Mount Wilson North Slopes

From the Navajo Lake trailhead (9,350'), hike west and north through meadows and forest for about 4.5 miles to Navajo Lake (11,150'), passing the Groundhog trail junction, crossing the West Dolores River on a bridge near 9,500', and passing a junction with the Woods Lake trail near 11,200'. From the lake, continue east along the north side of upper Navajo Basin for roughly 2 miles, through brush and across a rocky traverse, to about 12,200', where the turn-off toward Mount Wilson's northeast ridge comes into view. Leave the trail, cross a stream, and climb south onto a shoulder leading toward the ridge, following occasional trail segments and cairns on easy ground. At 13,100', reach a green, lichen-covered rock wall and climb its center — a couple of easy Class 3 moves near the top lead to easier terrain just above 13,400'. Rather than heading straight for the ridge, continue up to about 13,600', then begin an ascending traverse southwest across rock ribs and gullies; snow in the gullies can aid footing, while climbing too high turns the rib crossings into Class 3+ moves on loose boulders. Follow this traverse, gaining elevation gradually, to a final gully near 14,100' that leads to a notch in the northeast ridge. From the notch, climb right to a smaller notch, then follow the narrow summit ridge left through sustained Class 3 and 4 scrambling to the route's crux — a set of blocks blocking easy passage, with an exposed Class 4 move on the right and an easier line around to the left. Beyond the crux, a short scramble gains the 14,254' summit. Retrace the route to the trailhead.