Mt. Silverheels - 13,822

When deciding which route to do on Mt. Silverheels, the route from Hoosier pass comes to mind as it's on the .com. However, we decided to do the Roach *classic* South Ridge from Beaver Creek outside of Fairplay after talking with some friends and reading other trip reports (thanks JQDivide!).

If I can find the history of the mountain or of her name, I really enjoy knowing about it. I knew this mountain was named after a lady but not her whole story. James Dziezynski provided a great intro and description of how the mountain got her name (here). Essentially, she was a dance-hall girl who wore silver heels and had a good-natured heart. With all the rampant illness that broke out in this area, most people left. However, she stayed to comfort folks. Her legend remained and the mountain was named in her honor.

This route is fairly straight-forward, however there isn't an over-abundance of information out there for it, so hopefully this report will help some others out. I thought about making a legit route for it on the .com but figured this may be better and more descriptive. I did add the Beaver Creek TH to the .com though for future reference and anyone searching for it.

From Beaver Creek TH - 10,740', 9mi RT, 3400' gain - where we started
From 4WD parking TH - 11,180', 7mi RT, 2950' gain - only if you can cross the creek in your car.

Honestly, the extra mile on the road wasn't bad. It was a good warm-up with minimal elevation gain to get you ready for the day.

Once you make it to Beaver Creek you get the joy of starting your morning with a brisk barefooted ford across the creek. There are some narrower areas, as noted by a mid-creek cairn. The crossing does feel great after the hike - just a bit chilly pre-6am.

After the creek crossing it's an easy walk up the road to the junction of FS184. There is an area to park here if you cross the creek. Once hiking, though, do not continue on FS659 - turn left onto FS184 (no vehicular access). It's about 11,180', where the road starts to turn - don't follow the road unless you want a non-Silverheels adventure.

Continue hiking into FS184 for a while - about 1.1mi N/NE. This road will intersect another one, near treeline/before cool bristle-cone pine forest. Make note of this junction. You do not want to go the wrong way and coming back, it's easy to turn down the wrong road. People have built up a makeshift barrier, however, still be diligent about it. See pic below - veer right. On your descent there is another junction, which we didn't notice on our way up FS184, however, we did veer the wrong way on it. If you come to another junction on your descent back to the TH, go left, not right (unfortunately I didn't take a photo of this).

You'll keep hiking up the road, twisting through treeline into bristle-cone pines - they're really cool, make sure to admire them! Also make sure to turn around on your hike up the road - especially in the early-morning light. There are some fabulous views!

Once you're out of treeline, you'll see the first "bump" of the climb - Point 12,220'.

You'll leave the road around 12,000' and climb up and over this point. There is a rock windbreak at the far end. It's not necessary to go here, however, we found this was the simplest route up the face Point 12,200' and gave us optimal views of the remaining route (and of Mt. Silverheels herself!).

Once you summit Point 12,200', you can see your remaining hike up to Silverheels. The distance is greater than it looks though! You'll want to descent off this Point and hike about 1 mile north up some grassy slopes to small Point 13,004'. There are a few bumps along the ridge to this 13,000' point. We ended up going up the talus slopes and across the ridge. One the way down from Silverheels, we skirted around the point and side-slope hiked. If you do this going up, angle up to the 13,000' saddle. There are sections of occasional trail this way. Don't rely on it though as it comes and goes - just keep an eye on your route. This is a 13er afterall - route-finding and adventure is the name of the game here.

The photo below shows the route from the 13,000' saddle of what you've done so far. Next, you will descend slightly off of the 13,000' saddle before your final ascent up the ridge/side of Silverheels. It's about 0.8 miles still to the summit from here. Everything looks farther than it is, but try not to be deceived. It's a gorgeous hike in a grassy area - not much talus and rock-hopping.

Keep angling up toward Silverheels. You can go ridge proper or up the face of the mountain. We did a little of both. The wildflowers and views were astounding! There were a few cairns but for the most part, angle toward the summit. No false summits here - what you see is what you get.

When you summit, there is a marker and wonderful views of the Front Range. There is a large wind shelter on this sizable summit as well. Enjoy your solitude while looking at Quandary and what is likely heaps of people. You'll descend the way you came. Make sure to keep an eye on those two forks in the road as mentioned earlier in the post.

This is a wonderful climb. I would label it as a class 2 since there is route finding, however, the terrain itself is not too difficult - some talus and rocks but mostly grassy slopes and road.