Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail

The Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail offers an epic alternative route to summit one of Colorado's magnificent 14ers (14,269 feet). This challenging trail provides a true wilderness experience away from the crowds, taking you through lush woodlands, aspen groves, and dramatic alpine terrain for an unforgettable Colorado hiking adventure.

Trail Overview

• Starting Elevation: 8,900 feet
• Summit Elevation: 14,269 feet
• Difficulty: Challenging/Advanced
• Time: 10-14 hours average completion time
• Trail Type: Out-and-back with single-track sections

Why Choose This Route Over the Standard Route?

An almost 100% singletrack route to the top of Mount Antero, albeit a much more difficult climb than the standard route. Unlike the popular Baldwin Gulch route that follows a 4WD road shared with vehicles, this trail offers:

• Solitude: It's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring
• Wilderness Experience: This adventure weaves through lush woodlands and aspen groves before ascending the dramatic summit
• Authentic Hiking: True single-track trail instead of walking up a mining road
• Scenic Diversity: The trek through dense woodlands and expansive meadows provides varied terrain

Trail Description

From the trailhead, the trail consistently climbs up through the valley, alongside Little Browns Creek. Starting at 8900 feet of elevation, this 13.25 mile roundtrip hike begins its 5400 foot elevation gain on a dirt road that winds for 3 miles before transitioning to single-track trail.

Key Trail Sections:

1. Initial Approach: First 3 miles on dirt road following Little Browns Creek
2. Valley Ascent: Steady climb through woodlands and meadows
3. Ridge Section: After a while, the trail joins the ridgeline that heads up to the summit, the trail becomes a bit more technical here and also offers no shade or water sources to the top
4. Summit Push: Final technical ascent to the 14,269-foot summit

Trailhead & Access

Trailhead: Browns Creek Trailhead Location: Near Nathrop/Alpine, Colorado

Driving Directions:

County Roads 270 and 272 are smooth dirt roads, and there are enough signs that you won't lose your way. There are well maintained restrooms at the trailhead, and lots of parking. Trailhead elevation is about 8900'.

Best Time to Hike

• Season: Late June through September
• Start Time: Early morning (4-6 AM) to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
• Weather: Check forecasts carefully; afternoon storms are common in summer

Camping Options

There is the option to camp along the route if you wish to split the journey over 2 days or just spend more time in this beautiful area. This makes it excellent for:

• Backpacking trips to break up the challenging distance
• Photography expeditions to capture sunrise/sunset from high elevation
• Multi-day adventures exploring the Sawatch Range

Essential Gear & Preparation

• Navigation: GPS device/phone with offline maps
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (high altitude exposure)
• Insulation: Warm layers (weather changes rapidly at elevation)
• Illumination: Headlamp for early starts
• First Aid: Comprehensive kit for remote terrain
• Repair Kit: Basic gear repair items
• Nutrition: High-energy food for long day
• Hydration: Extra water (limited sources on upper trail)
• Emergency: Shelter and signaling device

Safety Considerations

• Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly; start early to avoid afternoon storms
• Altitude: Significant elevation gain requires proper acclimatization
• Remote Location: Limited cell service; inform others of your plans
• Water Sources: No shade or water sources available on upper ridgeline
• Technical Terrain: Some scrambling required near summit

What Makes This Hike Special

Though taxing, the Mount Antero via Little Browns Creek Hike may be one of the most rewarding adventures in the Sawatch Mountain Range. The combination of wilderness solitude, diverse ecosystems, and the achievement of summiting a Colorado 14er makes this an unforgettable experience.

Summit Views: Eventually you will reach the top, where you can basque in the stunning views of this area, with it being one of the highest peaks in this region, offering panoramic vistas of the Sawatch Range.

Planning Tips

• Physical Fitness: This is a strenuous hike requiring excellent conditioning
• Experience Level: Recommended for experienced hikers comfortable with long days
• Group Size: Keep groups small to minimize environmental impact
• Leave No Trace: Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations

The Mount Antero via Wagon and Little Browns Creek Trail offers Colorado hikers seeking solitude and challenge a remarkable alternative to the crowded standard route, delivering an authentic wilderness experience to one of the state's most spectacular 14er summits.