Chicago Basin is a small part of the 487,912-acre Weminuche Wilderness, which in turn is part of the San Juan National Forest. Owing to its easy access via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, its proximity to three of Colorado’s 14-ers, and its scenic beauty, Chicago Basin is a very popular backpacker destination in the Weminuche Wilderness. During its peak period of use (July 4th through Labor Day), Chicago Basin is “crowded” by wilderness standards, and campsites can be hard to find. If you are planning a trip to the Chicago Basin area, especially during the peak period, you will have to share your wilderness experience with quite a few other people.

The Alpine Loop is a 65-mile historic backcountry 4X4 route which connects the small mountain communities of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City.You’ll find remnants of the region’s mining past across the landscape, telling the story of a bygone era in this rugged, often hostile environment.  Between Engineer (12,780’) and Cinnamon (12,620’) passes, the exposed ridge road offers views for miles in all directions.

Each year, thousands of hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers flock to southern Colorado to enjoy the Colorado Trail. The Colorado Trail winds approximately 500 miles from Durango to Denver through the high-alpine wild lands of the southern Rockies. The trail travels through six national forests, eight mountain ranges, and six wilderness areas, with mountain passes above 13,000 feet in elevation.

The San Juan Skyway is one of the most scenic high elevation drives in the United States, spanning elevations from 6,200 feet near Cortez to 11,008 feet at Red Mountain Pass. The route can be started at any point and goes along U.S. Route 550 from Durango to Silverton, Ouray and Ridgway, and more before looping back to Mancos and Durango via U.S. Route 160. Along the route you’ll find subalpine forests, historic mountain towns, expansive cattle ranges, and prehistoric Indian ruins.

Ice Lakes Basin is an iconic high-alpine basin in the San Juan National Forest containing a series of turquoise blue lakes nestled beneath 13,000 foot peaks. Ice Lakes Basin is known as one of the top alpine lake hiking destinations in all of Colorado, where hardy hikers are treated to waterfalls, wildflowers, open meadows, beautiful rock formations, alpine tundra and, of course, spectacular snow-fed lakes.