CategoryHAWKEYE’S BLOG MEDIA ROOM NEWS & EVENTS

GoHawkeye San Juan Trail Group Hike, BBQ, and Camping

July 11, 2018 Off By Craig Stein

Trek with Hawkeye through the Lizard Head Wilderness

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Hikers on the Cross Mountain section of the GoHawkeye San Juan Trail. Photo by Craig Stein.

Most of this 9.25-mile route is located within the Lizard Head Wilderness. Starting at the junction of County Road 63J /Forest Road 623 and Wilson Mesa Trailhead (East) and ending at the Cross Mountain Trailhead #637 near Lizard Head Pass. The steep, scenic trail passes waterfalls and ruins of the Morning Star Mine as it ascends along Bilk Creek. The high point of the trail (12,077′ ), skirts alongside the summit of Lizard Head Peak, a 400-foot-tall tower of rotten rock, which has been voted as one of Colorado’s most dangerous and difficult climbs.

Directions to Wilson Mesa Trailhead East from Telluride

Travel west on State Highway 145 for approximately 5.7 miles to County Road 63L, Ilium Road/South Fork Road. Turn south on to CR 63L and continue for about 2.5 miles to County Road 63J, veer right and continue south on this road. Follow CR 63J for another 4.5 miles to its end at the Wilson Mesa Trailhead. The last mile of this road is steep and rocky.

There will be a fully supported camp at the end of this full day hike. A Rocky Mountain BBQ will be provided. Bring your own beverages, trail snacks, and overnight camping equipment. A gear shuttle will be available from the trailhead to trails-end camp. Don’t want to hike? Join in the fun at the wrap party which will be located HERE.

Click on image for larger view of end party location.

37°47’39.04″N

107°56’7.14″W

Please RSVP to Hawkeye HERE. Download the USGS topographic map for this area HERE.

Spring view looking south towards Lizard Head Peak. By Craig Stein.

Join The GoHawkeye Crew

Where: Wilson Mesa Trailhead (East)

When: Thursday, July 19, 2018. Meet at 7:00 AM. Hike at 8 AM.

Lizard Head Peak. 13,119 ft (3,999 m). Photo by Craig Stein.

The 41,496 acre Lizard Head Wilderness lies astride the San Miguel Mountains, 10 miles southwest of Telluride within Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. Wilson Peak (14,017′), Mt Wilson (14,246′), and El Diente (14,159′) are located within the Wilderness. The domain of more experienced climbers, Mount Wilson and El Diente are connected by a famous knife-edged ridge and considered difficult ascents.