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1750 Hits
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77.48% Score
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8 Votes
Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon:
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37.85666°N / 108.00116°W |
County:
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Dolores&San Miguel |
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Elevation:
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13540 ft / 4127 m |
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Overview
13540 as seen from Fowler Peak
13540 from the saddleWhy 13540 B? because there is Unnamed 13540 A also located in the San Juan Mountains.
Colorado Rank: 226 (tricentennial peak)
Class: 2
Parent Lineage: Wilson Peak
Wilderness: Lizard Head
Nearby Peaks:
- Fowler Peak 0.58 miles
- Wilson Peak 0.92 miles
- Gladstone Peak 1.22 miles
- El Diente 1.22 miles
- Mount Wilson 1.31 miles
- Boskoff Peak 1.64 miles
Getting There
From Ridgway, take CO 62 towards Telluride. Drive Dallas Divide and into Placerville, turn left onto CO 145. Drive 6.5 miles and turn onto well signed Silver Pick Road. This is easy 4 WD road, high clearance 2 WD should be fine. Drive 4 miles to an intersection and bear right onto FR 622 (all turns are marked; this is the standard winter closure). Drive 2.2 miles and bear right onto FR 645. Cross a small stream and continue to Rock of Ages Trailhead at 10,300 feet.
Route
Towards the saddleWe could see an old road here and there between the snow, but we chose to directly ascend on easy snow slopes, maybe 35 degrees steep, it got a little steeper near the saddle. I was happy for so much snow covering the talus and scree. We continued to ascend all the way to the saddle between Fowler Peak and UN 13540. Since our objective was to summit both peaks, we went first onto Fowler Peak, returned back to the saddle and went up the easy west ridge to the summit of 13540. The summit offered great views. There was a cairn and summit register. We retraced out way back to the saddle and returned the same way back.
I also read a report about summiting UN 13540 from Rock of Ages saddle. This would be a great option later in the summer when "school bus basin" is snow free, or if you wish to combine 13540 with Wilson Peak. Per reports this east ridge route from Rock of Ages saddle is class 3.
Red Tape
School Bus Basin - bus removed since it does not belong into the wilderness
Mount Wilson El Diente traverseMotorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
ALL VISITORS
It is prohibited to enter or be in the area with more than 15 people per group, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 per group.
It is prohibited to build, maintain, or use a campfire: 1) within 100 feet of any lake, stream or National Forest System Trail; 2) above tree line; or 3) within Navajo Basin.
It is prohibited to store equipment, personal property, or supplies for longer than 3 days.
It is prohibited to possess a dog that is not under control, or that is disturbing or damaging wildlife, people, or property. Note that the term "under control" is defined as the dog being leashed, and/or under direct verbal control by the dog's owner or handler at all times.
When to Climb
The best time to climb this peak is when the "school bus basin" is still covered with snow - early summer. This avoid ascending loose and nasty scree and talus. Obviously you can climb at any time, winter and early spring pose a high avalanche danger.
Camping
You can sleep at the parking lot - Silver Pick Trailhead. There are several primitive campsites along the road to the parking road as well. Developed campgrounds - the closest one would be at Wood Lake, for more information click here.