Epic Trail Run - Lizard Head Loop

"Epic" was the only word I could come up with for a trail run I went on last Saturday.


About a week before we left for our trip, I started researching trail runs in the area. I stumbled upon the Lizard Head Wilderness & Lizard Head Peak. This peak (or rock tower) you see is considered Colorado's most difficult & dangerous mountain to summit. This is due to the "rotten" rock that is very loose and can crumble at any moment. Click on the link above to read Albert Ellingwood's description of the rock. Ellingwood was the first to climb the peak in 1920! Click here to read the account of this historic climb.


Well after seeing pictures, I made it my mission to find a trail to (not up!) Lizard Head. What I found was a loop that took me to the summit of Blackface Mountain (12,200'), along the ridge, and down to a meadow right below Lizard Head. Perfect. It appeared to be a 5-6 mile loop taking me to a different trailhead about two miles down the road from where I start.


Click on "Previous" for more pictures and details on the adventure...I mean run.