Lizard Head Wilderness Area

This wilderness was established by Congress in 1980 and is named after Lizard Head Peak. This freestanding spire stands at 13,113 feet and is a volcanic neck that crumbled into its present form. This area near the stylish town of Telluride and the laid-back town of Rico contains the westernmost 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado, Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak and El Diente (“the tooth”). Finally the Dolores Peak stands as a sentinel, one of the last peaks of the San Juans before blending into the red sandstone canyons of the Colorado Plateau. This area is known for the grandeur of the rugged mountains, surging streams, glaciated formed Navajo Lake and forests of aspens at its lower reaches blending into the Colorado blue spruce at the higher elevations. This area offers it all with the breathtaking peaks, beautiful valleys, and peaceful solitude. This is what makes this wilderness so appealing.

Trip 2: Killpacker Basin, August 29 – September 1 (easy- moderate)

Cost $1250/ person

This is a four day base camp trip. The first day is a 4 mile hike into Killpacker Basin (elevation gain 500 ft.). The camp is in a beautiful meadow below the magnificent 1400 ft. El Diente Peak. The next two days are layover days which can be spent in camp just relaxing or day hikes over to Navajo Lake, a beautiful high mountain lake at tree line, a 10 mile hike (elevation gain and loss1200 ft.), The other hike is the mountaineer trail to the base of the famous 1400 ft. peaks El Diente and Mt. Wilson (elevation gain and loss 1000 ft.) The last day is the hike out to the starting point 4 miles (elevation loss 500 ft.).

Trip 3: Lizard Head Wilderness, Aug 14-18 (moderate)

Cost: $1600/person

The first day is a 4 mile hike into our base camp which is located on the West Fork of the Dolores River nestled in the forest with expansive views (elevation gain 500 ft. and 250 ft. loss). From this camp there are two great day hikes, the first day is a hike to Navajo Lake which is located on the alpine tundra right at timberline. The second day is the hike into Killpacker Basin at the base of two of Colorado’ fourteeners El Diente and Mt. Wilson. This trip is a joint effort between Redwood Llamas and Canyonlands Field Institute (CFI). It includes an overnight stay at the Dolores Mountain Inn which also includes breakfast and an orientation by naturalists guides from CFI.

Our goal is to provide you with a memorable, safe vacation, free of stress, and to expose you to what we feel are the best mountains in the Rocky Mountain Region.