This trail is open year-round from the 2wd trailhead off Guanella Pass, but if you have an appropriate vehicle (and the snow is melted) you can drive another 0.7 miles to the upper trailhead. Hiking the Wilcox pass rewards you will stunning views of the mountains surrounding you, valleys and great views of glaciers. Completed 2020-08-15. And also, it's risky if you don't have some skills. The trail provides a continuous green pathway through a chain of mountains and hills. Head on down the trail to Silver Dollar Lake and perhaps cool your feet. MODERATE 5.6 mi. Mount Wilcox Climbing Notes. We continued passed Wilcox Pass to reach the summit. Although Mount Wilcox is a modest peak in terms of elevation compared to many of the peaks that surround it, its location and summit views make it a true gem of a scramble. Little scramble the last 100m or so. MODERATE 5.1 mi. Do not attempt to drive in. Wilcox offers yet another easy Class 2 hike that is readily accessible from two different trailheads. This hike should only be done early in the day and in good weather. Overall, it was beautiful! Since access can be had from either Leavenworth Gulch or Silver Dollar Lake, this is an easy peak to get in the winter season. Mt. Mount Wilcox has been on my list for some time now. Not sure why someone had built that wall that at the first thought it was an indication to not cross it. A big thanks to all who have made it possible to continue this website! Wilcox is chiefly hiked in the summer or in late spring as a snow climb. Mt. MODERATE 3.2 mi. Mount Wilcox is a 7.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No. Naylor Lake is on Private Property. If you find yourself heading into a lot of willows, skirt west along the edge of the forest until you get past the willows and then begin making a steeper ascent for the next 400 vertical feet, and then veer right to gain the very broad east ridge of Wilcox. The effort to reward ratio is phenomenal. Wilcox combines an excellent approach trail with an enjoyable ridgewalk up the first two/thirds of its southern flank, and then, for those comfortable with a little exposure, an engaging scrambling section to spice things up a bit on the way to the summit. The trail can be faint but you'll find your way, just stick to the base of Mount Wilcox on the left.In the 1950's Wilcox Pass, among other areas of Jasper National Park, were used for the shooting of The Far Country starring James Stewart. Highly recommended! Whether you enjoy challenging or simple hikes, we invite you to explore our desert beauty. Took 3.5 hours from beyond wilcox pass and back. Parts of the trail are little more difficult than others but on the whole it's not a hard hike. Get tips and advice for exploring this Jasper hiking trail. Great views for almost the entire duration of the hike. Would definitely do again. Proceed 1/4 of the way through the circle and exit south onto Argentine St. Drive south on Argentine then turn left onto 11th St. Views from the summit were spectacular, and the pass is a great place to hang out. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, I stopped to rest and eat lunch at the Mount Wilcox North Shelter. It is windy and cold though so bring a light jacket! We had a hard time finding a defined “trail” to the summit at first, but it looks like there are a few different routes that people have taken. Wilcox Pass Trail – Jasper National Park. General information on hikingincludes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations. Easy going almost all tundra terrain and not too steep an ascent angle make this a good one to break them in on. There is over 80 miles of marked hiking trails available to explore. The route we offer here will be a reverse of how we actually did this hike in 2003. There are many spectacular views from the open areas on the mountain, making this a very popular hike. We ventured off a little, I thankfully had poles to help me with support! No snow left! The trial is fairly well noticeable as you accent up, the last 100m is where the trail disappears. This trail is open year-round from the 2wd trailhead off Guanella Pass, but if you have an appropriate vehicle (and the snow is melted) you can drive another 0.7 miles to the upper trailhead. We lost sight of the trail coming down, but we went down the drainage and meet up with the trail eventually. As usual for Front Range camping, expect these to be occupied to the full on weekends. Easy hike up to the top of the ridge, followed by some seriously moderate scrambling. The parking area is not very large so on weekends you may be forced back down to the highway parking. Site migration is now complete. Mount Wilcox. Make a right turn and head into the generally open forest with a NW direction. The Clear Lake CG has 8 sites, drinking water and vault toilet. Fantastic scramble and fantastic weather and views. Continue all the way to 2nd St. where you'll turn left and will be on SH 381. It passes through sections of willows numerous times and a few rock piles before finally re-entering forest for the last .7 mile back to the trailhead parking area. Icefield Centre Loop via Boundary Peak Route. Though it makes a good amount of sense to pair Wilcox with Argentine Peak and Square Top Mountain, accessing Wilcox from the Naylor Lake Road near Guanella Pass brings the chance for a scenic circuit hike that takes you by three beautiful high alpine lakes with plenty of summer wildflowers. From the suggested parking area which serves as the trailhead for Silver Dollar Lake, walk west up the road until you encounter the gate that marks the beginning of the private property. I would do this hike again in a heartbeat! 