Sunlight and Windom

Sunlight and Windom begins at the Needleton train stop (~8,212') on the Animas River, reached exclusively via the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango. Follow the Chicago Basin Trail northeast up the Needle Creek canyon approximately 6 miles to Chicago Basin (~11,000'). Establish camp in the lower basin — camping in the upper basin and Twin Lakes area is not permitted. From camp, follow the Twin Lakes Approach trail east to Twin Lakes (~12,500'). From Twin Lakes, ascend the ridge southeast toward the Sunlight/Windom saddle. Windom Peak (14,065') is reached via the northwest ridge, a sustained Class 2–3 scramble on solid San Juan granite with increasing exposure near the top. Return to the saddle. Sunlight Peak (14,065') is accessed via the exposed southeast ridge — the summit crux is a Class 4 step across a gap with significant drop on both sides; this move requires confident handholds and cannot be reversed easily if wet or iced. Do not attempt Sunlight's summit in deteriorating weather. Return to Twin Lakes and descend to camp. The return to Needleton retraces the Needle Creek drainage. Confirm the D&SNG departure time before leaving camp.