Mount Wilson Southwest Slopes

The route begins and ends at the Kilpacker trailhead (10,100') and reaches the 14,254' summit of Mount Wilson. From the trailhead, hike northwest out of the clearing into dense forest on a gradual dirt trail, crossing occasional erosion and briefly leaving the tread in a few spots. At 2.5 miles, reach a junction at 10,300'; stay right toward the Wilson Group — left leads to Navajo Lake Trail. Continue north past minor ups and downs until Kilpacker's rocky tread gives out around 12,600' at a cairned junction with El Diente's south slopes route; from here, route-finding replaces trail. Head east along the north side of the basin following cairns, then angle northeast into a drainage as the basin ends. Climb the drainage to about 13,200', aim for a talus pile, turn left, and continue to 13,700'. Climb left onto rocks below the El Diente-Wilson connecting ridge to avoid loose terrain. At 13,800', traverse beneath cliffs on loose rock into a gully, climb briefly, and locate the rib crossover point. Crux: From here, turn right and make a few Class 3 moves to gain the rib — mark this spot; it's easy to miss on the descent. Drop into the gully on the far side and climb along its edge to a notch on Mount Wilson's south ridge near 14,200'. Turn left for the final 150-foot pitch to the summit, the route's most exposed section, though difficulty stays Class 3. Retrace the route to descend, taking care to relocate the rib crossover point.