Silver Pick Trail and Wilson Peak Access Update

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.

According to a recent TPL press release, the earliest projection for the reestablishment of public access through Silver Pick Basin is Fall of 2008. Other partners in this project estimate that 2009 is a likely timeframe. The property will be conveyed to the US Forest Service at a later time.

Updates on the situation will be posted here as they develop. 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.

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.