Guided Climbs of Mt Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente, and Lizard Head

SJMG is the premier guide service offering guided trips into the Wilson Range including Mount Wilson, El Diente, and Wilson Peak near Telluride, Colorado. These iconic peaks adorn the southern skyline of the Telluride area and are home to some of the best Rockies mountaineering in the state. Our guides know these peaks extremely well and can help guide you to the top.

Wilson Peak is a beautiful 14,000 foot peak with a classic Colorado Class 3+ route. It is certainly one of the most popular peaks we guide for good reason. We offer Wilson Peak trips as day climbs or as part of a longer multi-peak expedition.

Mount Wilson is one of the more challenging 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado offering an airy Class 4+ summit ridge. Most commonly done as an overnight in Navajo Basin.

El Diente is a blocky 14er with a classic Class 4 route and approachable from both Kilpacker and Navajo Basins.

Mount Wilson - El Diente Traverse is well known as one of the most aesthetic ridge traverses in Colorado. This long ridges sits over 13,000 ft for its entirety and creates an amazing way to climb both these classic 14ers in one day. There are 2 variations depending on each climbers skill, exposure acceptance level, and daily conditions. The "Climber's Traverse" stays on or very close to the crest the whole way. It offers incredible airy views and lots of 4th class and low 5th class terrain to negotiate. The "Hiker's Traverse" takes a lower line on the South side of the crest and reduces the amount of exposure. It weaves around the Organ Pipes and other steep features to create a more expedient and less technical way to join these to iconic summits

Every trip in the Wilson Range has a different itinerary for every group. Depending on the strength of the group, conditions, weather, and trip goals; possible itineraries range from 8 hours to 4 days in time. Here are some popular ways to go for it.

Wilson Peak from Bilk Basin: Climbing Wilson Peak from Bilk Basin in a day is a big day, but extremely beautiful and aesthetic. Starting down in the forest, you work your way up through a couple different ecological zones, including the lush Bilk Basin, to end up just below the final summit ridge of Wilson Peak. While this variation is a but longer than other options, it is much more pristine and scenic and avoids the contested lands in Silver Pick Basin. Expect a 12-15 hour day.

Navajo Basin Trilogy: This is our most popular way to explore the Wilson Range. It can range from 2 days to 5, depending on what all you want to climb, your fitness, and the weather. First, we backpack in to the beautiful Navajo Lake and set up a camp. From there we can climb a number of different peak combinations in the subsequent days.

Depending on the season and conditions, the Wilsons can require very different kits. From May through mid July, good mountain boots, an ice ax, crampons and more robust layering options are wise. Later in the season, good hiking boots or approach shoes and lighter clothing work well.

These are some of the coolest peaks in Colorado. Our guides know them better than anyone. Whether you are closing in on your 14er list, or just looking for a great peak adventure, we can lead you to the top!