Wilson Peak

Recommended Route

Update: As of August 2011, Silver Pick Basin is now open!

Rock of Ages (Silver Pick Trail) to Southwest Ridge- use of this route will help to reduce impacts to this Fourteener’s fragile alpine environment. Click on the following link for detailed route information including pictures, maps, and elevation profiles.

Route Information and Additional Resources

From Ridgway, go 23 miles to Placerville on CO-62 West. From Placerville, turn left on CO-145 and drive 6.5 miles and turn right on Silver Pick Road. From the beginning of the road, drive 3.1 miles until an intersection is reached. At the intersection, stay left. Continue 0.7 miles to another intersection. At this intersection, go right, but continue on the road that does not have the private property sign. Continue into the National Forest for another 2.3 miles and take a right turn onto FR-465. Continue about 2.25 miles to the trailhead near 10,350 ft.

The trail winds through the Silver Pick Basin to the Silver Pick Mine around 12,000 ft. From the mine, find a trail that heads Southeast and continue up the slope until the Rock of Ages saddle is reached at about 13,000 ft. From the saddle, continue east and northeast to the summit.

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.

Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns

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.

This route enters the Lizard Head Wilderness Area. Group size may not exceed 15. Dogs must be kept under control and at least 100 feet from streams and lakes.

Helmets, crampons or spikes, and ice axes are recommended, as the route crosses many steep, snow-covered gullies.