On Sunday August 3rd, begins a fun week of jeepin'!!!!  I (along with passenger Mardi B, and her dog Charlie, and my jeepin-side kick Molly), led 15 rigs out of the staging area at 9:30am sharp on channel 12.  I was scheduled for and early 8:00am trip, but took the later one from Frank E.  The trip headed up Chalk Creek off Hwy 285 south of camp, and on up a good 5000' climb to right below Mt. Antero at 13,800'.  This is the 3rd highest trail of the week, and it's the most scenic with it's many switchbacks and views.  

    The 15 Jeepers for the day included: Harold O. (CJ7-Warn), Dennis C. (CJ7), Vernon B. (TJ), Lynn H. ('Rental' Durango), Greg H. (TJ), Sharon P. (TJ-Rubicon), George P. (CJ-7), Roy P. (TJ), Ed W. (CJ7), Bob G. (MHJC Patrol 5-CJ5), Grant G. (MHJC Patrol 5-Early Bronco), Ashlie G. (MHJC Patrol 5-CJ7), Brandon W. (YJ), & finally Growske (TJ).

   We headed up Hwy 285 north out of camp a few miles to the St. Elmo turnoff (Chaffee County road 162), which leads west up the long incline to the mouth of Chalk Creek and the white Chalk Cliffs.  We stopped and aired down, and took care of business at the trailhead.  Ready, we headed up FR 277 on our way to a saddle at 13,800', just west of Mt. Antero.

    The trail is a bit rocky as you climb steadily in the trees.  Rounding the corner we reached clear Baldwin Creek as it cascades down the steep slope to our left.  Remember we need to climb 5,000', so sitting back in your seat was an easy thing to do.  Just like sitting in a tour jeep, but you have control...  

   We reached the intersection with Baldwin Lakes trail (to the right), and Mt. Antero (to our left).  It was getting lunchtime, so we opted for lunch down by the creek.  Here is a Topo of the area from Topozone: http://topozone.com/map.asp?z=13&n=4282013&e=389473&s=50&size=m.  After lunch, we forged Baldwin Creek as tree line around 11,000' approached us.  Bob G's CJ5 didn't want to start.  As we climbed he finally changed every fuse until he found the right one.  He met up with us on Mount White.

    Reaching the base of the switchbacks, the trail isn't as rocky, but the tight switchbacks get your attention.  Up and up, we gained elevation and views.  Coming up out of the Baldwin valley in the tundra, the surrounding Collegiate Range starts to surround us.

    Passing other vehicles becomes a challenge with 15 rigs.  There are a few pull outs, as everyone made it by.  There was one vapor lock, but they were able to continue on.  Finally, we reached the ridgeline below our final accent and headed up FR 278 1a to the saddle.  The switchbacks up the saddle were a little intimidating, as there were some loose rocks in places.