Special Notices

Vallecito Trail - third bridge is out--The third bridge (counting from the South) crossing Vallecito Creek is gone due to an avalanche in the winter of 2004-2005. The avalanche debris was cleared from the trail in fall 2007. It is necessary for hikers to ford the creek. Vallecito Creek is challenging to ford, and is especially dangerous during the spring runoff (mid May through Mid June). Please use good judgment and extreme caution if you choose to ford Vallecito Creek.

Volunteer Opportunity - Backpacking volunteers from outside the Durango area can volunteer for a week in Chicago Basin. Volunteers will ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train (D&SNG) and spend 5 days and 4 nights at the base camp in the Basin, talking with other visitors about Leave No Trace and other pertinent trail information. SJMA offers an on-line training to volunteers who would like to come and enjoy the mountains and “give back” something in return. The D&SNG provides free tickets to the volunteers. Program begins in mid June and ends in late August. Limited opportunities are available.

Sample Itinerary
Day 1   Ride train from Durango to Needle Creek and hike to Chicago Basin.
Day 2   Hike throughout the basin and up to Columbine Pass.
Day 3   Patrol basin checking campsites.
Day 4   Hike up to Twin Lakes Basin.
Day 5   Hike back to Needle Creek and ride train back to Durango.

*Volunteers must be healthy enough to hike and back pack at high elevations. Minimum hiking distance to enter Chicago Basin is 6 miles and a 3000 ft. elevation gain.

Contact Kathe Hayes 385-1310 to find out about the training and how to apply.

Needleton Bridge Reconstruction - Posted February 8, 2009 - Work on rebuilding the bridge at Needleton has been completed!