Chicago Basin is becoming an eco disaster

Chicago Basin is becoming an eco disaster

After another summer trip to our local 14er climbing hot spot as a trail ambassador, I confirmed many suspicions about the impact backpackers can make in a small area. Chicago Basin is located in the Weminuche Wilderness. It is mainly accessed by the DSNGR train. It also can be a two-day backpack from Purgatory or Vallecito. The 40-acre camping area has only 30 to 40 undefined camping spots on a first-come basis. On any Friday the camps are fill…