6. I think this is the best hike I've done thus far! Land Manager: MA DCR - … Mount Wilcox and Otter Mountain Trail is a 6.8 mile hike in Arapaho National Forest that will take about 8 hours to complete with Fido. All rights reserved. The continue following the trail as it heads generally east. The hike across the Wilcox Pass meadows was extremely pleasant with the fall colors in full force and the spectacular views towards the Columbia Icefields combined with a very warm, windless day. The Wilcox Pass hike offers hikers easy access to alpine meadows as well as incredible views of the peaks and glaciers on the eastern edge of the Columbia Icefield. Length … We followed one party that crossed the wall. It passes by a cellerhole (on the left), then a small cemetery with marble posts. After scrambling up Nigel Peak we headed for Mount Wilcox. Mount Wilco… In about 400 feet of elevation gain, you will break out of the forest. Mount Wilcox is a 7.9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No. Easy hike to the base of Mount Wilcox / Wilcox Peak then a bit of a slog thru scree. As you start climbing, you may notice one thing. Stretching 5,441 acres in the southeastern corner of the … Amazing views! There are 92 miles of trails on the property. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until October. You’re out of the trees for nearly 90% of the hike, so be sure to wear sunscreen! Mount Wilcox is most easily accessed via a very popular Silver Dollar Lake Trail. © 2021 The Climbing Cooneys. I have gridded the area from I-70 to the north covering all the major peaks along the corridor to Geneva Mountain to the south. The last part is narrow, and not marked so you have to find your path through the rocks, and if you don't get the right one it can be dangerous. It's not super heavily trafficked which made me a little uncomfortable at times because I prefer more people to be around, but we also started our hike at about 4 pm, so that may be why! Total time to complete this hike round trip was about 5 hours with lots of breaks for photos and lunch! There are also a few primitive sites as you drive up the Naylor Lake road. The camground is located on both side of the highway and requires a fee. Everywhere you turn there was a gorgeous view of the ice fields! We hiked to the lookout first, then up Mount Wilcox. Wilcox Pass trail is a moderately challenging, yet immensely rewarding, family hike just off the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper National Parks in Western Canada. Wilcox Pass hike Map Looking for an amazing hiking adventure? Crane Mountain is in the Central Adirondacks in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest near Wevertown in Warren County. Links to other information, routes & trip reports for this peak that may be helpful. On the east side of the highway, there's a large parking area for day-use and a smaller parking area as you turn right onto the Naylor Lake road #381. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. https://youtu.be/rT4UrSekTuw The primary trail network creates large loops and connects nearby communities via trail and town road, while retaining a large forest interior (greater than 26,000 acres) that does not contain formal trails. Sunny but still a bit of snow near the top. This hike is a must-do when you’re on the Icefields Parkway, and a great trail to enjoy the Athabasca Glacier for free. Columbia Icefield via Wilcox Pass Trail. Hiking info, trail maps, and 13 trip reports from Mount Wilcox (2,106 ft) in Massachusetts 5. Amazing views, and great challenge. There are two routes that lead to the summit - one goes to the very ridge and turn off to that route seems to be to the left and up from the built barricade / wall. The Mount Wilcox trail does not a vista point but it is an easy trail to hike through lovely forest. The trail is at the east end of the lake. There were many cairns indicating the route and scrambling / climbing out there was absolutely fine and safe as rocks and slabs were VERY solid, just a few we encountered moved. The ridge changes over to mostly rubble with interspersed tundra, but there are no challenges. Columbia Icefield via Hike to Toe of Athabasca Glacier. In 2003, we were able to complete this circuit hike in under four hours. Follow it south several miles past the Guanella Pass Campground to a sharp curve in the road. Turn right onto Rose St. and head south into the main part of town. The trailhead parking for Silver Dollar Lake will come in just over .6 mile. With hot summer days and cool nights, the weather is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. It was steep-ish at the beginning, but levelled out after about 45 minutes to an hour of hiking at a moderate pace. Mount Wilcox. I have been to the Wilcox area about four other times, but multiple peaks sometimes don’t work. Out of an abundance of caution, Appalachian Trail shelters, campsites, and privies within the Massachusetts state parks system are closed for the 2020 hiking season. 