🏔 Wilderness
Weminuche Wilderness
About This Permit
Colorado's largest wilderness at 499,771 acres, the Weminuche spans the San Juan Mountains between Durango and Creede — high, rugged terrain with 13,000-foot peaks, alpine lakes, and the Continental Divide Trail. The Chicago Basin (accessible via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad) is the most famous and competitive zone, containing three clustered 14ers.
ColoradoSan Juan NFRio Grande NFContinental DivideBackpackingChicago Basin14ersNarrow gauge railroad
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the Chicago Basin?
The most popular route is via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad — the historic steam train drops backpackers at Needleton or Elk Park, from where trails lead into the basin. D&SNG tickets must be booked well in advance. A self-issued wilderness permit is also required.
Are there 14ers in the Weminuche Wilderness?
Yes — the Chicago Basin contains Mount Eolus (14,083 ft), Windom Peak (14,082 ft), and Sunlight Peak (14,059 ft). All three can be climbed in a 2–3 day backpacking trip from the railroad drop-off.
Do I need a recreation.gov reservation for the Weminuche?
Most of the Weminuche uses a free self-issued permit at trailhead boxes. The Chicago Basin sees the highest use but there is no advance recreation.gov reservation system comparable to Yosemite — as of 2024. Check San Juan NF website for any changes.
Key Facts
- State
- CO
- Season
- July – September (above treeline); lower trailheads accessible June and October
- Quota
- Most areas self-issue; Chicago Basin and select zones have limitations (⚠️ verify)
- Trailhead
- Durango (Purgatory Trailhead), Silverton (Cunningham Gulch), or Creede area
- Entry Point
- San Juan NF and Rio Grande NF; multiple permit districts
- Difficulty
- 2/5(Moderate)
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