South Slopes
Sunlight Peak · 14,059' · Rank #41
Class 4 Standard Route
17
miles RT
6,000
ft gain
Class 4
difficulty
10-14
hours
Trail Map
Trail data coming soon
We're working on adding detailed trail maps and elevation profiles for this route.
Route Details
- Distance
- 17 miles RT
- Elevation Gain
- 6,000'
- Difficulty
- Class 4
- Exposure
- High
- Typical Time
- 10-14 hours
Trailhead
- Name
- Needleton (Durango & Silverton train)
- Starting Elevation
- 8,212'
- Coordinates
- 37.6219°N, 107.6225°W
Parking & Access
- Parking
- Paid Lot 100+ spots
- Fee
- $142/day
Train ticket includes 4-day parking at Durango station. Split between group members.
Restroom No Service
Same as Mt. Eolus - TRAIN REQUIRED. Durango & Silverton Railroad. 6-mile hike from Needleton to Chicago Basin.
Route Description
The crux is the summit block - an exposed Class 4 scramble to a tiny summit. From camp, climb the south slopes before the final summit scramble. Many climbers find the last moves intimidating due to significant exposure. Not for those uncomfortable with heights.
Gear & Preparation
Same logistics as other Chicago Basin peaks. The summit block has claimed lives - assess your comfort with exposure before attempting. Some parties rope up for the final moves.