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I have spent a lot of time around Fairplay, Como, Alma, Hartsel. From this area, no matter where you are you can always look around and locate Silverheels. I finally decided to climb it and use the Southern approach as described by E_A_Marcus_949 The gate to Beaver Creek road was open when I did this but the 4WD road is closed - it looks to be permanently closed based on the fence that is there. So I parked at the stream crossing. Total round trip was 9.2 miles and 3337ft of elevation. This is a picture of MT Silverheels on the drive up on Beaver Creek:
The trail (road) is easy to follow up through the trees. There is that left turn at about .9 miles. This is where you would park if the road was open. Other than that the trail is easy to follow.
The entire hike took me 5 hours - 3 hours to the summit and 2 hours back down. I lost the trail right about the base of the 12,200 bump and then found it on and off again throughout the hike. The trail isn't really necessary after the tree line as you can see where you want to go and it is mostly tundra until the very top. Then there is some ankle deep snow and stable talus. On the way up I went over the top of the ridges. On the way back I went around - to the right for both. I think going around is easier even though there was some talus. The top ridge has a lower ridge to the right just below the top - it is mostly tundra. From the summit try to descend just enough to get on this ridge - aim right. My GPX shows the difference between up and down. Also it was hunting season and I did see several hunters below the tree line. Make sure you wear an orange vest and leave your antler hat at home :-).
My GPS Tracks on Google Maps (made from a .GPX file upload):
I thoroughly enjoyed this route last month. It was the first full week of bow season and 2nd day of muzzle loader season for big game when I hiked, but I didn't see another soul for the entirety of my or the trek. A few folks at their base camps. Looks like your GPS was pretty close to my track, plus a little snow for you.
Followed this route 10/15 and a hunter had shot a big bull elk...fell just off the trail above treeline, before the first bump. Very active area for hunting! And a fun route.
Is called Arnold Peak, the peak directly to the east on the SE ridge of Silverheels is Palmer Peak. Arnold Palmer is not too bad a day from Beaver Creek.
Hey great report! Was thinking of doing this route soon(ish). Was wondering if you had an idea of if the gate for Beaver Creek Road is still open or where to find such info? Thank you!
Tommy Burke- I called the South Park Ranger District today and they said that it is still open to get to the starting point you reached. Hoping this holds true in the next couple days. Thanks again!
doesn't close until Jan 1 each year and stays closed until June 15.
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