First of all, my apologies for not posting anything about the hike yesterday. I seriously was more tired than I have ever been in my life. So, here goes… we hiked Silvershield Trail yesterday. Here’s the history that we read before taking off to hike….
Trails leading from Ouray generally date to the 19th Century and were constructed to access mining properties. Varying in length and elevation gain, these hikes will generally be more challenging than the Perimeter Trail but will offer very similar scenic rewards.
Silvershield trail provides a scenic connection with the Twin Peaks and Oak Creek trails above Ouray. Round trip to the Twin Peaks Trail junction and overlook is 4.6 miles with an altitude gain of 1,680 feet. The start is fairly steep, but after 0.3 mile you come to an overlook and memorial with an imposing view of numerous old mines across the valley. The trail ascends into the forest, reaching a junction with the Oak Creek Trail at 1.1 miles. Follow the left fork another 0.3 mile where the trail again gives good views across the valley. After passing Rock of Ages Mine, you will come out in the open at 2 miles. Straight ahead will be a grand view of Ouray, the Uncompahgre Gorge, and Cañon Creek. Pick up the trail along the cliffs and you will find the junction with The Twin Peaks Trail at 2.3 miles. From this junction, you can take a pleasant loop with varied scenery southward to Oak Street, near Box Cañon. A return north along the river completes a 6.2 mile round trip.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:Parts of the trail are close to steep cliffs which demand caution. Keep children close to you so they do not run ahead into danger.
SERIOUSLY, LIKELY STORY. This hike was DIFFICULT! I’ll set the tone saying I’ve only been on about three hikes in my lifetime and just bought some trekking sticks. THIS TRAIL took us 10 hours. We left at 8:30 a.m. and finally got home at 6:30 p.m. So what was suppose to be a 4 hour pleasant hike turned into a 10 hour hike. Jeff is convinced that the trail is 8 miles, not 6.2. The other Jeff and Kim went with us and Jeff2’s Fitbit said it was over 8 miles. Serious incline on the way up and even more serious decline on the way down. Kim2 and I thanked God that we bought trekking sticks to help us out.
The incline was rough to start, but we were just starting out and chatting it up so it went relatively fast. It was about 45 degrees, but the humidity is so low it doesn’t seem cold. It took about three hours before we made our way upon what could have been a rock avalanche. At that point, we stopped for a rest and the difficult decision was made to continue on the trail and not turn back. We were looking for the amazing meadow that overlooked the town of Ouray. We passed some other hikers that said it was about a mile ahead…LIES LIES LIES!!!! SERIOUS LIES! It was like 2.5 – 3 miles ahead up some serious inclines. On every incline and switchback we would think that the meadow was resting beautifully on the other side….because that’s what those other hikers said… NOT. About the time we were convinced there was no meadow and that there was an entire conspiracy regarding the meadow….we found the top of the mountain and it was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! There was a MEADOW! By that time, I wanted to just lay down in the meadow and stay the night. The whole trip up was totally worth the view!! Little did we know the decline would be equally or more difficult. Something about a steep decline and your toes being rammed into the front of your hiking shoes is not pleasant. Having to take tiny steps sideways not to fall off of a mountain isn’t pleasant. The sign said “CAUTION STEEP AND DIFFICULT TRAIL” and it wasn’t kidding. The only thing they left off was “NEW HIKERS TURN BACK NOW”. I am so thankful for my friends Jeff2 and Kim2…they were troopers and they helped make the hike more pleasant. My Jeff was amazing. He was so patient with me and never complained. He let me drink more water than he did, and boy was I thankful. Well he said it was either that or hear me wine down the entire mountain. He followed that up with “you didn’t complain that much”. I do remember screaming off the mountain at some points. Darn emotions. Jeff amazes me with just about everything he does. I remember Jeff2 at one point said “y’all this just isn’t fun anymore”. We all cracked up. It just wasn’t. But, he was supportive of his Kim and my Jeff was supportive of me. I wouldn’t have wanted to hike that messy trail with any other people.
To my dismay, we woke up this morning and we weren’t dying. We can walk and still talk. It all seems like a bad dream today. But, like I told them yesterday…”by the time we do this…we will have really done something”! Something to be proud of, and I am so proud we made it and it was harder than sitting on my couch on a Saturday afternoon. I am extremely proud that we battled the elements and made it down safely and supported each other through every second of the trail. Thank you Kim and Jeff2 for being there and for Annalee who stayed with us the entire time. It was a different experience and it was difficult, but we made it!
I also want to thank Barbara at the office because I told her if we weren’t back by 5 pm to call Rescue. She called us at 4:49 pm to make sure everyone was ok. I think when Kim2 sent her a message that said something like “Send Rescue” it might have concerned her a bit. But, then Kim2 put her phone in the backpack that Jeff2 was holding and Barb couldn’t get through. She was genuinely concerned and I know she would have sent a posse to help us! We appreciate you Barbara!
Jeeping & Rving 
Y’all did such a great job of documenting this horrid hike. I was ready to throw my camera and myself off the cliff! Can I just say that Jeff S never got winded or dirty…so unfair!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It truly was horrid. Remember when I wanted to break my leg so that air rescue would come and get me. I thought that was a great idea.
LikeLike
I just remembered when you threw your stix down. Jeff and I started cracking up. What a day!!
LikeLike
Love all the pictures and the cute comments that goes with them. I have some of those walking sticks and they make a huge difference. Just imagine how many calories you burned, that is many hours of moving. Y’all may have to invest in a bladder backpack for your water, you can keep your straw right there close to your mouth and not have to stop as much…..lol. Who needs rest.
LikeLike