Access Update:  Wilson Peak

As this is written on April 13, 2010, access to the peak via the traditional standard route from the north through Silver Pick Basin remains closed. The Elk Creek Road (#645) along the Wilson Mesa Trail has been partially graded and work is to be finalized by the end of September. Trail signage is being done and most of the new Rock of Ages Trail has already been constructed in upper Silver Pick by the Forest Service, CMC, and the Telluride Mountain Club.

Access to the standard southwest ridge route on Wilson Peak remains open via other routes. These include Navajo Basin (Trail #635) and the Lizard Head Trail (#505).  The Lizard Head Trail can be accessed from either Sunshine Mesa Road #623 or from the trailhead at Lizard Head Pass on US Highway 145.

This message will be updated as soon as the USFS advises work is done on the road. Updates to the status of Wilson Peak access will also be posted on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, & Gunnison National Forest website at:  http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug/.  

Wilson Peak by Todd Caudle

Access Update:  Lincoln, Democrat, Bross

Since 2005, the CMC has worked with the US Forest Service, private property owners, and other partners to reopen legal access to Mounts Lincoln, Bross & Democrat. Access to Mounts Lincoln, Cameron Point, and Mount Democrat has been available beginning in June, 2009 from the Kite Lake trailhead on a conditional basis. The only approved route is to the Cameron/Democrat saddle; up Democrat; over Cameron to Lincoln; return via the trail below the summit of Bross. 

The summit of Mount Bross remains closed. Other routes on Democrat such as the south ridge and access to the saddle from above Montgomery Reservoir remain closed to the public. Access to the peaks via Quartzville or Windy Saddle or the southeast ridge of Lincoln also are not open. All legal climbing must be on the signed trails departing from Kite Lake. Please read our press release for more information.

Stakeholders will meet with the property owners at the close of the climbing season for an assessment of results. Watch the CMC web site for postings regarding any changes.

Access Update:  Crestone Peak & Crestone Needle

Access to the peaks from the west via the Cottonwood Creek trail remains closed to the public. CMC is continuing to engage in discussions with the property owners. The Spanish Creek Trail also is closed. There is no parking allowed on the road near the stream crossing where the old sign for Spanish Creek was located.

 The South Colony Lakes road on the east side is scheduled to close to motorized access at the first stream crossing at the close of the summer climbing season in October.

Other Access Information

Boulder Mountain Parks announces seasonal wildlife closures that effect which routes you may climb. These are posted on the City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks website under Trail and Area Closures to Protect Wildlife

For up to date climbing access information go to http://www.accessfund.org/