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A shaded trail through thick forest to the base of Lizard Head Peak and the Lizard Head Trail #505.


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Map Key

3.4

Miles

5.5

KM

Point to Point

11,940' 3,639 m

High

10,027' 3,056 m

Low

1,934' 589 m

Up

21' 6 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Description

This trail is remarkable for its diversity of ecological zones. Heading north from the trailhead off the San Juan Skyway, it winds through intermittent fields of wildflowers and long grasses until ducking into large, thick stands of evergreens. You'll find a good deal of shade and canopy cover within the trees, making for a lovely trek in warmer weather.

The trail climbs through the trees at a moderate grade with areas of loose footing and a couple small, ephemeral creek crossings. As the trail emerges from the woods, it begins to climb more steeply for the last mile.

This final traverse above the treeline and along the ridge provides unbelievable views of the lush valley with its dark, volcanic soil, and alpine meadows that surround the peaks of the Lizard Head Wilderness.

Flora & Fauna

Lots of flowers and country that feels like there should be animals around.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 4 votes

#13

in Silverton

#11021

Overall
  4.3 from 4 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#13

in Silverton

#921

in Colorado

#11,021

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,319 Since Jul 5, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Looking across the valley to Mt. Wilson, El Diente, and Wilson Peak from Cross Mountain Trail #637.
Jul 26, 2016 near Mountai…, CO
Looking toward the ridgeline descent on the Cross Mountain Trail #637.
Jul 26, 2016 near Mountai…, CO
Basin below Lizard Head Trail.
Oct 31, 2023 near Mountai…, CO
Cross Mountain Trail #637 heading further north toward Wilson Peak from the intersection with Lizard Head Trail #505.
Jul 26, 2016 near Mountai…, CO
Cross Mountain Trail.
Oct 31, 2023 near Rico, CO
Back in the dense pine forest with a few ephemeral stream crossings.
Jul 26, 2016 near Rico, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 6, 2023
Kelli Fox
Jun 20, 2022
Valerie Norton
https://valhikes.blogspot.com/2022/06/black-face-and-lizard-head.html
Jun 22, 2021
Kon Matsuaki
One of the best hikes in CO. Trail was well maintained. Hike above the tree line and along ridge was beautiful.
Nov 19, 2020
Emily B
Oct 5, 2019
Luke Salisbury
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