Mount Antero

Summit of Mt. Antero

Distance:  15.5 miles
Ascent:  5,422 feet
Top Elevation: 14,269 feet
Directions: west on H24, south on H285, west on CR270 and continue west where it turns to dirt and become CR272.  Plan on two hours from the Springs.
Route: Brown's Creek Trail Head turning north along the Colorado Trail 1776, and then west again on Little Brown's Creek 1430.  Lost the trail somewhere in the saddle, so bushwhacked up to the jeep trail, past the lot, along the spine and to the summit.  Now read backwards for the descent.

Description: "...named for a chief of the Uintah band of Utes during the 1880's.  At 14,269 feet elevation, Mount Antero boasts the highest concentration of minerals found in the nation, yielding an abundance of aquamarine, topaz, and quartz crystals.  The Pike expedition explored this entire region in the 1800's.  Zebulon Pike and 22 men ate Christmas dinner in the forest to the east of this trailhead." High Country Highlights (as  posted on the sign at Brown's Creek Trail Head)

Our first quarter mile on CO trail, just 482.75 miles to go!

Had been putting together an entirely different trek when the suggestion of Antero came up, but jumped at the opportunity as a 14er would be a nice addition to the summer adventures.  Started looking into the area and was not all that excited about walking a jeep trail up the mountain; however, did like the idea that we could determine our own fate in regard to distance and therefore time allotted.  Since we were not going to camp the night before, and the mountain is a couple hours away, an early start would be necessary to avoid any afternoon storms, so any late departure could be compensated for.  Did not realize until the day before that I was incorrect in assuming our planned route.

Should of realized that Tam had no intention of taking the elevator up this hill.  Instead we started on the eastern side from Brown's Creek and this route did not come up in my research because not many people seem to take the long way!  Would also like to point out that she had to turn back the week prior on an alternate path, so now knew exactly how to  correct the approach.  Take note that the map at the trail head appears to combine two separate intersections and should not be relied upon.  The trick is to jump off Brown's Creek and head north along the Colorado Trail, then turn west again on Little Brown's Creek.  Signage at the first intersection adds to the discrepancy at the trailhead and does not indicate anything about Little Brown's Creek trail 1430 being a short jog north.  She learned that lesson so that we did not have to.

Looking west - Carbonate, Cyclone, Pomeroy, and Grizzly

Crystal clear streams and multiple species of mushroom growth could not distract from the endless upward trail.  The most discouraging part had to be that we could not even see the peak we were to climb until about five miles in!  Mount White was visible first and viewing the distance to that summit after hearing it was a few hundred feet shy of being a 14er did not help.  It was when we reached about twelve thousand feet that I began to truly struggle.  Trying to zone out on the trail below me, just keep moving the feet, then come up for air.  Funny thing is I think I was able to snap out of it for a bit because the trail disappeared and we decided to bush whack to the switch backs of the 4x4 trail above us.  Scanning for aquamarine was distraction enough for us to make it to the road and collapse for lunch around thirteen thousand feet.  Entertainment with the meal came in the form of a dog chasing a herd of big horn sheep through the saddle.

Finishing the switch backs, we passed the top lot which held several jeeps and ATV's, and continued along the spine.  It's here that you finally get to see the true summit and about where my vertigo combined with lack of oxygen kicked in.  I'm not a fan of heights, but had walked way too far to turn back now.  The spine follows a fairly solid trail up and over rock,  the last stretch up to the summit has a trail but its loose.  Its not that any particular spot is dangerously steep, you are just so high up in the air that the panoramic view is nothing short of enormous.  Made it to the top, took some photos and had a seat.  There it was, both Gretchen and I's, first 14er! 

We were way late in reaching the summit and beyond lucky in the days weather conditions.  I clocked us at over nine miles in reaching the top and it began to set in what the consequences of over eighteen miles would mean.  We started back down, and though it had been discussed earlier in the day, there would be no alternate route back.  Not even mentioned again, I think we all needed familiar landscapes to gauge our progress back.  It began to drizzle, then rain, but no one seemed to care.  Stopping to put rain gear on would be a waste of time as we were overheated and too tired.  Again, we got lucky with the weather as there was still no lightning.  I think we all had underestimated distance, time, and altitude in regard to our individual physical conditions, but doubt that I am the only one wanting to go right back out.  One down, fifty-two to go!

Mt. Antero as seen from H285

Another special thanks to Tam Stull for not only putting another great hike together, but getting us there and back.  The storm on the return trip home was intense to say the least.  Also looking forward to see what you and Brett plan on doing the day/night before next time around! A 10 mile race or band playing a show, allowing for a couple hours of sleep have been done, the bar has been set.  Certainly kept me from complaining too much about having to work the next day.