Was set to follow one of the loops I saw online but concerns about private property and having to walk back up Guanella Pass to get back to my car had me look at a map. This loop will take you from north to south nabbing Wilcox, Argentine, and Square Top in that order and ending at the same TH.
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I started my journey at Silver dollar lake TH. From there hike until the trails ends at Murray Lake. On the way there you will see your future descent
2 down the gulch to Silver Dollar Lake on your return journey. Make note of this and it's location. Up close it looks a lot less steep than it does from far away or via a topo map. Once at Murray lake you will head due north to the south face of Mt. Wilcox.
3 You will work your way slightly to the right of a short cliff face and over a small streamuntil you get right below the south face of Wilcox. From there you have 2 options.... you can head west up a gentle slope to the saddle between Argentine and Wilcox and than double back along the west ridge to the summit of Wilcox. Or you can head straight up the south face, I choose the latter. Starting out it was alpine tundra with lots of natural switch backs to make the hike up easy. From there it is some easy small talus hopping until you get to the top. IMO it's worth taking it on directly instead of adding unnecessary distance to the trip.
Next head west and follow the obvious ridge down to the saddle and then start up the west ridge to Argentine. You will pass under some high voltage powerlines. Once at Argentine another straight forward southeast descent to the saddle to Square Top and then up Square Top.
4
Descent: Follow the eastern ridge down. There is a trail you will follow but only briefly as it will lead to Guanella Pass(not where you want to go). Eventually this ridgeline will fork with one ridge line going due east and the other more southeast(has trail). You want to follow the one headed due east without the trail(everyone else is coming up the southeast ridge from Guanella Pass) Head east down this ridge for only a little ways and you will come to the less steep gulch that dumps directly into silver dollar lake. This is your descent point. Begin your way down serpentining down the moderately steep yet grassy slopes of the gulch. The final 1/3rd of the gulch turns into briefcase sized talus. Also there is a little cliff with a stream running through it which can easily be routed by going to the right. From there you are basically home free and should already be able to hear dogs and hikers hanging around the lake. Finish the talus hopping working your way back to the east sides of the lake and ultimately to the silver dollar trail which will take you back to your car at the TH. If it was wet this descent might be a little more dicey. But when dry it's a cake walk for those who are sure footed.
GPX
