On August 7, 2026, we headed into Colorado’s high country to explore the Mount Antero and Baldwin Lake 4×4 routes near Buena Vista.
Our three-vehicle group included our 2025 Jeep Wrangler, another Wrangler, and a Toyota Tacoma. After airing down, we started up the Mount Antero trail before turning onto Forest Service Road 277 through Baldwin Gulch toward Baldwin Lake.
The Baldwin Lake route added some fun rock work along the way. One obstacle required a quick assist with a kinetic rope, but the recovery was straightforward and we were soon moving again. We stopped for a short hike to Baldwin Lake and spent some time exploring the old mining workings near the end of the trail, including a mine portal. Between the lake, mining remains, and surrounding mountain scenery, Baldwin Gulch made for an excellent side trip.
After retracing the route back to the Mount Antero trail, we continued climbing above timberline. The upper road winds through a series of narrow switchbacks toward Mount Antero’s 14,275-foot summit, with the motorized route reaching to within roughly 500 vertical feet of the top. Trail conditions were good during our visit, traffic was light, and we had plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.
With clear August weather and outstanding high-country scenery, Mount Antero and Baldwin Lake made for a great day of four-wheeling in Colorado’s Sawatch Range.
