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13,828 ft · Front Range, Colorado

Mount Silverheels

Mount Silverheels is a 13,828 ft peak in the Front Range, Colorado. The standard route is the West Ridge from Hoosier Pass: 6 mi, 3,470 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Colorado Centennials
Mount Silverheels in the Front Range, Colorado

Mount Silverheels at a glance

  • Elevation13,828 ft4,214 m
  • RouteWest Ridge from Hoosier PassClass 2
  • Distance6 mi3,470 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeFront RangeColorado

Climbing the West Ridge from Hoosier Pass

From Breckenridge or Alma, drive Highway 9 to the summit of Hoosier Pass and park at the pullout. Walk the old road east from the pass, then follow the broad ridge over tundra and talus, dropping to a saddle before the long Class 2 climb up Silverheels's west ridge to the summit. The ridge is completely open, so wind and lightning are the main hazards. Views of the Tenmile and Mosquito ranges are excellent. Start early to be off the ridge before storms. Parking at Hoosier Pass is free but limited, so arrive early on weekends.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Loose rock

Quests with Mount Silverheels

Peaks near Mount Silverheels

  1. Hoosier Ridge

    Hoosier Ridge

    13,362 ft · 3.3 mi away

  2. Red Mtn

    Red Mtn

    13,238 ft · 3.9 mi away

  3. Mount Bross

    Mount Bross

    14,172 ft · 5.5 mi away

  4. Boreas Mtn

    Boreas Mtn

    13,083 ft · 5.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Silverheels?

Mount Silverheels is 13,828 feet (4,214 m) tall. It is in the Front Range, Colorado.

How does Mount Silverheels rank among the Colorado Centennials?

At 13,828 feet, Mount Silverheels is the 94th highest of the 100 Colorado Centennials. The highest is Mount Elbert.

How hard is it to hike Mount Silverheels?

The West Ridge from Hoosier Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Silverheels?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the West Ridge from Hoosier Pass, covering 6 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Silverheels?

The West Ridge from Hoosier Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,470 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Silverheels?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Silverheels reaches 13,828 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Silverheels?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Mount Silverheels?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Silverheels with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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