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.