Animas River Drainage
Located within the Columbine Ranger District of
San Juan National Forest, the 6.3 mile Needle Creek Trail is rated
strenuous and receives heavy use in some areas. Needle Creek (Chicago
Basin) Trail begins and at an elevation of 8,200' (Needleton) and an
ending elevation of 12,800' (Summit of Columbine Pass).
Needle Creek Trail travel 5 miles following the creek to
the lower end of Chicago Basin. At 6.5 miles the trail begins a steep
climb to Columbine Pass. There are switchbacks for the next 2 miles and an
ascent of 1,500'.
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