This post brings back fond memories, actually built some of the trails mentioned in the post as a a US Forest Service employee in 79 and 80. That was how I discovered Telluride BG Festival. Our whole crew would volunteer as "security" for a free pass to the festival. For a kid who already loved Bluegrass music, I was in heaven for the 3 days of the festival. I wish I had some of those T shirts they handed out. ( although they would be pretty tight these days)
My favorite trails in the area were Wilson Mesa, and lizard head trail. It has been along time since I have been in the area, hopefully it has not changed much. I always thought Wilson Peak was the most beautiful mountain I have ever seen. I have been told, although I have not confirmed it, that was the mountain that inspired the classic Coors can. I have a warm place in my heart for Priest Lake, if it still exsists, I caught my dinner there many nights, great brook trout!
Enjoy your hike!
It is also a mountain with much controversy over the past few years due to a Texan who apparently was seeking to leverage the NFS into a lucrative trade via blocking the main route via the purchase of a mining claim. Similar lunacy going on in upper Bear Creek now too ... but just as well as far as I'm concerned, might put the brakes on the ski company's apparent ambitions to industrialize a gem at the exclusion of all but those who can pony up $98/day for a lift ticket (or purchase a pass). But I digress, here's the scoop on access to Wilson Pk.
http://www.14ers.org/peaks_sanjuan_wilson.phpSilver Pick Trail and Wilson Peak Access
In October of 2007, The Colorado office of the Trust for Public Land (TPL) finalized the purchase of 230 acres of properties in the Silver Pick Basin needed to help reestablish public access to Wilson Peak through this access point. While the land purchase is the first step in reopening access through Silver Pick Basin, this route will remain closed until some easements are formally established and necessary trail improvements are completed. Since TPL currently owns the two claims on the SW Ridge, the public can now access Wilson Peak via Navajo Basin or Bilk Basin.
2010 Access Update:
Public access remains closed through private lands in Silver Pick Basin awaiting reconstruction of the Elk Creek Road (#645). This road is the primary access to the new Rock of Ages Trail which will restore public access through the Basin to Wilson Peak.
Timber removal and road grading contracts on the Elk Creek Road will commence in early June and are expected to be completed by September.
Those wanting to climb Wilson Peak have several other options available to them including the Navajo Trail #635 and the Lizard Head Trail (#505). The Lizard Head Trail can be accessed from either Sunshine Mesa Road #623 or from the trailhead at Lizard Head Pass on US Highway 145.
To respect the agreements reached in this issue, please do not attempt to access the Rock of Ages Saddle via Silver Pick Basin until work in the area is complete. Updates to the status of Wilson Peak access will be posted on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison National Forest website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/ Questions/Answers
1. Question: Can I still hike to the summit of Wilson Peak on the standard route?
Answer: Yes. Legal access to Rock of Ages Saddle and the southwest ridge of the peak has been restored for climbers entering from either Navajo Basin or Bilk Basin.
2. Question: What route could I use to skirt the private land in Silver Pick Basin?
Answer: There are no alternative routes through Silver Pick Basin at this time.
3. Question: Can I still access Wilson Peak and the other two Fourteeners in this group(El Diente and Mount Wilson)? How?
Answer: Yes, there is access to Wilson Peak, El Diente and Mount Wilson from six of the other wilderness trailheads: Navajo, Kilpacker, Cross Mountain, Lizard Head Pass, Bilk Basin, and Woods Lake. The Navajo Trail is the shortest, most direct route into Navajo Basin. Please note that campfires are prohibited in the entire Navajo Basin – Navajo Lake area. This area is clearly marked on the Trails Illustrated® – TOPO Map #141.
Plan Ahead and Prepare
The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.
Camp and Travel on Durable Surfaces
Visitors are encouraged to climb these peaks in the early summer season so as to travel mainly on snow to reduce impacts. Travel on snow and rock instead of the tundra wherever possible.
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