ericd - Aug 19, 2021 11:28 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2021
Exhilarating airy traverse from El Diente!
Combined with a morning climb up El Diente, the 2-hr, 1-mile traverse over to Mt Wilson is a gotta-have combo! (Wilson Peak same day is a little too far) Similar to the Bells traverse, I wore leather gloves and comfy shoes. Rain in August, who would of thought? Approaching from the SE, the 7-mile Kilpacker Trail offered lush vegetation, water access, well-cairned talus fields, and an upwind view of inbound clouds & thickness. Although commitment & exposure remain high on Mt Wilson, an escape route at the saddle near the narrow section is only about a 30-min commitment worst case scenario. #50 was challenging but an exhilarating & aerial tour of the Uncompagre!
Sarah Simon - Sep 7, 2020 2:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2020
CO 14er finisher - Navajo Lake to North Slopes
Several previous attempts on this summit were scuttled due to weather, worn out partners and even volatile work schedules. Happy to finally reach the summit under nearly cloudless September skies.
Sarah Simon - Sep 7, 2020 2:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2020
CO 14er finisher - Navajo Lake to North Slopes
Several precious attempts on this summit were scuttled due to weather, worn out partners and even volatile work schedules. Happy to finally reach the summit under nearly cloudless September skies.
Scott - Aug 17, 2020 5:37 pm Date Climbed: Jul 19, 2020
Mount Wilson
July 18
After arriving at Woods Lake in the late afternoon, Kessler and I hiked over the pass and to Navajo Lake. We took this approach since I hadn’t done it before.
After reaching Navajo Lake and seeing that a lot of people were camped there, we pushed on up the talus and camped on a grassy bench at 11,960 feet elevation. It was almost dark, so we set up camp, filtered water, ate dinner, and went right to bed.
July 19
I didn't sleep much at all, so we got a later start than planned. We didn't it the trail until 6:40 AM. We then hiked up towards Rock of Ages Saddle, but cut off to the north spur of Mount Wilson. The first half of the spur was a pretty nice scramble, but the second half was an unpleasant and steel talus slog. We reached the ridge and then heded for the summit. The last part was a fun and exposed scramble. We reached the summit at 10:00 AM and spend 40 minutes on top.
On the way down, it started to hail and snow. We went down the mountain as quick as we could, but my feet were really sore so we didn't go as fast as we wanted. We packed up camp in the rain and then headed back to the trailhead. It was a very long trip down with sore feet.
Woodie Hopper - Sep 24, 2019 6:03 am Date Climbed: Sep 23, 2019
Traverse from El Diente
Solo. From El Diente. Took about two hours on the traverse. Must have been a little off route at times getting up some low 5 chimneys. Tons of loose rock. Had both peaks to myself. Cloudy all day, but thankfully no rain.
yadahzoemtn - Feb 2, 2019 3:28 pm Date Climbed: Sep 21, 2018
From Kilpacker Basin
Exhausting day of boulder hopping. With Michael T
eli.boardman - Dec 27, 2018 10:43 am Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2018
#1 09-21-18 W/ Lana. Camped at 10,550', set out at 6:30 and enjoyed lovely fall weather including light winds on the summit. This is not an easy climb, especially if you don't like rocks, boulders and sketchy sections where rockfall is a real threat. Nonetheless enjoyable.
Onager - May 20, 2018 9:41 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2018
South Slope
Climbed with Matt, camped at Kilpacker TH, 530a to 1900 hrs. More of a snow climb this time of year with occasional class 3 rock. Good, but long day.
Wheelbarrow - Feb 5, 2018 11:41 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2017
#21
This helluva basin provided me with one of the most stressful, mentally challenging days of the summer. Didn't expect the slopes to retain this much snow so with running shoes on I traversed the ridge all the way around and ended up on El Diente at sunset and "suicide climbed" down its North Slopes and safely made my way back to the Rock of Ages saddle and back to the car.
skorpeo - Dec 14, 2016 12:01 am Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2014
Via Traverse
Really great day!!
