Lizard Head Trail to Cross Mountain Trail Loop

About

The Lizard Head Trail to Cross Mountain Trail Loop is a 11.9-mile difficult hike located near Silverton and Mountain Village on the Western Slope of Colorado. The trail reaches an elevation of 12,090 feet with a total gain of approximately 2,880 feet. Hikers typically complete the loop in about eight hours. The route begins at the Lizard Head Trail #505 trailhead, which offers parking and restrooms. The path moves through healthy aspen stands, thick evergreen forest, and high alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The first half involves two switchback ascents gaining roughly 1,000 feet of elevation before traversing the Black Face ridge. The trail then climbs directly toward Lizard Head Peak before intersecting with Cross Mountain Trail #637. The return leg follows this trail, descending along a ridgeline over dark volcanic soil and through shaded forest with trickling water. The loop ends at the Cross Mountain Trailhead parking area, located about two miles from the start along the San Juan Skyway. A utility road connects the end point to the starting parking area, allowing for a one-way hike without shuttling. The trail is accessible year-round, though snow and ice are common from January to March.