Mount Wilson, with an elevation of 14,246, is the 16th highest peak in the state of Colorado and the highest peak in the San Miguel
Mountains (a subrange of the San Juans). Mount Wilson, along with neighboring Wilson Peak, was named for A.D. Wilson, a member of the
Hayden Survey. The safest route to the summit is an overnighter involving bushwhacking on the trail, scrambling over logs, and scrambling
over scree near the summit.
One of the easiest routes to the summit still open is from the Lizard Head Creek trailhead (as of summer 2004, Silver Pick Basin access is
closed). To reach Lizard Head Creek, drive west from Telluride three miles, then turn left onto Highway 145. Drive 14 miles down 145 (two
miles past Lizard Head Pass) and park at the turnout (trail signs can be found uphill and north).
Follow the Lizard Head Creek Trail, then start bushwhacking your way northwest to avoid the infamous "Slate Mounds" along Slate Creek. Most
hikers camp overnight along Slate Creek. On your final push, follow the Slate Creek drainage, then the amphitheater which leads to just
left of the summit. Scramble the last hundred feet to the top.
Note that this route should only be climbed on stable spring snow, and that good orienteering skills are required.
Sources: peakware.com, summitpost.org, Dawson's Guide to Colorado's Fourteeners, Volume 2: The Southern Peaks
