9/20/2013 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 9/22/2013, By: jimmtman Info: Dry up to the false summit. There crossing over the North side there is snow on the Class 3 sections. Light traction like microspikes may be helpful. |
|
8/27/2013 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 8/28/2013, By: HikingSibes Info: There is no snow to be found, however there are some washouts from recent rains. Take care crossing talus as approaching saddle. Also (my opinion) This hike is more like a 3+ than a 3, due to sheer drop offs in some exposed areas. We quit w/ .3miles to go, as we felt risk was too high. Did Sneffels SW Ridge, also rated a 3 with complete ease and didn‘t feel as if that was a risk for my skill level. Additionally, this is a no dog trail & the sheriff was out patrolling the area by vehicle. Just some thoughts.... |
|
8/11/2013 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 8/12/2013, By: WSC_Geologist12 Info: We drove in on 8/10 and noticed a decent snow accumulation on the San Juans when we got to Montrose. We attempted the route anyway. Got to 13,500‘ and decided to try and wait for the snow to melt a little before moving higher. However, the summer monsoon moved in before the snow melted enough for our comfort level so we headed down. The trip was still worth it! |
|
6/22/2013 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 6/23/2013, By: TheGreatCamillo Info: Climbed on 6/22 and the trail was almost entirely clear. There were a few steep snow crossing on the trail in the basin which may warrant an axe early in the morning but those are melting fast and will be gone soon. Other than that there is no snow higher on the mountain. The trail is fairly well defined on the upper mountain and relatively easy to navigate as well. |
|
6/9/2013 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 6/9/2013, By: Nelson Info: Climbed Wilson today. I lost track of how many times I transitioned to crampons and back. This was my slowest ascent of Wilson ever but it was fun and the weather was blue bird. The upper mountain was definitely a "mixed" climb. The good news is that it was really warm and melting fast. Also, from Rock of Ages back I didn‘t post hole once in spite of a lot of snow. Stay on the "dirty" snow. |
|
11/3/2012 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 11/4/2012, By: Jyak Info: We climbed via Silver Pick Basin and the Rock of Ages Trailhead. The road is totally dry and very passable all the way to trailhead. The creek crossing is very low and was no issue. Of course, Silver Pick heads in via north aspects. We were dry until about 11,500' where there was a dusting of snow. At 12,000' snow was ankle deep. At 12,500 and above, you would find spots where snow could be up to your knees. The final traverse out of the basin and to the Rock of Ages Saddle was mostly loose snow but with three short spots (20 feet in length) of bullet hard snow (photo 1). Ax and crampons are a good idea. Once making the Rock of Ages Saddle, the two south aspect traverses were bone dry (photo 2). From the false summit, you down climb in shadow, so the snow cover on the down climb from the false summit was a bit more pronounced. We ran into a group that didn't have crampons (just micro spikes) who didn't feel comfortable, so we rigged a rappel (photo 3). The summit pyramid, itself, has a bit of loose snow at its base, but is clean and dry from 1/3 of the way up all the way to the top (photo 4). |
|
9/16/2012 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 9/18/2012, By: Dan_Suitor Info: Dry the entire way. No snow anywhere. |
|
6/21/2012 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 6/22/2012, By: Matt Lemke Info: Wilson Peak ridge was dry...fun scramble. The Rock Of Ages trail had about 5 decent sized snow fields covering the trail...nice bucket steps in them al though. Descent into Navajo Basin was dry. |
|
6/11/2012 Route: Rock of Ages Approach Posted On: 6/14/2012, By: summitbound Info: Road up to TH in great shape. Stream crossing is low. Still numerous snowfields to cross coming up the ROA trail, once you cross over into Silver Pick Basin. Crampons not required. Ice ax would be helpful but also not required. TH dry from ROA saddle all the way to the summit. Some very minor snow in the crux of route from false summit to real summit but avoidable. First pic is entire Wilson Peak route from Navajo Basin.. Second pic is looking at Silver Pick Basin from near ROA saddle |
|
10/3/2011 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 10/3/2011, By: RadioJay Info: Snow in Silver Pick Basin from just above stone ruins (12,200‘) to Rock of Ages saddle. Remainder of route is dry except for exposed gully between false summit and peak. Recommend crampons or microspikes and ice axe. Navajo Basin is dry. Note this info is perishable; snow is forecast for 10/4/11. |
|
8/20/2011 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 9/4/2011, By: Wyoming Bob Info: Via new Silverpick trail, no dark approach route finding issues, good clear obvious signage, Rock of Ages saddle to Wilson Peak/Gladstone notch dry, no route finding issues, route from notch to summit also dry and no route finding issues. High route from notch avoided lower snow field crossing (this info is getting a bit old at this point as to snow) Climber comfortable up high can avoid snow down low via higher exit from notch. |
|
8/7/2011 Route: Bilk Basin Posted On: 8/8/2011, By: Gahugafuga Info: I saw a bear cub fleeing into the woods above the mine at 10,100‘ on the Bilk Basin approach. I never saw Mama Bear but I bet she saw me! The route above 12,000‘ can be chosen for minimal or substantial amounts of snow depending upon your inclination. |
|
7/4/2011 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 7/5/2011, By: Monster5 Info: Mostly dry route with a few, avoidable (or low angle) snow fields. I didn‘t bother taking my axe out, but it would be a good idea to have one. And it saves a bit of talus hopping. Easy snow up to the Rock of Ages Mine (avoidable by taking a talus line). Some snow immediately after the Gladstone saddle (stay just above), and a few patches along the traverse up to the ridge (talus hop around or climb through with an axe). Otherwise, talus and dry scrambling. Crux is dry and far easier than it appears from the false summit. Marmot ate my hat. |
|
1/8/2011 Route: Southwest Ridge Posted On: 1/10/2011, By: benners Info: A few shots of the Wilson Group from the Telluride ski area, for what they‘re worth... |
