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 Peak:  Mt. Silverheels
 Route:  North Spur from Hoosier Pass
 Range:  Front
 Posted By:  mspalding
 Date of Info:  8/28/2016
 Date Posted:  8/28/2016
Details

The steep climb up the side of Mt. Silverheels has lots of old snow. As you get further towards the top it becomes too hard to kick steps easily. Microspikes make a huge difference. Today another inch or two of new snow was added as we hiked.

There is a new trail being built that may cut off a bit of climbing followed by elevation loss. You can find it by leaving the road at the double cairn about half way to the radio towers. It will get you to the edge of a bowl. If you then go around the outer part of the bowl you will save a lot of misery. Cutting across the bowl will repeatedly put you in chest deep willows and marshy soil. Go around to the low point on the other side, then head toward Silverheels. Also, don't ascend the really steep recommended part of Silverheels. If you take the buttress to the left it is a bit further, but a lot less steep.

The current recommended trail works well too. Just don't be tempted to take shortcuts. The recommended route avoids a lot of loose rock. And again, at the point you climb the side of Silverheels, it is easier to go up the buttress to the left.



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