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Mount Antero (Fourteener)
Mount Antero is one of the Colorado Fourtneers with an elevation of 14,276ft. The peak was named for Chief Antero of the Uintah band of Ute tribe.
Mount Antero boasts the highest gem field in the lower 48. Many unpatented mining claims are scattered over the peak. Rockhounding, prospecting, and mining activities on these unpatented claims is illegal without a Notice of Intent or Plan of Operations from the US Forest Service. Any surface collection (rockhounding) without the claim owners permission is also illegal and considered "claim jumping." It is your responsibility to know if you are on a claim!!
The road to Mount Antero is rocky and rough, high-clearance 4-wheel drive is required.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
|---|---|
| Busiest Season: | June-September |
| Restrictions: | Vehicles must stay on the designated roads to prevent damage to the delicate alpine tundra. |
| Closest Towns: | Buena Vista, CO |
| Water: | No drinking water provided. |
| Restroom: | None |
| Information Center: | Salida Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Buena Vista, travel south on Highway 285 for 7 miles to County Road 162. Turn west at Nathrop on CR 162 and travel west for 12.5 miles to the Baldwin Gulch/Mount Antero trailhead. Parking for this trailhead is located along CR 162 just west of Alpine.
Parking:
Parking at the Mount Antero trailhead is located along County Road 162.
Activities
Mountain Climbing
The standard route for climbing this peak is to hike the road that leaves from the trailhead on County Road 162. For detailed route information visit the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative website at: www.coloradofourteeners.org
The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative works as a partner with US Forest Service throughout the state of Colorado to protect and preserve the unique character of these special peaks.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | June-November |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
OHV Road Riding
Mount Antero is one of just a few "14er's" (peaks over fourteen thousand feet in elevation) that has a road that travel within a short distance of the summit. The road up the mountain is rough and rocky and requires four-wheel drive. The road winds up and along the south face of the peak for six miles, ending just short of the summit.
Informational brochures and kiosks have been placed at locations along the road by the High Rocky Riders Off Road Club who work in partnership with the Salida Ranger District to promote and educate off-road and OHV enthusiasts.
General Info:
Permits & RegulationsSpecial use permits are required for all commercial activities including outfitting and guiding. Please contact the Salida Ranger District at 719-539-3591 for more information.
Safety Information
Be prepare for afternoon thunderstorms on this peak. Lightning is a common occurrence so be prepared to move to lower ground if storms and lightning threaten.
The road to Mt. Antero is a narrow shelf road with few turnarounds.
Seasonal Information
This road is closed by snow from November through June.
| Status: | Open |
|---|---|
| Difficulty Level: | More to Most Difficult |
Rockhounding
The Prospectors TV show has created much interest in Mt. Antero, unfortunately, almost all of Mt. Antero and Mt. White have already been claimed. To contact claim owners for permission to dig, you will have to do some research to find their contact information. Visit http://www.blm.gov/lr2000/index.htm and http://qpublic.net/co/chaffee/.
Rockhounding, prospecting, and mining activities on Mt. Antero and Mt. White without an NOI or an approved Plan of Operations is illegal. Please contact the Salida Ranger District office in Salida at 719-539-3591, prior to conducting any operations. You may also visit the PSICC Hard Rock and Placer Minerals website for additional information.
Additional information about Rockhounding, Fossil Collecting, and Gold Panning can be found HERE.
Location