Matt Lemke - Jan 12, 2016 7:32 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2012
Fun 4th class on top
Summitted after doing the traverse from El Diente. Had a fantastic day. These were Josh Lewis's forst CO 14ers. The 4th class on top was more technical than anything on Capitol
Lots of loose rocks and scree, this route is the best with snow, otherwise be ready for some suffer fest. However, despite loose rock this was grea climb.
astroclimber - Aug 17, 2014 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2014
Great Day
With Kat and Dave
DanielL - Oct 4, 2013 11:42 pm Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2013
Wilson-El Diente Traverse
Took the traverse from El Diente (awesome route) and descended the very loose south face into Kilpacker Basin. The crux move at the end is exhilarating!
boisedoc - Sep 1, 2013 12:40 am Date Climbed: Aug 30, 2013
last one
finished the Colorado 14ers after 25 years. Took a route from Kilpacker basin that is not aesthetic but avoids the class 4 section. Basically just some class 2 gully climbing with loose rocks. Great weather on top, especially considering the recent monsoon weather
Trailboss88 - Aug 14, 2013 10:04 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2013
1st year it snowed, only got Wilson Peak. 2nd year it snowed so canceled the trip. 3rd year decided to go in July instead of September, did the El Diente to Wilson traverse, great fun and success! Access from Navajo Basin/trailhead with backpack.
Soloed as a day trip from Navajo TH. West Ridge to El Diente and then continued the Traverse to Mt. Wilson.
Stayed mostly true on the West Ridge and thought it was at least as hard and exposed as the Traverse itself (although did not stay nearly as true on the Traverse).
11.5 hrs incl. time on summits, taking pics, and talking to people (but ran part way back)
ericd - Aug 19, 2021 11:28 pm Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2021
Exhilarating airy traverse from El Diente!Combined with a morning climb up El Diente, the 2-hr, 1-mile traverse over to Mt Wilson is a gotta-have combo! (Wilson Peak same day is a little too far) Similar to the Bells traverse, I wore leather gloves and comfy shoes. Rain in August, who would of thought? Approaching from the SE, the 7-mile Kilpacker Trail offered lush vegetation, water access, well-cairned talus fields, and an upwind view of inbound clouds & thickness. Although commitment & exposure remain high on Mt Wilson, an escape route at the saddle near the narrow section is only about a 30-min commitment worst case scenario. #50 was challenging but an exhilarating & aerial tour of the Uncompagre!
Sarah Simon - Sep 7, 2020 2:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2020
CO 14er finisher - Navajo Lake to North SlopesSeveral previous attempts on this summit were scuttled due to weather, worn out partners and even volatile work schedules. Happy to finally reach the summit under nearly cloudless September skies.
Sarah Simon - Sep 7, 2020 2:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 5, 2020
CO 14er finisher - Navajo Lake to North SlopesSeveral precious attempts on this summit were scuttled due to weather, worn out partners and even volatile work schedules. Happy to finally reach the summit under nearly cloudless September skies.
Scott - Aug 17, 2020 5:37 pm Date Climbed: Jul 19, 2020
Mount WilsonJuly 18
After arriving at Woods Lake in the late afternoon, Kessler and I hiked over the pass and to Navajo Lake. We took this approach since I hadn’t done it before.
After reaching Navajo Lake and seeing that a lot of people were camped there, we pushed on up the talus and camped on a grassy bench at 11,960 feet elevation. It was almost dark, so we set up camp, filtered water, ate dinner, and went right to bed.
July 19
I didn't sleep much at all, so we got a later start than planned. We didn't it the trail until 6:40 AM. We then hiked up towards Rock of Ages Saddle, but cut off to the north spur of Mount Wilson. The first half of the spur was a pretty nice scramble, but the second half was an unpleasant and steel talus slog. We reached the ridge and then heded for the summit. The last part was a fun and exposed scramble. We reached the summit at 10:00 AM and spend 40 minutes on top.
On the way down, it started to hail and snow. We went down the mountain as quick as we could, but my feet were really sore so we didn't go as fast as we wanted. We packed up camp in the rain and then headed back to the trailhead. It was a very long trip down with sore feet.
