Where is Mount Antero Colorado?
Usa, north-america
11.09 km
4,189 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Buena Vista or Salida, Colorado, you HAVE to check out Mount Antero! This peak, named after a Ute chief, sits pretty in the southern Sawatch Range.
Here's the deal: You can actually DRIVE almost to the top! Baldwin Gulch Road (aka County Road 277) is a wild 6.9-mile climb that kicks off from Chalk Creek Drive.
Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, rough terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. The road is super narrow with switchbacks that'll test your nerves. Oh, and did I mention the crazy drop-offs? Experienced drivers only, folks. Passing another car? Forget about it in most spots.
The road typically opens in June or July, depending on the snow. It was originally built in the 50s for mining beryl, so keep an eye out for aquamarine and other gemstones! This whole area is a rockhound's DREAM.
The climb is STEEP, averaging nearly 12% – you'll gain over 4,300 feet! But trust me, the 360-degree views of the Sawatch Range from the top are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be aware of possible lightning storms, stay on the marked trails, and you are good to go!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.09 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,189 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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