Mount Antero (West Slopes)

Mount Antero is the fourteener with the aquamarine mines on it, a 14,269-foot peak above Chalk Creek whose upper slopes are laced with 4WD roads and mining claims and where rockhounds dig for gems at 13,000 feet every summer. The West Slopes route follows the Baldwin Gulch road from the 2WD parking, 15.5 miles round trip with 5,200 feet of gain on foot, though a capable 4WD vehicle can cut the day in half or more.

From the 2WD parking at the bottom of Baldwin Gulch Road at about 9,400 feet, follow the road up the gulch through spruce for about 3 miles to a creek crossing near 10,800 feet, where the road turns rough. It continues switchbacking up the west side of the mountain into the upper basin at 12,000 feet, with the ATV traffic for company on weekends.

Above the basin the road climbs to a ridge near 13,700 feet and ends at the mining area. From there a trail follows the ridge north on talus, Class 2, to the summit at 14,269 feet, with the Chalk Cliffs of Princeton to the north and Shavano to the south. Return the same way.

From Nathrop on US 285, take Chaffee County Road 162 (Chalk Creek Road) west 12.5 miles past the Chalk Cliffs to Baldwin Gulch Road (Forest Road 277) on the left, and park in the pullouts at the bottom; the road is 2WD to that point. Beyond, the road is real 4WD, with a creek crossing at 3 miles and steep, rocky switchbacks above; capable vehicles reach 13,000 feet and higher. No fee or permit. Cascade and Chalk Lake campgrounds are on County Road 162.

Dogs are allowed; the road walk is long and the ATV traffic is a hazard on weekends. Not a kid hike. Carry three liters; Baldwin Creek at the crossing is the last water. Stay out of the mining claims, which are private and active, and do not dig without permission. The Mount Princeton Hot Springs and Buena Vista are 30 minutes. The Mount Antero guide covers the road and the route in detail, and the Buena Vista hikes page has the neighbors.