| About San Isabel National Forest |
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| Mt. Antero |
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Elevation:
9,420 Feet
USGS Maps:
Quads: Mt. Antero, St. Elmo
Recommended Season:
Summer
Length, Round Trip:
16.2 Miles
Elevation Gain:
4,869 Feet
Difficulty:
Difficult
Beginning Elevation:
9,400 Feet
Ending Elevation:
14,269 Feet
Reservation:
No
Season:
June - Mid-October
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.
Location Information
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.
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