8. The 124,643 acre Wilcox Lake Wild Forest is located in the southeastern part of the Central Adirondacks and features the popular hikes of Crane Mountain plus Hadley Mountain. However, we had an awesome time and the views were incredible. WILCOX PASS HIKE The trail starts at a small parking lot right off the Icefields Parkway in the elevation of 2040 meters. There are 34 named trails on the property, the most popular of which are those leading to the f… I wouldn't say anything about the hike was very sketchy, but we didn't make it to the peak either so I can't speak on that. Mount Wilcox is most easily accessed via a very popular Silver Dollar Lake Trail. Wilcox Pass is 4 kilometers one way moderately difficult hike with elevation gain less than 200 meters. Wilcox Pass is a stunning 8 km hike in Jasper National Park. Wilcox Pass is considered by many to be one of the best day hikes in Jasper National Park. There are three popular trail areas in Mountain Lakes: Tourne County Park/Richard M. Wilcox Park in the Tourne area to the west, Halsey Frederick Park between the MLHS tennis courts and the YMCA, and the Maple Way Woodlands east of the railroad tracks. There is an elevation gain of over 1300 feet. This loop hike will take you above the timberline, on a Thirteener and a 12,000-foot peak. Nearby communities include Stony Creek, Thurman, Bakers Mills, Day, Wells, Hope Falls, and Northville. The views from the summit are incredibly panoramic and beautiful. Wilcox offers yet another easy Class 2 hike that is readily accessible from two different trailheads. For a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with unique views of Athabasca Glacier and Snow Dome Glacier as you pass the bighorn sheep who frequent the area. The scramble was fairly easy and we did not encounter any sketchy parts as the rocks are stable and not loose. There was no snow. In the meantime, please verify all stated mileages and elevations against a map before proceeding with any route. Willcox is the gateway and home of many hiking trails. If done as an out and back, this peak makes an excellent family outing that could include some of the youngest ones, as in pre-elementary to early elementary age (5 - 7 years old). The Guanella Pass CG has 17 sites, water and vault toilets. There are many beautiful hikes in the Canadian Rockies, especially along the Icefields Parkway. Ross Mountain(Wilcox Lake Wild Forest-Adirondacks) Headed north Monday to the hike 2687 foot Ross Mountain in the southern Adirondacks on a perfect fall day. Mount Wilcox from Argentine Peak Argentine Peak from Mount Wilcox Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, and Mount Edwards Square Top Mountain Gray Wolf Mountain/Mount Spalding/Mount Evans/Mount Bierstadt Summit Photo (Mount Wilcox) Dan and Carrie approaching the summit of Mount Wilcox. By doing this as we suggest, it will get you to the summit of Wilcox faster and once there, you can decide if you need to hurry back by just turning around or if you have time to enjoy a pleasant stroll back that will take you by two pristine and scenic lakes. Disappointing. The trail is extremely well maintained until Wilcox Lookout. Easy trail for majority of the hike but turns into a fun moderate scramble (on good solid rock) with some exposure during the last 500m to the summit. Recommended for good weather days and for those comfortable and experienced with hands-on scrambling. Cataract and Cline Pass and Maligne Pass Route. Mt. EASY 1.2 mi. Appalachian Trail runs 2175 miles, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Definitely getting to the summit is not for people afraid of highs. FSTopo 2016 map shows approaches and routes for 13ers located up the Leavenworth Creek drainage south of Georgetown. Mount Wilcox, Argentine Peak and Square Top Mountain is a 4.8 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Georgetown, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. You will definitely want to bring along a topographical map. It takes about 10 minutes to get out of the trees and you’re met with fantastic views of the Athabasca Glacier. The most direct approach for Mount Wilcox begins behind the Icefield Info Centre, but since Dinah and I camped at Wilcox campground, that's where we started. