Trip Report: Hiking Wilson Peak via the Rock of Ages Trail
Getting to the trailhead: From Telluride, head towards Placerville and take a left on Silver Pick Road. Head up the road roughly four miles and take a right onto the 622 Road, take this road (and stay right at the fork) to the Rock of Ages Trail Head.
Trail: From the Rock of Ages parking lot, head up the trail to the Rock of Ages saddle. This section is roughly four miles and is well marked with plenty of signage. From this saddle, head east to the saddle that is between Gladstone and Wilson Peak. These trails should all be pretty obvious. From there, looking northeast, you can see the summit (or false summit) of Wilson Peak.
From the saddle, traverse the first section of rock (slightly more technical and good preparation for the summit), or hike down the dirt, around this section and eventually and back up to the main trail. Be cautious of rock above you and be sure not to knock any rocks off if there are people below you.
The route to the false summit is recognizable, especially if following the rock cairns.
Once at the false summit, you will descend via a rock ledge to the connecting ridge, cross the ridge and then head upwards towards the summit. From the false summit, the route is Class 3, be ready to scramble and use your hands and feet like you are climbing. The two images shown below are the descent from the false summit and the final push to the actual summit (try to spot the people). If you aren’t comfortable scrambling in loose rocks, we suggest hiring a local climbing guide service to help you get to the summit.
Enjoy the 360 degree views from the top! Be sure to bring a helmet and read all signs along the way. For more detailed information, visit 14ers.com and summitpost.org.
Can you provide current climbing conditions for Wilson Peak? We are climbing July 27th (will be at your BBQ the day before). Summitpost and 14ers.com have limited info but we will continue to monitor. Basically need to know if crampons and ice axe are necessary. Thank you.
How is the road to the trail head? Could you drive it in a Prius? 😂