Sunlight Peak

Sunlight Peak, the 39th highest, is one of three 14ers located deep in the rugged Needle Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. These peaks are remote and are distinguishable by their mass of spiny ridges, broken slopes, and craggy summits. Sunlight hides in the northeast corner of Chicago Basin and is visible only to those who dare approach her. Sunlight is famous for it's exposed summit block. Some consider the move onto this block as the single hardest move on a 14er by it's easiest route. From the summit of Sunlight, there is a great view of Arrow and Vestal peaks of the Grenadiers to the north. These peaks are two of the most challenging and picturesque in Colorado. Sunlight, together with Eolus and Windom guard Chicago Basin well and make any trip worthwhile.

Drive to Durango and follow signs to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. It's near McDonald's and has a large parking area nearby. Buy a ticket for the train that stops at Needleton and ride the train 2.5 hours (~30 miles) to the Needleton stop. From here, it's a 6 mile hike to reach Chicago Basin.

See the link for complete details: https://www.14ers.com/route.php?route=sunl2

• Difficulty: Class 4

• Suitable Activities: Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 6.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
• High Point: 14,061 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Weminuche Wilderness Area
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12