Condition Update | Mt. Wilson

Peak:	Mt. Wilson
Route:	Kilpacker Approach
Range:	San Juan
Posted By:	MaryinColorado
Date of Info:	8/31/2025
Date Posted:	9/1/2025

Condition Update
This isn't really conditions (all dry), but just a heads up that if you've heard any rumors about mountain lion activity on the Kilpacker approach, the rumors are true. :) A little ways before the El D trail junction, we were flanked on the left by at least one cat. We made a bunch of noise and kept hiking. No issues, just spooky in the dark. We had heard reports of two cats prior to this, and later in the day others told us they saw two cats. I assume they might be guarding a den in the area.

Condition Update

This isn't really conditions (all dry), but just a heads up that if you've heard any rumors about mountain lion activity on the Kilpacker approach, the rumors are true. :)

A little ways before the El D trail junction, we were flanked on the left by at least one cat. We made a bunch of noise and kept hiking. No issues, just spooky in the dark. We had heard reports of two cats prior to this, and later in the day others told us they saw two cats.

I assume they might be guarding a den in the area.

Comments or Questions

frankster	Than you 9/1/2025 9:34am Thanks for the warning, Mary! Super helpful. I like to (ugh…solo) climb MWilson (via kilpacker) each year in early October, as the snow fields are minimal and the weather often holds for a few weeks. It’s my end o year Fall climb, before “relaxing” in Telluride during the quiet season. Crazy location for mountain lions to den up, IMHO. A few marmots, but not much else up there. Gonna have to rethink my October plan. BTW, ya’ gotta (not) love that long talus trail leading into the amphitheater?
MaryinColorado	Oh, cats 9/1/2025 9:45am Similar to my feelings about the known den on the Belford approach, it seems oddly close to trail. I would think cats would be familiar with "traffic patterns" before they den up and choose a less busy locale. But I suppose it's also a great reminder that we're in their territory, not the other way around. I wouldn't necessarily change your plans since it's unlikely anything would happen. In fact, truth be told, if the girl in front hadn't intentionally looked into the woods, we would probably never have known it was there. I very purposely never aim my headlamp into the trees while I'm hiking, especially when I'm solo. The less I see, the better. Haha. I assume many cats have seen me. We yelled and clanged our poles. And as the girl in the back, I kept looking behind me for at least the next 1/4 mile. The talus!! I have to admit, I didn't realize the talus starts so low. On the trek out, I kept thinking, "I could go a lifetime without seeing more rocks." Haha! Whew. It is never-ending.

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