Overview
Mount Wilcox is an easy 13er just north of Guanella Pass. From the Silver Dollar Lake trailhead you head up through open forest onto Wilcox's broad, grassy east ridge and walk to the summit, then loop back past Murray and Silver Dollar lakes.
It is Class 2, mostly grass and tundra, with rubble along the ridge toward Argentine Peak on the loop.
The loop is about 5.75 miles with 2,195 feet of gain and takes under four hours.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be on the summit by 11 a.m.
Nothing hard; getting around willows below the ridge.
Easy. Leave the road at the private-property gate and head northwest into the trees. If you hit willows, skirt west along the forest edge.
Silver Dollar and Murray lakes on the loop. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Silver Dollar Lake (Guanella Pass)
Get off I-70 at Georgetown (exit 228) and follow signs through town to the Guanella Pass Road (Colorado 381). Drive south past Guanella Pass Campground to a sharp curve, where there is a large day-use lot on the east side.
Turn right onto the Naylor Lake road. The small Silver Dollar Lake trailhead lot is about 0.6 mile up; if it's full, park back at the highway. Don't drive past the gate beyond; Naylor Lake is private.
Guanella Pass and Clear Lake campgrounds are nearby (fee), and there are a few primitive sites along the Naylor Lake road.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Silver Dollar Lake (Guanella Pass). Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →