary, highly recommended if time permits.

[pmeadco]

Minor nit, since I have seen it in a couple posts, it is not downhill the whole way to Needleton. It is downhill from Purgatory to the Animas River, then a gentle, but uphill hike to Needleton.

To me, the worst part is the last couple miles back to the trailhead. If it is a hot day, which it often can be in that area, you will be sweating. And if you burnt your legs on 14ers, the uphill will be a drag.

In any case, I have done it twice by train from Silverton and once hiking from Purgatory, and I enjoyed it both ways. Unless you really dislike hiking, which seems unlikely if you are doing 14ers, then hiking in is worth considering.