Rock of Ages Approach

Difficulty

Class 1

Risk Factors

ExposureModerate
RockfallLow
Route-FindingLow
CommitmentLow

TrailheadRock of Ages
10,400 feet

Stop13,000 ft

Elevation Gain2,800 ft

Length Round-TripRT8.5 mi

Peak Conditions239 reports

Downloads

GPX

KML

Route Last Updated: Jul 2026

Trailhead

From Ridgway, leave U.S. 550 and take Colorado 62 toward Telluride. Drive over Dallas Divide, down to Placerville and turn left onto Colorado 145. Drive 6.7 miles and turn right onto the Silver Pick road (dirt). From here, it's 8.5 miles to the trailhead. Drive 4 miles to an intersection and turn right onto "59 H" which is also Forest Road 622. Continue 2.3 miles, turn right onto FR 645 and continue 2.2 miles to the Rock of Ages trailhead, near 10,350'. Notes: After 1 mile on the FR 645 road, you must cross the stream in Big Bear Creek which usually isn't too bad by mid-July. Also, there are some designated camp sites along this road.

Route Description

From the trailhead, hike south on the Rock of Ages (#429) trail. Shortly after leaving the trailhead, stay left 1. After walking over a mile, turn left to begin your ascent out of Elk Creek Basin 2. Follow the trail northeast 3 over the ridge separating Elk and Silver Pick basins and enter Silver Pick Basin, near 11,400' 4.

Once in Silver Pick, stay on the designated (and hopefully signed) road/trail as you ascend through the basin 5 6 7 8 9. Near 12,100', the road turns left and goes around a small hill to reach a dilapidated stone building. Walk past the building and look for a rugged trail on the left 10. Follow it east onto talus before turning south toward the broad, steep slope at the end of the basin 11. Grind up steeper terrain as the trail swings right and then left toward the Rock of Ages saddle 12. Carefully staying on the established trail, continue southeast to the saddle 13 14 15.

Notes

IMPORTANT: This route enters the Lizard Head Wilderness area. Designated wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.

Maps

JPG Image

Interactive Map & 3D Flythrough

Photos

Weather

Caution: The information contained in this route may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this route provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the route author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App