The character of the rugged Needle Mountains is typlified by Sunlight Peak and Windom Peak, as seen from the Twin Lakes area. This rock is much more sturdy than most of the San Juan range which encompasses the Needles. These mountains are reached after taking a ride on the Silverton train, then hiking in about seven miles. Then, if you're lucky, the Storm Factory won't boil up a violent storm for you to do battle with and you might succeed at climbing these beautiful peaks. Summer, 1985.

35mm photo and scan by Aaron Johnson