Wilson Peak

World renowned as the peak on the Coors beer label, Wilson Peak carries a reputation for being beautiful, rugged, and picturesque. It is also an excellent first 14’er for beginners and an enjoyable climb for anyone!  The classic Southwest Ridge route offers high quality, moderate scrambling (Class 3) on a scenic ridge crest. Wilson peak can be climbed in one long day from the Rock of Ages Trailhead or as a two-day climb with a camp in beautiful Bilk Basin.

The transition from Peak Mountain Guides to Mountain Trip has happened! Please contact Mountain Trip’s Telluride, CO office at 970-369-1153 for more information.

One-Day Ascents
1:1 – $540
2:1 – $325 pp
3:1 – $270 pp

*Please contact us about custom options for more than three climbers.

One-Day Mount Wilson-El Diente Traverse
1:1 – $810
2:1 – $540 pp

*Please contact us about custom options for more than two climbers.

Multi-Day Ascents (Per Day)
1:1 – $595
2:1 – $350 pp

*Please contact us for group rates.

All trips are private.

1-Day Wilson Peak Climb

We offer single day climbs of Wilson Peak via the popular Southwest Ridge Route. Starting at the Rock of Ages Trailhead, we walk through shimmering Aspen Forests and past a meandering creek as the trail gradually makes its way out of Elk Creek Basin. Cresting the ridge above Elk Creek, we make a steady traverse into Silver Pick Basin where the entire route comes into view. A final climb up to Rock of Ages Saddle puts us at the beginning of the Southwest Ridge. From here, the ridge ascends for 1000 vertical feet to the summit, gradually increasing in steepness and exposure as it nears the top. The most challenging part of the route comes at approximately 13,900 where a false summit must be negotiated with exposed Class 3 rock climbing. Once past the false summit, an airy Class 3 traverse leads to the final summit crest and a magnificent view from the top. This climb involves approximately 10 miles of hiking and 3800 feet of elevation gain and loss. For most people, this climb will take 10-12 hours round trip.

2-Day Wilson Peak Climb

Many people prefer to climb Wilson Peak in two days in order to break up the mileage and enjoy a night of alpine camping. For this, we highly recommend the Bilk Basin route. This route is protected by Wilderness designation and as such it is pristine, untrammeled, and stunningly beautiful. We follow Bilk Creek into the Lizard Head Wilderness and up to a high alpine basin below the South Face of Wilson Peak. Here we make a camp amidst small alpine tarns and vast meadows of wildflowers. The camp is ideally located for the summit climb on the following day. After a restful night, we wake early and ascend the final slopes of Bilk Basin to the Southwest Ridge of Wilson Peak. From here, the same route that is described above is climbed to the summit. This route involves approximately 11 miles of hiking and 4500 feet of elevation gain/loss over two days.

Group Size

This is a private program, no one else will be paired with your party and you pick the dates.

Time and Place

Each day is a custom affair. Your guide may meet you in a location of your convenience or at our office at 160 Liddell St in Ridgway, CO.

Equipment List

All the technical climbing equipment required for this outing is included.