CANCELED: Interpretive Hike: Chalk Mountain

 08/26/2023  |  07:00 AM - 01:30 PM
  Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area  |  Registration Required

Special Events - All Ages

See linked document for full description of this hike. The trail begins to the east from the parking area on the 4WD road through subalpine forest with views south along the Mosquito Range, allowing dramatic views of the rigged northern Mosquito Range as we rapidly climb steeply 400 feet in the first 0.40 mile and the valley and Mt. Arkansas open up to the south before and below us. After this initial steep beginning, the trail relaxes except for one short steep burst until we get to an intersection at 0.90 mile and we bear to the right with FS 134 (137 on the MVUM) as it continues to climb to the top of the mountain. Almost immediately, we begin a steep climb through interesting open forest that takes us to the beginning of tundra country at 1.55 miles and 11730 feet. We here get our first nice views of the summit ridge and sweeping views south to west down to Dyer Mountain in the Mosquitos over to the entire southern Sawatch Mountains as well as the northern Sawatch Range. As we again enter dense subalpine forest for our last major climb, we encounter crypto-biotic crust on much of the surface of the lower tundra (alpine desert area). It is a living biotic crust that helps to hold the soil together and sustains the desert alpine ecosystem by trapping nutrients and water. One step on the crust can cause lasting damage taking decades to recover. PLEASE TRY TO NOT “BUST THE CRUST”. At 2.2 miles and 12020 feet, we arrive at the saddle between the north and south tops of the Chalk Mountain Summit Ridge and the end of MVUM #137. We will enjoy spectacular view of the Mosquito, Tem Mile, and Sawatch ranges as well as excellent perspectives of the entire Climax Mine complex. We will also be able to observe some of the potential crossing of the east and west horsts of the Rio Grande Rift as the rift encounters the Tennessee, Fremont, and Hoosier Passes. On the mountain top and in other area of the west side of the mountain, we encounter trachyte volcanic ash and highly silicified sections of Cambrian Sawatch as well as other interesting rock deposits. We will have lunch along the summit ridge and return to the vehicles via the same route.

Registration is required for this activity. Click "register" to reserve your spot.

• Chalk Mountain Hike Description
• Chalk Mountain Trail Map

Jennifer R. Crawford

Administrative Assistant III

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

P 719.539.7289 x4707  |  F 719.539.3771

307 W. Sackett Ave, Salida, CO 81201

[email protected]  |  cpw.state.co.us