San Bernardo Mountain is a small mountain in comparison to those around it. We picked it because thunderstorms were predicted, so we didn't want to be on a big peak, above the tree line if those storms materialized. Plus we'd been on the Lizard Head Trail before and thought that area was beautiful. Plus it was a quick and painless drive, all on pavement from home. Plus... you get the point.

We set off from the Lizard Head Pass trailhead. The trail heads north from the pass. At first it is an open meadow, then enters a pine and aspen forest, which is cool and pleasant.

After staying pretty level for the first mile, the trail finally starts switch backing up to the saddle between Black Face and San Bernardo Mountain.

Black Face is a cool climb, turn left (south for that) on the Lizard Head trail (there is a sign). However, this report is for San Bernardo Mountain, so we turned right.

No long after this junction, we set off cross-country, relying on a track I had downloaded online. This led us through deadfall. This was a dumb move and unnecessary (as we would learn later). Just stick to the trail until you are on San Bernardo Mountain.

At around 11k, there a climber's trail that starts heading up San Bernardo Mountain. We were able to follow this up to about 11,400 feet. Not that big of a deal if you miss it, as it is open, gentle-sloping terrain.

The crux of the hike is at a tarn around 11,600 feet. Just a steep section of 150 feet or so to gain the ridge to the summit.

Once on the ridge to the summit, just head northwest, sometimes on a trail to the top of San Bernardo Mountain.

San Bernardo Mountain has a bald top and awesome view of Lizard Head Peak, Wilson Meadows and the Wilson group of 14ers. The 360 view gives you views south of the Sneffels Range and Telluride area. To the east and south are the Vermillion Peak area. It's an impressive view for such a small peak!

This is easy... just set your navigation to take you to Lizard Head Pass. The trail starts right from the paved parking lot. No dirt roads, any car can make it!

Take the Lizard Head trail to the saddle between San Bernardo Mountain and Black Face. This is a signed junction. Take the right fork and follow that to around 11k, on the south slopes of San Bernardo Mountain.

There is a faint use trail going up San Bernardo Mountain. Even if you can't find it, no big deal, as this is very open terrain. Note the picture below showing you not to make the same mistake we did and branch off too early to start up San Bernardo Mountain.

There is really only on slope that will get you to the final, summit ridge. That is located above a small tarn at 11,600 feet. It is pretty obvious though, as the slopes leading directly to the peak are cliffed out.

On the way back, we also hiked up ranked, Peak 11,265, which will add maybe 20 minutes to your trip and is really easy terrain (i.e. limited deadfall).