Wilson Peak

No, Wilson Peak is a serious, technical mountain that should not be attempted as a first Class 3 climb. While the lower approach trails are smooth and straightforward, the final summit ridge line features complex route-finding, loose rock zones, and sections of vertical exposure that demand previous scrambling experience on more forgiving, solid peaks.

Yes, Wilson Peak is the iconic, jagged mountain silhouette immortalized on the labels and cans of Coors Light beer. While many people mistake it for Maroon Bells or Mount Sneffels, this rugged peak sits prominently in the San Miguel Mountains just outside Telluride, offering hikers the unique opportunity to climb an instantly recognizable piece of American pop-culture history.

Bagging all three summits in a single day creates a massive, grueling endurance day. If you choose to attempt it, the most efficient method is to start at the Navajo Lake or Rock of Ages trailhead and ascend El Diente Peak's North Slopes route first, then traverse across the ridge crest to Mount Wilson, and hit Wilson Peak on your way back out. To do this safely, you should aim for early summer so you can climb the unstable North Slopes of El Diente when the couloir is filled with consolidated snow, avoiding severe summer rockfall hazards.

The standard and most popular access route is from the Rock of Ages trailhead. This approach is highly favored by hikers because the road is well-maintained and passable for most 4WD/AWD vehicles. Do not attempt to drive a low-clearance 2WD car to this trailhead.