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El Diente Peak

14,164 ft · #28 highest in Colorado · San Juan Range

Class 3 — scrambling12 mi round trip4,900 ft gain
Elevation
14,164′
Difficulty
Class 3
Distance
12 mi
Elev. gain
4,900′
Nearest town
Telluride
County
Dolores
Range
San Juan
Rank
#28

El Diente ('the tooth') is the western summit of the Mount Wilson massif and one of the most committing 14er trade routes. The standard route includes sustained class 3 scrambling and loose rock.

Standard Route

From the Navajo Lake Trailhead, the route follows the same approach as Mount Wilson into Navajo Basin, then climbs the north slope to El Diente. 12 miles round trip, 4,900 feet of gain.

What to Expect

El Diente's rock is notoriously loose — wear a helmet, and avoid climbing directly below other parties. The El Diente-Mount Wilson traverse is one of the classic San Juan ridge climbs but requires real scrambling experience.

Related Reading

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