Overview

This is the shortest pedestrian route on this peak. This route is not recommened later in the season when the snow has melted off. It can be done but is a horrendous scree climb; on the other hand, a crampon ascent on snow will be fun and enjoyable.

Approach

Total round trip to base camp from trailhead: 12.6 miles
Total elevation gain to base camp from trailhead: 2000 ft.
Total elevation Loss to base camp from trailhead: 1900 ft.
Starting elevation from trailhead: 11,800 ft.
Finishing elevation at basecamp: 11,900 ft.
Total elevation gain from trailhead to peak: 3800 ft.
Total round trip distance from trailhead to peak: 14.6 miles

The approach starts from the Beartown Trailhead. See the "Getting There" section on the main page for directions.

From the Beartown Trailhead, follow the Vallecito Creek Trail approximately 4.2 miles over Hunchback Pass and down to Vallecito Creek. Look for the first large meadow about 1/2 mile past the last switchbacks (I will have GPS coordinates soon). This meadow will have a trail leading to it from the Vallecito Creek Trail that you will be on.

Cross the meadow and ford Vallecito Creek. This will REQUIRE you to wear sandals as there is no dry way across. This could be very tricky in early season high water. After crossing the creek bushwhack a short ways into the wilderness and you will find a nice but primitive trail.

Take a right turn and hike up this trail as it follows along the south side of Trinity Creek. You will lose the trail about 1.5 miles up just before leaving the forest and entering a boulder field. Hike onto the boulder field and make your way up boulders and tundra to a bench about 200 feet below lake silex. A nice but small meadow will make for an excellent base camp.

Route Description

Total distance from base camp to summit round trip: Approx. 2 miles
Total elevation gain to summit from base camp: 2500 ft.
Total elevation loss to summit from base camp: 400 ft.

Hike up to Lake Silex which is about 100 ft. above base camp. Put on your crampons at this point and begin walking along the eastern portion of the lake along snow. If there is no snow (not recommended if there is not), it will be a horrendous boulder and scree hike.

After passing by the lake hike directly up to the saddle between Pt. 13,176 and Mt. Silex. It will become steeper as you near the saddle but not steep enough to rope up.

Descend down and around to the south about 400 feet below the cliffs that make up the southwest ridge. After passing by these cliffs, hike directly up the scree and tundra towards a false summit along the southwest ridge. Hike around to the south of the ridge and up onto the ridge. From here it is an easy 2nd class scramble up to the summit.

Essential Gear

Although you can do this route without crampons and an ice axe later on in the season, it is not recommended. Bring a helmet as well.