Noname Approach

Date: 08/27/2025
Partner: Solo, Kristi Henes, J Weingast
Trailhead: Needleton
Distance: 7.4 miles using river crossing (add 0.6m for bridge crossing)
Elevation Gain: 2800ft using river crossing (add 500ft for bridge crossing)
Duration: 5 hours 10 min w/ 5 day pack and climbing gear
GPX

I have never felt the desire to carry a pack from Purgatory into the Weminuche. If I want the extra miles, I just as soon spend more time in the apline vs. approaching/deproaching on the 10 mile trail from Purgatory.

If the Animas is flowing low and you are feeling sporty, consider walking the tracks two miles north of Needleton and crossing the river where the water is relatively shallow. This will save considerable time along the tedious trail on the east side of the river and 'Water Tower Hill'.

I did the river crossing my last two visits to Noname. The flow was below 280cfs in Durango. You can check the flow on Dreamflows

In 2023 the Noname approach was relatively tough with significant deadfall. However in 2025 there was a significant deadfall clearing project that made the approach much easier. There is still deadfall to navigate but it is much more managable.

If you're feeling lucky at the end of your trip, hitch a ride on a maintenance car back to Silverton. If this option isn't in the cards, taking the morning train back to Silverton and shuttling or hitching a ride back to Durango will save hours.