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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: April 28, 2006
- Miles Hiked: 9.5
- Elevation Gain: 4,619'
- Hiking Partner(s): Aaron Reid
- Description:
- Aaron and I completed an unconventional or nonstandard route on Mount
Antero in less than ideal weather conditions. Although it is Spring,
is sure felt like winter to us. We started from approximately a
quarter mile up from the lower Baldwin Gulch Trailhead and ascended the
west gully of Mount Antero which is just north of the numerous traditional switchbacks.
This gully deposited us on Mount Antero's south ridge at 13,750' leaving
approximately 500' to climb on the normal route to the summit.
- Aaron and I left Highlands Ranch, CO, around 8:30 pm Thursday night to
stay with Mark Richardson at his condo in Silverthorne, CO. We
arrived around 10:00 pm and finalized plans for the next day. We had
originally wanted to attempt one of the north face couloirs on Missouri
Mountain. However, we soon came to the realization that most north facing couloirs are not set up this early in the year. In
addition, the forecast took a slight turn for the worse, so we decided on
Antero as a backup plan. We set the alarm for 4:00 am and wanted to
be hiking shortly after 6:00 am.
- Mark wasn't feeling well the next morning, so he bailed and Aaron and
I were off. At least we got to crash at his condo and save some
driving time. Our hope was that the Baldwin Gulch road would be open
to the 4WD parking area and we would have a nice leisurely hike. We
had no such luck as the road still has large snow banks in shaded areas
relatively low on the road. In addition, a downed tree blocked
access about a half mile up the road so we started hiking at 6:30
am after only driving a short distance up the road.
- We arrived at the 4WD parking lot in just over an hour where we
crossed the creek and began following a broken trail southeast up Baldwin
Gulch. Temperatures were cool and the snow was firm, so postholing
was not an issue. We actually left our snowshoes at the trailhead.
After hiking for 3/4 of a mile, we left the snow covered road as it turned
slightly southwest and hiked towards the mouth of the main gully south of
Point 12772. This gully provided an easy snow hike to approximately
13,200'. This was an extremely easy and direct approach to Antero's
south ridge. Unfortunately, the final 500' to the ridge were fairly
unpleasant as you are in a moderately steep gully with loose rock.
- We finally gained the ridge where Aaron cached his pack and we picked
up the standard trail to the summit 500' away. Although it had been
snowing on us all day, we were protected in the gully from the wind and
cold. Once on the ridge, the protection was eliminated and the
elements were much more noticeable. As we started up the ridge, the
snow accumulating on the rocks was now becoming a real nuisance. In
addition, Aaron was becoming fatigued as this was his first hike at
elevation in quite some time. The weather was becoming increasingly
more of a factor as visibility remained low and snowfall was heavier.
- We finally topped out with absolutely nothing to look at but each
other. Aaron had to dig deep to make the final push and was
extremely exhausted. However, because of the weather we had to
descend immediately with little rest. We returned to Aaron's pack
and dropped off the ridge back into our rubble filled gully. Being
back out of the wind and cold was helpful. The descent back to the
snow field wasn't as bad as expected, but the snow covered rocks kept it
interesting. We had hoped to glissade all the way back to the
entrance of the gully, but the angle just wasn't steep enough. This
gully would definitely provide an easy ski/board descent of around 1,200'
or more.
- We primarily plunge-stepped down the gully as the snow continued to
fall. We followed our tracks back down to the road and out to the
4WD parking area. Hiking out on a nice wide road was a relief and we
made it back to the vehicle after a nine hour day. It certainly
would have been nice if that gully had been snow filled all the way to
13,750' below Antero, but when it is, I'm sure the approach to the gully
up the road would be more difficult due to snow lower down the mountain.
We didn't use our crampons, but Aaron did use his axe on the ascent mainly
because he didn't have trekking poles. Neither are required for this
route. Again postholing wasn't an issue, but we had a cool day where
the snow didn't soften significantly.
- Maps:
-
Click here
to view a 2D
map of the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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