Approach
Date: 08/08/2021
Partner: Robby Grace, Kristi Henes
Trailhead: Needleton
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 3800ft
Duration: 5 Hours
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 climb more peaks with a lighter pack.
The follow strategy eased the train experience and had us back in Durango at 12:45pm (vs. 5:15pm).
Set a Shuttle: Set a shuttle or arrange for a ride from Silverton to Durango for you last day
Going In: Hop the 8am from DGO to arrive in Needleton at 10:30am. Early enough for an afternoon peak!
Coming Out: Ride the 10:30am from Needleton to arrive in Silverton at 11:30am.
Drive to Durago: We were back by 12:45pm
With all of that said... the approach to Ruby Basin from Needleton is a steep bust ass of a hike with some bushwhacking over deadfall. Be prepared for this one.
It might be a good thing that getting to Ruby is hard. If it wasn't the place could be overwhelmed like Chicago Basin has been over the years.
5.2 miles - 3800ft - 5 Hours
We road this 1923 vintage locomotive 2.5 hours from Durango to Needleton
Entering the Rockwood Box section of the ride.
Pigeon Peak comes into view
If the sustained steep hiking isn't enough for you there are some other fun obstacles along the way
Ruby Lake - Don't fall in!
Entering into the upper basin. Turret and Peak Fifteen
Camp at the 'Goat Wall'
Sunset on Monitor
Pigeon
Peak Fifteen and Turret
Peak Thirteen, Monitor and friend
The Goat Wall
Kings of Ruby Basin
Hold my beer!
Pigeon
Me and my posse
Time to say goodbye
Ruby Lake
Ruby Lake
Needleton at Sunset