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until October. The views were stunning and there was snow starting at Wilcox Pass and beyond in July as well as muddy portions and creeks to maneuver over. Go ahead and park here if you have not already parked back at the two spots by the highway. An excellent hike...enjoy! This is the Guanella Pass Road. Please submit any useful information about climbing Mount Wilcox that may be useful to other climbers. Once you've had a nice rest at the summit, take the time to finish our suggested circuit hike by heading WSW along the ridge that heads over to Argentine Peak. When you reach 12,860 ft. along the ridge where it begins to level out some, drop south a few hundred feet to cross one drainage, contour your way around a minor ridge and then drop down to Murray Lake. The trail to the lookout is well marked, and you can see the trail start up the mountain. Downclimbing from the summit and going back same via route was very pleasant as well and we did not feel exposed or unsafe at any point on the rocks, dirt was our most worry but there were not many spots where you would feel like you were gonna slide to your death. Drive up the road to the west. Mt. 12 , Alberta, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. Be the first to submit your climbing note! There is no view point but several cell towers. As we hiked up the trail to Wilcox Pass, we looked for a place to start our ascent. I went alone, but much better with company, at least to feel safer. The trail descends down to Mount Wilcox Road and follows it left for a short ways. Of the vast trail way, 90 miles is home to Massachusetts. 7. While hiking the Appalachian Trail in Massachusetts, I took shelter on Mount Wilcox from a driving rainstorm. I actually don’t think we summited... the trail kind of disappeared into a snow field that looked pretty treacherous after the first rocky peak. Freetown – Fall River State Forest, MA. EASY 2.4 mi. 9. Spectacular views of the glaciers and valleys around. Ross Mountain is another trail-less peak located north of Garnet Lake in a quiet little corner of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. 12, Alberta, Canada that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. This was the last peak I needed to finish the Guanella Pass area. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Mount Wilcox, as … There is also the Clear Lake CG just south of Lower Cabin Creek Reservoir. There are over five miles of marked hiking trails on the 3254 foot mountain. Since the trail came highly recommended and we didn’t have much time to spend in Jasper, this was the only hike we did in the park…and we couldn’t be happier with our choice of trail. In Scrambles of the Canadian Rockies, Alan Kane gives Mount Wilcox the enticing endorsement of offering “possibly the best view in the entire Rockies for the energy expended.” From Mount Wilcox, one can see Mount Athabasca, Mount Andromeda, Mount Kitchener, Nigel Peak, and the ever-famous Athabasca Glacier. We are working quickly to resolve this issue. From I-70, take the Georgetown Exit 228 and drive east on 15th St. to a traffic circle. Due to the proximity to Columbia Icefield, its summit guarantees fantastic views on a clear day. Such variety of scenery and lots of lookout points. We eventually found a good route to ascend the mountain. I saw many families with babies and children and some There was a mild, short exposure very close to the summit but very manageable. Follow the wide open ridge to the summit where you'll enjoy a great view of the three lakes to the south and the Leavenworth Creek valley to the north with the multitude of roads that lead to various mining claims and Argentine Pass. Wilcox Peak is one of the very short, but yet, very scenic scrambles along the Icefield Parkway. Wilcox Peak wasn’t on my plan until Andrea and I changed our primary objective from Cirrus Mountain to … Please note that we've identified some data discrepancies regarding mileages and elevations, especially on peaks that utilizes approaches and sequenced routes to complete a 'circuit' of peaks. The closest National Forest Campground is the Guanella Pass CG just north of the turnoff for #381 to Naylor Lake. It was a waste of time. It was windy while up at the top, but nice view of the glacier and valley on each side. Because you stay climbers-right of the ridge, you are well protected from wind for almost the entirety of the hike. Why Hike Wilcox Ridge This hike features fantastic, birds-eye-views of the glaciers and peaks around the Columbia Icefield Visitor Center with only a moderate effort. From desert animals to … You have to scramble. Contacts. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until September. The broad slope offers various possibilities. When I intersected with Mount Wilcox road the second time, I decided to walk up to the summit. This route is also accessible to passenger vehicles unlike the Leavenworth Creek access. The trail starts near the Wilcox campground and is moderately trafficked with hikers going to Wilcox Pass. Hike to Toe of Athabasca Glacier. Easily one of my favourite hikes in this area! It passes by another pond before it reaches its end at Beartown State Forest Road. No bugs when we went. We spotted some massive mountain sheep along the way. If you continue on #381 a little farther, you'll come to a gate and Private Property warnings. 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