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Copyright: Chadwick Lange-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Mt. Antero Overlooking town of Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
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There are several routes to the summit of Mt. Antero. The one described here is the most popular and the least challenging. A 4 WD vehicle is needed for this ascent, which begins at the Baldwin Trailhead on Chalk Creek Road east of St. Elmo. There is a parking lot at the intersection of Baldwin Creek Road (277) and Chalk Creek Road (162) for those who wish to hike or bike from this point. Baldwin Creek Road leads southeast from the south side of Chalk Creek Road. Baldwin Creek Road begins at 9,400' and climbs steeply for the first 1.25 miles. After turning sharply to the south the road intersects with 2 other jeep roads. (Remain on Baldwin Creek Road to reach Mt. Antero's western slopes.) The road continues to climb steadily as it follows Baldwin Creek and crosses the creek a few times. Close to mile 2.75 the road forks. Follow the eastern fork, which will soon begin to climb the western slopes of Mt. Antero. At this fork will be the third crossing of Baldwin Creek. This is Upper Browns Road a.k.a. Forest Road 278. At approximately mile 4.25 from the trailhead Road 278 begins to switchback. Immediately after the switchbacks the road turns sharply to the south leading toward the southern ridge of Mt. Antero. Approximately 1 mile after the last switchback the road forks again. Follow the left fork, which leads east. After this fork the road remains at 13,000' for a short distance, descends a few hundred feet; and then it begins to climb the final flanks to 13,760'. From the road's end the summit is .25 miles north. Nearly 50% of this road is single lane without pullouts or places to turn around. It is not recommended for novice drivers.
Directions from Salida: From Salida drive 15 miles north on Highway 285 to County Road 162. Drive west on County Road 162 for 12 miles to the junction of Baldwin Creek Road, Forest Developed Road 277.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Open:
June through Mid-October
(NOTE: Snow may obstruct the road in June, July and October.)
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Filed By: Drew
(Wichita, KS)
Difficulty:
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: Had been monitoring late Oct. Buena Vista weather for more than a week before we decided to go for it and head from Kansas to this pre-picked trail. First mile of the trail from Road 162 was an abrupt break-in for a daring, but inexperienced 4 wheel driver. Encountered modest snow up to the tree line and a couple of ice flows that weren't too scary. Biggest challenge: about 300 yards from the tree line, where you have an open view to the summit, snow mixed with rounded rocks averaging 8' put the fear in us, but we made it through after 4 tries, only to be stopped cold by 2 foot drifts about 200 feet further. Sizing up the time and weather (calm with wispy high clouds and mid 50's) we dicided to see how far we could hike toward the summit by way of a nearly snowless route we saw. We crossed the jeep trail swithbacks several times going up, and noted 2 ft. snow on nearly all of the roadway. Made it to the lower level of the summit in about 3 hours, thrilled at the view in all directions and decided time wouldn't allow a final ascent to the small summit area. Headed down a different way, climbing through a large boulder field, and arrived back at the jeep in about 1 1/2 hr. What a day! The trail back down seemed bumpier than we remembered, and we drove a little slower accordingly (avg. 6 mph.)
Conditions: Much of the trail is very rocky, but most rocks are rounded, so not too bad on tires. Some are big enough to make you pay attention to where you put your differentials.
Water Availability: Baldwin creek water looked good to drink, but fallen trees in creek made us refrain from drinking it. Had about 2 gallons with us. We took no water or food with us on the hike, but ate snow on the way up several times. Air was thin enough 2/3 of the way up that we walked in 30 foot increments between rests and deep breathing. Temps near summit: mid 40's, but direct sun made it very bearable.
Difficulty: Hard
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: 8-2000 The trail was dry and rough. It gets very narrow in the switchbacks and beyond. The rock is very loose near the top. You hope you do not meet another Jeep. Due to the dryness the stream crossing was easy.
Difficulty: Easy
Number of People Encountered: 0-10 ppl
Recommend to a Friend: Highly
Report: It should be noted that MT.Antero is one of only three fourteeners named for native Americans. The others being Shavano and Tabeguache. Also, the entire summit of the peak is designated as a National Mineral Park. You are not allowed to take anything from this area. However, once out of the park area you may pick up specimens of light blue aquamarine, clear quartz, and many other semi-precious stones. Happy rock hounding! David Krus cruiser@ididitmyway.com
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Browns Creek Trail - Browns Creek Trail provides access to scenic views of Mt. Antero and the central Rocky Mountain highlands. Fishing for trout is accessible in Browns and Little Browns Creeks.
Cascade Campground - Cascade Family Campground is located in the central Colorado Rocky Mountains. A plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities are accessible from this site.
Iron City Campground - The Iron City Campground is located in the Chalk Creek drainage near the well-preserved mining town of St. Elmo. This area offers many attractions for outdoor enthusiasts such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and four-wheel driving.
Little Browns Creek Trail - Little Browns Creek Trail is a lightly used trail that provides solitude for anyone willing to fight the rugged terrain. It provides access to Mt. Antero, one of Colorado's 14'ers, and trout fishing, in Little Browns Creek.
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