Early morning start
JUNE 2023
Little Browns Creek Trail Loop- To Mount Antero
Browns Creek and Little Browns Creek Trail
I am still getting used to Colorado afternoon storms. A good section of the upper loop is exposed at around 12,500’+- and proved to be the most challenging part of the trip.
Detail of weathered stump
Camp
I wasn’t exactly sure when I would run out of treeline cover, but this campsite was about as far forward as I could get. Or should have gotten. Shortly after I arrived late morning a snow flurry came in and visibility went almost to zero with wind and temperature drops.
Looking up towards the saddle to ascend Mt. Antero
A view from camp (lower center in the trees) towards Mt. Antero
Sunrise behind me as I attempted to go up and over the saddle
After having a rough sleep (mattress has a small leak), requiring 4-5 repeat inflations, I headed out intending to continue the loop to camp 2. I was extremely windy and cold that second morning, not to mention dealing with a 25lb.+- pack at elevation!
Once I reached the saddle at about 12,500’ I was getting cold and dealing with the effects of the altitude. I made the decision to retreat, retrace my route of yesterday. The trail ahead was completely exposed and I figured I may have had at least 3 miles to hit the next treeline. I elevation gain had been gained to the loop, but considering the conditions and how I felt, I made the decision to retreat. Mt. Antero’s summit (14,276’) was definitely off the table.
I was disappointed not being able to complete the trip as planned, but happy to have completed the trip. Each trip out is another opportunity to be in the moment and work with what the day, weather, terrain, etc. all bring.