Cross Mountain Trail
The shortest approach for Lizard Head is via the Cross Mountain Trail which begins slighly south of Lizard Head Pass.
Colorado's most difficult thirteener and the kickoff of our honeymoon
The shortest approach for Lizard Head is via the Cross Mountain Trail which begins slighly south of Lizard Head Pass.
Lizard Head is a pinnacle that was formed when magma solidified in the vent of a volcano. The sides of the volcano subsequently eroded, exposing the volcanic spire. It is Colorado's most technically difficult thirteener.
The first pitch of the standard southwest chimney route follows a prominent crack. Hermann, Dominic and Dwight are scoping it out. A blue sling can be seen near the top of the photo at the intermediate belay station we did not use.
Dwight and Dominic happy to be finally meeting the big lizard.
Hermann cautiously starting up the first pitch on 5.6 terrain, carefully evaluating the rock as he ascends.
Hermann is psyched that the first gear he places is the massive #4 cam he hauled up.
Hermann partway up the first pitch. Although it isn't considered the crux of the climb by most, we all agreed it felt like the toughest part of the ascent.
Hermann leading off from the intermediate belay ledge on the first pitch. He just clipped the pitons there and continued up since the notch above can easily be reached with a 60 meter rope. The upper portion of the first pitch increases in difficulty (5.8).
Hermann watches from the notch as Dwight tackles the top of the first pitch.
The second pitch is a simple but loose scramble. We remained roped up for convenience and gave each other hip belays from above.
Dominic standing above the notch, preparing to scramble to the base of the final pitch.
Hermann searching for the final technical pitch. Ironically, it can be seen above and behind him. At first it looked intimidating but it ended up being fairly easy.
Hermann leading up the crux pitch with a belay from Dominic.
Hermann ready to place his #4 cam once again, this time to protect the crux moves.
Hermann belays Dominic up the final pitch.
Dominic traversing the loose, exposed, fractured summit ridge.
Dwight joins us atop Lizard Head's technical difficulties.
Its clear that this ain't no ordinary summit.
Hermann finally gets to reap the rewards of all his hard work.
Hermann shocked us all by producing a small bottle of champagne on the summit! What a guy! Apparently Dominic thinks that since we're married now its appropriate to put his hand on my butt for pictures.
Dominic recovers from his encounter with the fizzy beverage while I take my turn.
Dwight makes a movie of himself drinking the champagne. I guess Hermann is eagerly waiting to grab the bottle from him.
View of the Wilson Group from the summit of Lizard Head. Left to right: El Diente, Mount Wilson, Gladstone Peak and Wilson Peak.
Hermann starting the first rappel.
With two 60 meter ropes we were able to rappel past the scrambling section between the two technical pitches.