Lizard Head Wilderness

Located in the San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests in Colorado.

The Lizard Head Wilderness, lies astride the spectacular San Miguel Mountains in southwestern Colorado, 10 miles southwest of Telluride and 40 miles northeast of Cortez. The Wilderness encompasses 41,000 acres offering interesting and scenic trips. Navajo Lake lies at 11,154 feet and is a half-day hike from a jump-off point one mile above Burro Bridge Campground. Open campfires are prohibited in the area around Navajo Lake. Within the wilderness, the San Miguel Mountains consist of two distinct clusters of peaks. The eastern cluster, informally referred to as the Wilson Group, is the larger, and it contains several peaks over 14,000 feet--Mount Wilson, 14,245 feet El Diente Peak, 14,159 feet Wilson Peak, 14,017 feet and an unnamed summit on the spur south of Mount Wilson, known locally as South Wilson, 14,110 feet. Scarcely less imposing is Gladstone Peak, 13,913 feet. At somewhat lower elevation, about two miles east is the spectacular landmark of Lizard Head, a nearly vertical rock spire which rises 300 feet from a conical base to 13,113 feet.

The towering peaks and serrated ridges of the Wilson Group are separated from the western cluster of peaks -- the Dolores Peak Group -- by a saddle some two miles in length. The Dolores Peak Group is a smaller cluster of three peaks which reach a maximum elevation of 13,290 feet at Dolores Peak.

The area has short cool summers and long severe winters. There are several permanent snowfields and snow patches remain in sheltered areas throughout the summer. You should be prepared for freezing weather at all times of the year.

For more information contact: The San Juan or Uncompahgre National Forests