The 41,496 acre Lizard Head Wilderness lies astride the San Juan Mountains, (10 miles southwest of Telluride and 40 miles northeast of Cortez) within Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. The area is named for a prominent rock formation said to look like a lizard's head. Lizard Head itself is 13,113 feet (3,997 m) and is a volcanic spire of crumbling rock. The summit of Lizard Head Peak has been voted as one of Colorado's most dangerous and difficult climbs.
The Lizard Head Wilderness is part of the 109 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. This System of lands provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals. In wilderness, you can enjoy challenging recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and extraordinary opportunities for solitude. You play an important role in helping to "secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness" as called for by the Congress of the United States through the Wilderness Act of 1964. Please follow the requirements outlined below and use Leave No Trace techniques when visiting the Lizard Head Wilderness to ensure protection of this unique area.
General Wilderness Prohibitions
Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited on all federal lands designated as wilderness. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters, unless provided for in specific legislation.
ALL VISITORS
It is prohibited to enter or be in the area with more than 15 people per group, with a maximum combination of people and stock not to exceed 25 per group.
It is prohibited to build, maintain, or use a campfire: 1) within 100 feet of any lake, stream or National Forest System Trail; 2) above tree line; or 3) within Navajo Basin.
It is prohibited to store equipment, personal property, or supplies for longer than 3 days.
It is prohibited to possess a dog that is not under control, or that is disturbing or damaging wildlife, people, or property. Note that the term "under control" is defined as the dog being leashed, and/or under direct verbal control by the dog's owner or handler at all times.
STOCK USERS
It is prohibited to confine any pack or saddle animal in violation of posted instructions. Note that instructions include picketing, highlining, hitching, tethering, or corraling a horse or other pack animal within 100 feet of all lakes, streams, and National Forest System trails.
Backcountry wilderness trails in this infrequently visited wilderness are mostly above 9,000 feet in elevation and are strenuous and should be only be attempted by more advanced backpackers with adequate experience and equipment.
The area includes three prominent fourteeners:
- El Diente Peak (14,159 ft / 4316 m)
- Wilson Peak (14,017 ft / 4272 m)
- Mount Wilson (14,246 ft / 4342 m)
The Wilderness also includes the headwaters of the west fork of the Dolores River. For more information about this section, contact the Bureau of Land Management Dolores Public Lands Office at (970) 882 7296.
Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine.
Directions
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