Lizard Head Wilderness
High-country wilderness of towering fourteeners, a notorious volcanic spire, and rugged alpine basins near Telluride; light use, strenuous trails, and classic San Juan Mountain scenery.
Type of Area
National Forest
Address
Nearest Town
Telluride
Key Features
Park Size
41,496 acres
Highest Point
Mount Wilson (14,246 ft)
Major Wildlife
Elk; Mule Deer; Bighorn Sheep; Black Bear; Marmots; Pika
Miles of Trail
37 miles of trails
Popular Activities
Hiking; Backpacking; Mountaineering; Technical Climbing
Scenic Views
Lizard Head Spire; Mount Wilson; Wilson Peak; El Diente Peak; Navajo Basin; Bilk Basin
WiFi Access
Very limited
Best Time to Visit
Summer (July to early September) for mountaineering, Fall (Mid-September to early October) for foliage
Overview
Jaw-dropping rugged mountains, sparkling alpine lakes, and legendary, loose-rock spires; Lizard Head Wilderness is a dramatic high-altitude escape that captures the wild, untamed spirit of the San Juan Mountains.
Maps
Maps
A sprawling, 41,000-acre backcountry escape that demands respect and rewards with unparalleled views; use this essential map to navigate the high-alpine world of rugged peaks, deep cirques, and untouched wilderness.
Entrances & Fees
Park Entrances
Gateway to big views and bigger adventure: quick, paved access at Lizard Head Pass plus classic trailheads; Cross Mountain, Kilpacker, Navajo Lake, and Woods Lake, linking you to meadows, basins, and the Wilson Group’s dramatic peaks.
Fees & Passes
No entrance fees or wilderness permits are required; standard USFS wilderness regulations and special orders apply.
Accessibility & Seasonal Info
Accessibility
Big scenery without a big approach: paved roadside overlooks, restrooms, and short, view-heavy paths near the pass, while the interior wilderness remains primitive, steep, and unpaved.
Seasonal Access & Weather
High elevation and primitive routes mean snow, storms, and rapid weather shifts can affect travel well into summer and return early in fall.
Seasonal Closures
Seasonal Closures
Know before you go: seasonal snow hampers access, and Forest Orders set simple, year-round wilderness rules to protect fragile alpine terrain.
History & Culture
History & Culture
Designated in 1980, where peaks meet lore, the Lizard Head Wilderness is a wild San Juan sanctuary shaped by ancient volcanoes, Indigenous travel, bold first ascents, and a modern commitment to wilderness.
Geology & Ecology
Geology & Ecology
Volcanic spires, glacier-carved basins, wildflower meadows, and high-country forests; this is classic San Juan country.
Regulations & Considerations
Regulations & Considerations
USFS wilderness rules apply: no mechanized travel, strict group-size limits, dispersed-camping setbacks, and a campfire ban in Navajo Basin.