Mountaineering · YDS Class 2

West Slopes (Baldwin Gulch)

Distance RT
15.2 mi
Gain
4,843 ft
High Point
14,268 ft
Route Description

Antero's standard route, a long walk up a 4WD mining road famous for the gem-bearing rock along its upper slopes.

Approach

From the junction of U.S. 285 and US 24 near Nathrop, follow Chalk Creek Road (County Road 162) and then Baldwin Gulch Road (County Road 277) toward the trailhead. Most 2WD vehicles must park at the lower Baldwin Gulch trailhead around 9,420 feet; high-clearance 4WD vehicles can continue much farther up the mountain, in some cases to within a mile or two of the summit. On foot, the route simply follows the Baldwin Gulch 4WD road the entire way, climbing from around 9,420 feet through a creek crossing near 10,850 feet and switchbacking above treeline. Above the road's practical end, a short final ridge climb over loose talus leads to the summit at 14,269 feet.

Descent

Reverse the road/trail. Watch for vehicle traffic sharing the road in the upper sections.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
❄️
Snow
33° / 27°
47%
1.5"
💨16
Tomorrow
❄️
Snow
35° / 26°
41%
0.9"
💨17
Sat, Sep 26
☁️
Overcast
48° / 24°
3%
💨14
Sun, Sep 27
☁️
Overcast
45° / 29°
18%
💨8
Mon, Sep 28
🌧️
Drizzle
41° / 22°
65%
💧0.02"
💨15
Tue, Sep 29
🌧️
Drizzle
29° / 17°
69%
💧0.02"
💨10
Wed, Sep 30
☀️
Clear
44° / 18°
27%
💨12
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