Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Antero  -  14,271 feet
Date Posted:  06/18/2007
Date Climbed:   06/17/2007
Author:  CCU_Jim
 Antero on Father‘s Day   

After itching for weeks to finally get out into the mountains, my girlfriend Jess and I finally had an opportunity to go hiking together. Since it was going to be our first of the season, and her first in 4 years, we looked for a 14er that would be a relatively easy starting hike, as if it fit my summer goal of finishing the 20 highest, all the better. Antero was a perfect fit. We left Colorado Springs at 4am and arrived at the base of the Baldwin road probably 0545 (I didn't really look). Fortunately, we borrowed her parents Wrangler and proceeded up the jeep road to the creek crossing at 10,840'. Not knowing what the road was like, I was very greatful to have the Wrangler as I would never drive a passenger car even a foot onto the road, and even Jess's Liberty would not have been fun since it's brand new and we wouldn't have wanted to mess it up quite yet. We did see a Liberty at the creek when we came back, so it definitely could've made it. After attempting to cross the creek by foot and realizing there was no good path over without getting our feet completely drenched (as my feet could then attest to), we drove the Wrangler through the crossing, found a pulloff, and finally parked.

Image

The creek crossing with car on other side already.

By the time we made it up the road, played around with the crossing, and actually set out on the hike, it was close to 7am.
The hike was pretty straightforward. We followed the road up to 13,100' and then left it to climb the slope up to 13,800', where we met up with the road again. The slope was long and slow going, with a few loose spots, but overall it was a pretty stable class 2 scramble up boulders and talus.

Image

The road as it heads up from treeline.

Image

The first snow on the road was close to 12,800', and patches continued most of the rest of the way up. It was easily avoided for hiking, but could've impacted driving further up the road.

Image

From just above where we left the road to climb the 700' slope.

Image

Looking back down the slope after climbing most of the way up.

Once we reached the ridge, we were greated with a wonderful view of Shavano and Tabeguache.

Image


From the shoulder, we had to drop a little elevation, but it only felt like 100' or so. This 'descent' had the first snow that we had to cross, and it was only maybe 30' across and had solid footprints to follow. Then we had a fun ridge to get to the summit pitch. It had a pretty solid trail to follow and was easy class 2 the whole way, with again, two small snow sections that could either be avoided by walking on the talus to the left, or just walked over, as there were plenty of solid footprints to follow.

Image

On the ridge looking at the final summit pitch.

Image

The final summit pitch!

We reached the base of the summit pitch and could taste the summit, only around 300' above us. This last stretch was extremely windy, but everyone passing us coming down said the summit was very peaceful. We pressed on and finally arrived to find they weren't lying. As soon as you reached the summit, the wind just died. We reached the summit just after 11, just over 4 hours up, but we were definitely going slow. After a nice rest, lunch, and pictures on the summit, we started the descent.

Image

Mt. Princeton from the summit.

Image

We made it!

Not wanting to go back down that 700' slope, we decided to follow the road back down all the way from 13,800', but quickly got confused on where it was, as a snow field had covered part of it and we didn't want to cross any snow fields without an ice ax. So we scouted out, found the road below us, and went down a steep but very stable slope to the road. We followed the road all the way back to the car, with the exception of one shortcut following a trail down a short ridge which cut out a couple switchbacks. It was less than three hours down, with the time spent trying to find the road and how to best get down to it. Unfortunately, we didn't stop enough on the way down for me to get any pictures, except for this one. Find the pica!

Image

Hint: It's sitting on a rock barely left of center.



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11


Comments or Questions

   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.


Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.