Near Wilson Peak Trail
Looking back at the ridge below Wilson Peak's false summit.
Near Wilson Peak Trail
After gaining the ridge, you can see where you're headed.
Near Wilson Peak Trail
The climb to the saddle below Wilson Peak.
Near Wilson Peak Trail
Looking back on the ridge you've ascended.
Near Wilson Peak Trail
Hiking towards the summit of Wilson Peak.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Wilson Peak Trail

3.5 (2 Ratings)
A short, rocky hike n' scramble up 14er Wilson Peak.
0.4
mi
Distance
758
ft
Gain
extreme
Difficulty
ViewsWildlife
Access Issues
The road to Kilpacker and Navajo Lake Trailheads are usually closed far below during the winter. Rock of Ages access may be limited as well. Dogs will not be able to do this trail.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.42mi
Distance
758ft
Elevation Gain
74ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
14,018ft
High Point
13,282ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This peak can be accessed from several different trailheads. Do some research to determine which route best reaches your goals. This route to the summit may be short, but it takes a good bit of time due to the navigation and scrambling. From the Rock of Ages Saddle (junction of this trail with Silver Pick Trail and Navajo Lake Trail at around 13,200 ft), head east up a Martian-looking rocky trail. The lower reaches of Wilson Peak are in front of you and to the left, but the summit isn't yet visible. If you approached from Rock of Ages, you probably had an excellent view of the entire peak. After around 150 yards and a little gain up the trail, reach the saddle with 13er Gladstone Peak, to your right. Angle to the left around the bottom of the ridge created by the peak. You'll be on slanted rocks here, so be careful. As soon as you come around this corner, most of the route is visible. Hike along on vague trails with the occasional cairn. This is steep and loose, but consistent is fairly easy to follow, all the way to the false summit at 13,900 ft. You may opt to reach the ridge at around 13,600 ft and scramble up, or simply stay on the trail down low. Once at the false summit, it's a short class 3 scramble to the top. Descend a mere 50 ft down the other side of the false summit, and begin the scrambling. Cross some fairly stable but exposed gray rock left of the ridge, and scramble back up to ridge proper. This section is a bit loose and very shaded, it will hold snow longer than the rest of the sunny path so keep that in mind. From here the terrain is a rocky class 2 to a flat and rocky summit at 14,023ft.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Sunshine to Navajo Route

Hike Route

Sunshine to Navajo Route

Fall Colors
strenuous
14.06 mi
+4,085 ft
Wilson Group

Hike Route

Wilson Group

Fall Colors
extreme
13.58 mi
+6,405 ft
Cross Mountain Trail

Hike Route

Cross Mountain Trail

Views
strenuous
6.61 mi
+1,954 ft
Cross Mountain Summit Route

Hike Route

Cross Mountain Summit Route

Fall Colors
strenuous
8.78 mi
+2,906 ft
Wilson Meadows

Hike Route

Wilson Meadows

Views
moderate
6.79 mi
+1,406 ft
Lizard Head Trail to Cross Mountain Trail Loop

Classic Hike Route

Lizard Head Trail to Cross Mountain Trail Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
11.53 mi
+2,840 ft
Contributors
Tyler Prince