Mount Antero is the highest peak in the southern Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Located in Chaffee County, it rises to an elevation of 14,276 feet (4,350 m) above sea level. The mountain is known for its challenging hiking trails, beautiful alpine environment, and stunning views. Let’s explore some riddles and fascinating facts about this iconic Colorado peak.
Geography
What Colorado county is Mount Antero located in?
Answer: Chaffee County
At 14,276 feet elevation, what claim to fame does Mount Antero have in the Sawatch Range?
Answer: It is the highest peak in the southern Sawatch Range.
True or false: Mount Antero is the highest peak in all of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Answer: False. Mount Antero is the 11th highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
Geology
What types of rocks make up the peak of Mount Antero?
Answer: Precambrian granite, gneiss and schist.
During which geologic era did these basement rocks form?
Answer: Precambrian era, over one billion years ago.
What mineral can be found embedded in quartz veins on Mount Antero?
Answer: Aquamarine gemstones.
History
When was the first recorded ascent of Mount Antero by explorers?
Answer: In 1861 by members of the Hayden Survey team.
What Native American tribes historically inhabited the area around Mount Antero?
Answer: Ute tribes and Tabeguache band of the Utes.
True or false: Mount Antero was named for the Greek poet Anteros.
Answer: False. It was named for a Ute chief named An-tero.
Hiking
How long is the most commonly used hiking route from the Baldwin Gulch Trailhead to Mount Antero’s summit?
Answer: 7.4 miles one way.
What is unique about the elevation gain on the hike up Mount Antero?
Answer: It is one of the steepest elevation gains in Colorado, climbing over 3,700 feet in only 3.5 miles.
True or false: The hike to Antero’s summit is an easy, smooth trail suitable for beginners.
Answer: False. The steep, rocky trail is considered strenuous even for experienced hikers.
Wildlife
What type of animals may hikers encounter at high elevations on Mount Antero?
Answer: Yellow-bellied marmots, pikas, mountain goats, elk.
What bird species nests on rocky cliffs and outcrops on the mountain?
Answer: White-throated Swifts.
Are black bears found in the Antero region?
Answer: Yes, but they tend to inhabit lower elevations around the mountain.
Camping
What is the highest drive-up campground near Mount Antero at around 10,000 feet elevation?
Answer: Baldwin Creek Campground.
True or false – dispersed backcountry camping is allowed anywhere on National Forest land around Mount Antero.
Answer: True.
What is one consideration for camping at high elevation near Antero?
Answer: The symptoms of altitude sickness that can occur above 10,000 feet.
Weather
What is the average yearly snowfall on Mount Antero’s summit?
Answer: 300 inches (25 feet).
What causes the ‘snow shadow’ effect of lighter snowfall on the eastern side of Antero?
Answer: It is in the rain shadow of the Continental Divide, which blocks moisture.
True or false – summer temps on Antero average in the 70s Fahrenheit.
Answer: False. Summer highs average in the 50s, even in summer.
Skiing
What makes Mount Antero a popular backcountry skiing destination?
Answer: Steep terrain, high snowfall, and panoramic mountain views.
In what year did a tragic avalanche on Antero take the lives of 5 skiers?
Answer: In 1983, the worst avalanche accident in Colorado history.
True or false – beginners should attempt backcountry skiing on Mount Antero.
Answer: False. The challenging, avalanche-prone terrain requires expertise.
Mining
What precious metals and minerals have been mined on Mount Antero over the years?
Answer: Gold, silver, copper, and aquamarine.
What was the name of the famous St. Kevin Mine on Antero which produced gems?
Answer: The Pride of the West Mine
True or false – mining still occurs today around Mount Antero.
Answer: False. Mining activities ceased in the 1990s.
Legends
According to Native American legend, what event caused the bald, treeless appearance of Antero’s summit?
Answer: A great fire set by the Great Spirit destroyed the trees.
In Ute tribal lore, what supernatural beings were said to inhabit the peaks and forests of the Sawatch Range?
Answer: Shape-shifting witches called Nünmü.
True or false – Mount Antero has long been considered a sacred site by Native peoples.
Answer: True. Ute tribes used Antero for vision quests and healing rituals.
Conclusion
Mount Antero is a fascinating and storied mountain deeply rooted in Colorado’s natural and cultural history. Its high elevation environment offers unmatched adventures to those willing to brave the challenging terrain. While its steep slopes have inherent risks, proper planning and caution can lead to rewarding experiences hiking, camping, or skiing among Antero’s scenic subalpine landscape. Respect for the mountain and its Ute heritage are key to appreciating this iconic Rocky Mountain peak.