Woodie Hopper - Sep 24, 2019 6:03 am Date Climbed: Sep 23, 2019
Traverse from El DienteSolo. From El Diente. Took about two hours on the traverse. Must have been a little off route at times getting up some low 5 chimneys. Tons of loose rock. Had both peaks to myself. Cloudy all day, but thankfully no rain.
yadahzoemtn - Feb 2, 2019 3:28 pm Date Climbed: Sep 21, 2018
From Kilpacker BasinExhausting day of boulder hopping. With Michael T
eli.boardman - Dec 27, 2018 10:43 am Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2018
Solo El Diente - Wilson traverseSmoky skies and fun scrambling
Moogie737 - Sep 23, 2018 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Sep 21, 2018
Southwest Sloes, Kilpacker Basin#1 09-21-18 W/ Lana. Camped at 10,550', set out at 6:30 and enjoyed lovely fall weather including light winds on the summit. This is not an easy climb, especially if you don't like rocks, boulders and sketchy sections where rockfall is a real threat. Nonetheless enjoyable.
Onager - May 20, 2018 9:41 am Date Climbed: May 18, 2018
South SlopeClimbed with Matt, camped at Kilpacker TH, 530a to 1900 hrs. More of a snow climb this time of year with occasional class 3 rock. Good, but long day.
Wheelbarrow - Feb 5, 2018 11:41 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2017
#21This helluva basin provided me with one of the most stressful, mentally challenging days of the summer. Didn't expect the slopes to retain this much snow so with running shoes on I traversed the ridge all the way around and ended up on El Diente at sunset and "suicide climbed" down its North Slopes and safely made my way back to the Rock of Ages saddle and back to the car.
skorpeo - Dec 14, 2016 12:01 am Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2014
Via TraverseReally great day!!
Matt Lemke - Jan 12, 2016 7:32 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2012
Fun 4th class on topSummitted after doing the traverse from El Diente. Had a fantastic day. These were Josh Lewis's forst CO 14ers. The 4th class on top was more technical than anything on Capitol
Senad Rizvanovic - Sep 7, 2015 7:10 pm Date Climbed: Sep 6, 2015
South slopesLots of loose rocks and scree, this route is the best with snow, otherwise be ready for some suffer fest. However, despite loose rock this was grea climb.
astroclimber - Aug 17, 2014 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2014
Great DayWith Kat and Dave
DanielL - Oct 4, 2013 11:42 pm Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2013
Wilson-El Diente TraverseTook the traverse from El Diente (awesome route) and descended the very loose south face into Kilpacker Basin. The crux move at the end is exhilarating!
boisedoc - Sep 1, 2013 12:40 am Date Climbed: Aug 30, 2013
last onefinished the Colorado 14ers after 25 years. Took a route from Kilpacker basin that is not aesthetic but avoids the class 4 section. Basically just some class 2 gully climbing with loose rocks. Great weather on top, especially considering the recent monsoon weather
Trailboss88 - Aug 14, 2013 10:04 pm Date Climbed: Aug 14, 2013
via north slopesApproached from Rock of Ages. 9 hours roundtrip.
Liba Kopeckova - Jul 27, 2013 9:56 pm
nice scrambleFrom Silver Pick, did West Buttress on El Diente, then the traverse to Mount Wilson, scary clouds. Fun on the ridge...
rockymountaindiva - Jul 26, 2013 3:28 pm Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2012
3rd try is a charm1st year it snowed, only got Wilson Peak. 2nd year it snowed so canceled the trip. 3rd year decided to go in July instead of September, did the El Diente to Wilson traverse, great fun and success! Access from Navajo Basin/trailhead with backpack.
blueshade - Jul 2, 2013 11:38 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2013
Traverse from Navajo THSoloed as a day trip from Navajo TH. West Ridge to El Diente and then continued the Traverse to Mt. Wilson.
Stayed mostly true on the West Ridge and thought it was at least as hard and exposed as the Traverse itself (although did not stay nearly as true on the Traverse).
11.5 hrs incl. time on summits, taking pics, and talking to people (but ran part way back)