Mount Silverheels - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Mount Silverheels

Mount Silverheels is a mountain peak located in Park County, Colorado. The mountain has an elevation of 14,287 feet and is part of the Mosquito Range. Mount Silverheels was named after a 19th-century prospector who was killed in a gunfight. The peak is popular with hikers and climbers, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and eagles.

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Things to Do at Mount Silverheels

 There are a number of different things to do at the park, depending on your interests. For example, the park is home to a number of hiking trails, perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. There are also a number of lakes and streams in the park, which offer great opportunities for fishing and swimming. In addition, the park also has a number of campgrounds, making it the perfect place to spend a weekend away from the city. Whether you're looking for a day trip or a longer vacation, Mount Silverheels is sure to have something for everyone.

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History of Mount Silverheels

Mount Silverheels is a 11,000-foot peak in Park County, Colorado. Its name is derived from the silver color of its snow-covered slopes. The mountain is situated in the Mosquito Range, which runs north to south through central Colorado. The range is home to several other peaks over 14,000 feet, including Mount Elbert, the tallest mountain in the Rockies. Silverheels was first climbed in 1873 by a team led by Major John Wesley Powell. Powell and his men were the first to ascend many of Colorado's highest peaks, and their expeditions helped to open up the state to settlement and recreation. Today, Mount Silverheels is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. It is also a popular spot for backcountry skiers, who often make the trek up the mountain in winter for the opportunity to ski down its wide open slopes.

Best Time to Visit Mount Silverheels

The best time to visit Mount Silverheels in Park County, Colorado is in the summer. The temperatures are warm but not hot, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors. hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all popular pastimes in the park.

Tips for Visiting Mount Silverheels

  1. Check the weather forecast before you go. Mount Silverheels is known for its extreme weather conditions, so be sure to dress appropriately.
  2. Be prepared for a strenuous hike. The trails at Mount Silverheels are very challenging, so make sure you're in good shape before you attempt them.
  3. Be aware of the wildlife. There are bears, mountain lions, and other dangerous animals in the area, so stay alert and use common sense when hiking and Be mindful of the flora as well. Touching or picking the flowers is not allowed in order to protect them.
  4. Respect the other hikers. Remember that everyone is there to enjoy the beauty of nature, so be considerate of others on the trail.
  5. Get an early start. Due to its popularity, the parking lot at Mount Silverheels fills up quickly, so it's best to arrive early in the day.
  6. Respect the park rules and regulations. Help to preserve Mount Silverheels for future generations by following all of the park's rules and regulations during your visit."

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Mount Silverheels

  1. Mount Silverheels is the tallest mountain in Park County, Colorado. It is located in the Mosquito Range, and its summit is 14,014 feet above sea level. 
  2. The mountain is also popular with photographers and birdwatchers, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding area. 
  3.  mining town called Heels was once located at the base of the mountain, and miners used to blast dynamite to loosen the rock formations on its slopes. Today, all that remains of the town are a few ruins and abandoned mineshafts.
  4. In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Silverheels also has a rich history. Gold was first discovered on the mountain in 1859, and it quickly became a popular mining destination.
  5. In 1880, Mount Silverheels was designated as part of the Pike's Peak Forest Reserve, making it one of the first protected areas in Colorado.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Mount Silverheels

It is possible to explore the entire mountain in a day, but it would be more enjoyable to take your time and explore over the course of several days.

How to Reach Mount Silverheels

The easiest way to get to Mount Silverheels is by car. From Denver, take I-70 west to Exit 232. From there, follow signs for Park County Road 56, also known as the Hoosier Pass. After about 12 miles, you'll reach the trailhead parking lot. From there, it's about a 2-mile hike to the summit of Mount Silverheels. 

Entrance Fee of Mount Silverheels

The entrance fee to Mount Silverheels, Park County, Colorado, is $7 per person. This fee helps to cover the costs of maintaining the park and providing amenities for visitors. 

Opening Hours of Mount Silverheels

The park is open year-round. However, the hours of operation vary depending on the time of year. During the summer months, the park is open from sunrise to sunset, while in the winter it is open from 8AM to 4:30PM. 

Attractions Near Mount Silverheels

Little Baldy Mountain

Little Baldy Mountain

5.06km from Mount Silverheels

Little Baldy Mountain, is a popular hiking destination. The mountain has several trails that lead to the summit, offering hikers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the many geological formations on the mountain, including an area known as Devil's Canyon. Little Baldy Mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. In addition to hiking, the mountain is popular for camping, picnicking, and rock climbing.

Hoosier Pass

Hoosier Pass

5.52km from Mount Silverheels

Hoosier Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. At an elevation of 11,539 feet, it is the highest paved through pass in the Rockies. The pass is located on the border between Park and Summit counties, about 10 miles west of the town of Breckenridge. It provides the quickest route between Denver and points south, such as Pagosa Springs and Albuquerque.

Montgomery Reservoir

Montgomery Reservoir

6.39km from Mount Silverheels

Montgomery Reservoir is a man-made reservoir in Park County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in 1965 for the purpose of providing water for the town of Fairplay and the surrounding area. The reservoir is fed by the North Fork of the South Platte River and is used for irrigation, recreation, and flood control. Montgomery Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, camping, and picnicking. The reservoir is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and deer.

Quandary Peak

Quandary Peak

7.09km from Mount Silverheels

Quandary Peak is the perfect destination for a challenging hike. At 14,265 feet, it is the highest point in the county and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail to the summit is just over seven miles long and gains more than 3,000 feet of elevation. While it is a strenuous hike, it is doable for most people who are prepared for the altitude. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with spectacular scenery and a sense of accomplishment.

Boreas Pass

Boreas Pass

7.12km from Mount Silverheels

Boreas Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The pass is located in the Front Range, west of Denver, and provides the shortest route between the cities of Denver and Grand Junction. Boreas Pass is Named for the north wind of Greek mythology, the pass was used by prospectors during the Colorado Gold Rush of 1859-60. Today, Boreas Pass is a popular recreation area, offering hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.

Blue Lakes Road

Blue Lakes Road

8.35km from Mount Silverheels

Blue Lakes Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in Summit County, Colorado. The road winds its way through the stunning Blue River Valley, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Rocky Mountains. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a number of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and picnicking. The road culminates at the spectacular Blue Lakes, a series of glacial lakes that are truly a sight to behold.

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