NORWOOD – The Norwood Ranger District announced last week that public access to Wilson Peak, through private lands in Silver Pick Basin, will remain closed until further notice. Future public access will open pending the reconstruction of the Elk Creek Road (Forest Service Road No. 645) and the acquisition of a trail easement through private lands in the basin.

The Elk Creek Road will provide the primary access to the new Rock of Ages Trailhead. Work planned for this road includes the removal of timber, road reconstruction and trailhead development. It is expected to begin in June or July.

There is currently no public access through private lands in Silver Pick Basin. The Forest Service is in the final stages of obtaining a trail easement through these private lands and until the easement is obtained, all public access through private lands in the basin is closed.

In the interim, hikers who desire to climb Wilson Peak have several other options available to them. Suggested routes include the Navajo Trail No. 635 and the Lizard Head Trail No. 505. The Lizard Head Trail can be accessed from either Sunshine Mesa Road No. 623 (Bilk Creek route) or from the trailhead at Lizard Head Pass on U.S. Highway 145.

Work and progress updates on the status of Wilson Peak access will be posted on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest website at www.fs.us/r2/gmug/.