South Wilson Peak Ski
Date: 5/2/2025
Partners: Solo
Trailhead: Cross Mountain TH
Distance: 10.5m
Elevation Gain: 4870ft
Duration: 6hrs 50min
GPX
The approach from Cross Mountain TH to Slate Creek Basin isn't difficlut but it does require navigational attention as is twists, turns, ascends and desends. My track illustrates that you need to pay attention on both approach and exit hahaha! I don't think I have been in or out that same way twice.
In addition... while I didn't have any supportability issues... this approach would be hell with unsupportable snow.
South Wilson has some great spring ski options on east and south aspects.
I was hoping to ski east but was a little late and ended up skiing south. Would love to go back for east.
This unranked 14er is definitely a fun spring objective
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10.5m - 4870ft - 6hrs 50min
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Lizard Head comes into view early in the approach
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After weaving up and down through undulating terrain I made it to the upper basin. South Wilson on the left... Gladstone upper right
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I contoured around to the South Wilson's south slopes and skinned to the summit. My plan was to ski the southeast face (front and center)
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Gladstone views to the north
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Gladstone's south face is layered with towers and very impressive
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More of South Wilson as I contour to the south slopes
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San Miguel views to the east
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Amazing perspective of Lizard Head
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Lizard Head is so dark it can sometimes be hard to see
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The final pitch up the ridge to the summit after skinning the moderately steep south slopes
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The Wilson Traverse - El Diente(L) and Mount Wilson (R)
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A closer look at Mount Wilson's south face
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El Diente... The significant bump to it's right is Pin Point... an unranked 14er and one of my favorites
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Lizard Head in front of a massive San Juan backdrop
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Me and Mount Wilson
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My intent was to ski east however I triggered a sizable wet slide on my first turn and opted to ski south... the same way I ascended
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I followed my skin tracks back to the south face
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Amazing corn top to bottom... south did not disappoint
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Sheep Mountain and the Sheep Chute to the southeast
