Clutching our Silver Heels on the Summit of Mount Silverheels
According to summit post, “Mount Silverheels was named after a dance hall girl who during an epidemic of smallpox, was the only woman who stayed in town and took care of the ailing miners. Because of this altruistic act, you could say that Silverheels is literally and figuratively a very beautiful mountain.”
I previously attempted Mount Silverheels on March 30th, but turned around due to winds in excess of 100 mph. In those treacherous conditions, I thought of Mount Silverheels as a malicious and vindictive mountain. It was not at all “a very beautiful mountain”!
However, it was my birthday and I was determined to greet the mountain, and the upcoming year, with a renewed optimism. So, I enlisted the help of my friend Jenny, who is seriously one of the most altruistic persons I have known. With patience and open minds, we attacked the mountain!
Leaving Scott Gulch at 7am
The Willows of Scott Gulch
Jenny in the Willows
Clare – 1, Willows – 0
And, yes, it was a battle!
The Upper Part of Scott Gulch. At this point, it is easy to skirt around the willows. We bypassed several large clumps by walking a circuitous route.
Here’s Jenny at the Top of Scott Gulch. We’re about to hit the Saddle between Pt. 12,400 and Hoosier Ridge.
Happy Signs of Springtime!
Finally, we’re at the Saddle. Last time I was here, it was blowing snow with winds of 50+ mph. This is why I’m so exceedingly happy in this picture. Bluebird day with virtually no wind!
The Northwest Side of Mount Silverheels. It took us 2 hours and 20 minutes to get to this spot, from Scott Gulch. We had to stop a few times; to juggle gear, tape feet, and put on snowshoes.
Jenny all ready to attack the mountain. We have about 1000 ft of climbing and about a mile to reach the summit.
Cresting the Northwest Ridge. It took us about 1 hour to climb the Northwest Ridge.
With about 500 feet left, we’re almost at the summit. Still hardly any wind, but will it hold out?
The amazing view! The route we took up is the gravelly slope just above the snow gully with the cornice.
Jenny conquers Mount Silverheels!
Happy Birthday to Me!
As soon as we arrive on the summit, a gnarly gust of wind greeted us. Silverheels would not let us linger on the summit. I surprised Jenny with a pair of silver heels and a couple of silver sparkly tops, which made her laugh. We stood atop the summit in our sparkles and enjoyed the view for about 5 minutes. Time to head back!
The hike back was much easier than the way up, so we made excellent time.
We left the summit at 11:30am and were back at the saddle by 1pm.
From the Saddle, Looking back at Mount Silverheels.
From the Saddle, Looking towards Scott Gulch. Mounts Bross and Lincoln standing tall in the background.
After another battle with the willows and a bit of post holing, we made it back to the car by 2:30pm. What a beautiful day to be on Mount Silverheels!
Thanks to Jenny for joining me on this adventure! And, a shout out to Jen, for loaning Jenny her boots.
Tags: CO, Hoosier Pass, Mount Silverheels, Scott Gulch, Snowshoe Hiking