Mt. Silverheels Hiking 9/20/08

We reached treeline shortly after leaving the trailhead. This is the view west towards the Lincoln-Democrat-Bross group of 14ers. An isolated overnight squall left a light dusting of snow on these peaks as well as Silverheels.

The route initially follows an old mining road.

Golden aspens, and a stump (the remnanets of a clear-cutting operation).

The changing of the seasons.

Lightning kills.

Silverheels, cloaked in white.

Dad.

From the first high point, the view southwest (towards Mt. Sherman, Gemini Peaks, etc.)

More peaks.

A cairn, and the town of Fairplay (which the TV show South Park is based on).

Silverheels, in case you were wondering, is named for Lady Silverheels, a real person with some associated legends. Read about her here: http://www.silverheelsrestaurant.com/menu/legend.htm

A valley to the east, filled with multicolored aspens and a series of beaver ponds.

The view from SW-NW from the summit. From the summit we could see about 15-20 14ers, many more 13ers, and could clearly see peaks over 60 miles distant (Pikes Peak) and faintly distinguish even more distant ranges (Sangre de Cristo).

Democrat, et al.

Looking back downt he route we climbed.

Dad high above some stunning scenery.

Fall colors.

The old road.

Mother Nature providing some nice lighting.