Mount Antero is known for its gemstone deposits and has one of the highest concentrations of aquamarine in the United States. The upper mountain holds many private mining claims, some of which are actively being mined with heavy equipment, making the area a bit of a mess. Via
Baldwin Gulch, a rough 4WD road goes all the way to 13,900 feet on Antero, so it's a popular summer destination for more than just hikers. Antero is
named in honor of Chief Antero of the Uintah band of the
Ute.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Antero
How rough is the 4WD road up Mount Antero and can I drive to the top?
The standard Baldwin Gulch Road (Forest Service Road 277) is an exceptionally rough, high-clearance 4WD track that should never be attempted by stock SUVs or crossover vehicles. It features steep grades, tight switchbacks with high-altitude drop-offs, and massive, loose boulder obstacles that can easily tear open an oil pan or high-center a vehicle. While high-clearance, short-wheelbase rigs can drive up past 13,800 feet, standard 2WD passenger cars must park along Chaffee County Road 162 and walk the entire road.
Is there a quieter hiking route that avoids the noisy 4WD road?
Yes, the Little Browns Creek route is a fantastic, highly scenic alternative to the crowded and noisy Baldwin Gulch 4WD road. While it is a longer day—spanning roughly 12 miles round-trip with over 4,900 feet of vertical elevation gain—it takes you through peaceful pine forests, vast alpine meadows, and pristine valleys completely away from vehicular traffic. It is the preferred hike for those who want a quiet, traditional wilderness experience rather than walking alongside jeeps and ATVs.
Is there active mining on Mount Antero and what gems are found there?
Yes, Mount Antero is world-famous for its rich geological history and contains the highest-elevation active gem mines in North America. Since the late 1800s, prospectors have extracted world-class specimens of aquamarine (Colorado's official state gemstone), alongside smoky quartz, phenakite, and fluorite from the peak's high-altitude granite pegmatites. Active mining claims still operate near the 13,800-foot mark, and hikers must strictly respect all posted signs, stay on the trail, and never trespass or rock-hound on active private claims.
Is Mount Antero a good peak for beginner 14er hikers?
While the standard route is a non-technical Class 2 hike, it is physically grueling if you walk from the bottom. Hiking the entire Baldwin Gulch Road requires a long 15.5-mile round-trip trek with 4,700 feet of elevation gain. The combination of extreme distance and walking on hard, unyielding vehicle rocks makes it highly exhausting for beginners. It is best suited for novices who either have a capable 4WD vehicle to drive up to the upper benches or have already built up solid physical endurance on shorter 14ers.
Additional Mt. Antero History
