Needle Creek (504)
The Needle Creek Trail #504 is a wildly popular trail that brings backpackers from either the Animas River Trail #675 or the Needleton train stop into Chicago Basin. NOTE that on an average summer day, 50 people will disembark from the train to head to Chicago Basin—a beautiful, but crowded, backpacking destination.
From the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad stop travel less than a mile to the junction with Animas River Trail. From this junction, the trail climbs almost 3,000 feet in 5 miles along the creek until it reaches the lower end of Chicago Basin. At 6.5 miles you begin the steep climb to Columbine Pass. There are switchbacks for the next 2 miles and an ascent of 1,500 feet. The top of Columbine Pass is the end of Needle Creek Trail and beginning of Johnson Creek Trail #821, which descends over 3,500 feet in 7 miles to Vallecito Creek.
There are no camping spots until you reach Chicago Basin. There is a permanent fire ban for Needle Creek and all of its headwaters.
The alpine meadows are full of blooming wildflowers in late July and August. This area has excellent views and photographic possibilities. Water can be found off the trail in most of the tributaries, but due to Giardia it should be filtered. As with all high-altitude areas, storms can move in rapidly, bringing severe wind, lightning, rain, snow, or hail at any time of the year. Plan accordingly.
- Distance (one-way):
- 5 miles to Chicago Basin
- 8.9 miles to Columbine Pass
- Minimum elevation: 8,230 feet (Needleton train stop)
- Maximum/ending elevation: 12,680 feet (Columbine Pass)
At a Glance
Best Season: | Summer and Fall |
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Restrictions: | This trail is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. Please review the Weminuche Wilderness Regulations for full list of regulations and restrictions. Regulations include:
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Closest Towns: | Durango, CO |
Water: | Purification recommended |
Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace |
Information Center: | Columbine Ranger District Office |
General Information
Directions:From Durango, CO:
- Purgatory Flats Trail #511 to Animas River Trail #675: Drive ~26 miles. Across from Purgatory Ski Resort's main entrance, turn right (east) on Tacoma Drive. Purgatory Flats trailhead is located on right about 0.2 miles. Parking lot on the left. Follow Purgatory Flats Trail 4 miles, cross Animas River (via foot bridge) and follow Animas River Trail 5.5 miles.
- Needleton train stop: Ride in on the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.