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Video Trip Report: Colorado 14er Mt. Wilson, September 2024
This hike was roughly 12 miles with 4,400' of elevation gain taking place near Telluride in beautiful Southwest Colorado.
This video is shot on my I Phone, yet it does showcase the route and terrain pretty well. I hiked Mt. Wilson with my buddy Dom, who has been in many of my past videos. You can find his YouTube channel âªthedomrouteâ¬
The hike starts at the Kilpacker Trailhead where you can access both El Diente and Mt. Wilson from Kilpacker Basin. We opted for the Class 3 Southwest ridge route of Mt. Wilson as opposed to the previous standard route which was the North Slopes Class 4 option. We had hiked El Diente a couple months before this hike, and nearly 3/4 of the trail would be the same for us. There are a few dispersed campsites near the trailhead with open views of surrounding mountains.
You start the hike through some meadows with El Diente in the distance. You quickly enter the forest and steadily gain elevation. There will be a sign a few miles in where we went right at the El Diente sign where you access both Mt. Wilson and El Diente. Our route took us up into the basin on the Southside of the Peaks. You exit the forest with stunning views of the basin, a large waterfall, and unfortunately the long slog through the talus field. This talus slope is no joke as you can see the route leading up into the upper basin. The footing here is wobbly and tough on the feet. Once into the upper basin around 12,200' the route becomes apparent as you get your first views of Mt. Wilson. You continue straight up the basin keeping an eye on cairns and eventually cut left to climb along the base of the rock face. There is a crux pitch where you need to cross over a rock rib as well. I mention the section and show it thoroughly on the climb down. From there you continue up the steep gully to the ridgeline where the final summit pitch lies ahead.
The summit views were incredible and we enjoyed a Wilson IPA from Roadhouse Brewing out of Jackson Hole Wyoming.
This was a great hike which gave me more experience in class 3/4 terrain. 2025 should be a big year for knocking out some off the last 14ers.
Stay Tuned! I hope you enjoy the video and as always, Safe Trails!
Comments or Questions
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