4WD Road on Antero
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- colincool
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4WD Road on Antero
Hey all, I'm looking for some insight into the mining road up Antero. I'm driving an SUV that has AWD, but clearance that is closer to what a Subaru offers. I've been able to drive it along a lot of sketchy roads, but I was hoping to learn more about the quality of this road before heading all the way out there this upcoming weekend. Recent trip/conditions reports don't exactly touch on how easy it is to get along this road, and I'm really hoping that its possible to get higher than the 2WD trailhead.
I'm adding a screenshot here with red stars at the beginning of the 2WD trailhead and where I think the road stops at treeline. Has anyone been along this road this season at all and can comment on how difficult it would be to drive it? Even if I can go half way, it would be better than having to hoof it along!
edit: Seems the [img] button isn't quite working -- here is a direct link to the imgur screenshot of the topo map: https://imgur.com/a/yqBoBjc
I'm adding a screenshot here with red stars at the beginning of the 2WD trailhead and where I think the road stops at treeline. Has anyone been along this road this season at all and can comment on how difficult it would be to drive it? Even if I can go half way, it would be better than having to hoof it along!
edit: Seems the [img] button isn't quite working -- here is a direct link to the imgur screenshot of the topo map: https://imgur.com/a/yqBoBjc
- BillMiddlebrook
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
That road is ugly and will pummel your SUV. Save your car from some damage and walk or hitch a ride.
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- colincool
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
Thanks for the quick response. I guess we're looking at a long haul this weekend...BillMiddlebrook wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 8:08 am That road is ugly and will pummel your SUV. Save your car from some damage and walk or hitch a ride.
- SchralpTheGnar
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
The beginning of that road is the worst part with little room if any for parking too, at least to the meadow junction, I’ve never been up higher than that so there’s really no benefit to even trying to drive a little bit of it if you can’t make it all the way.
Re: 4WD Road on Antero
I drive a stock 2008 4runner with 4wd. The road up to the stream crossing really pushed the limits of my clearance. At one point I had to use center differential lock when I got stuck in a water rut. I was in 4low the entire time and it took an hour to drive. I also had a spotter (couldn't have done it without him).
I probably shouldn't have taken my car up there and I don't recommend it to anyone without a real 4wd vehicle.
I probably shouldn't have taken my car up there and I don't recommend it to anyone without a real 4wd vehicle.
What is real will prosper.
- larkinrx2
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
i have an old pic on my profile of the beginning of the road, doubt its gotten any better over the years since they dont maintain it
What do you think I'm some kind of a jerk or something! - That's all I need the ashtray, the remote control, the paddle game, and this magazine, and the chair and I don't need one other thing, except my dog.
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- supranihilest
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
The one time I've been up the Antero road I hiked it faster than my friend drove it. That tells you everything you need to know. It's a 4WD road, it's easy on your body and hard on your vehicle.
Re: 4WD Road on Antero
+1BillMiddlebrook wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 8:08 am That road is ugly and will pummel your SUV. Save your car from some damage and walk or hitch a ride.
After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. -Nelson Mandela
Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called Ego. -Nietzsche
Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called Ego. -Nietzsche
- Gene913
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
Used a lifted Jeep Wrangler to drive the road in mid August this year. Stayed in 4 low for almost the entire drive. There is no way I would take a stock 4WD vehicle on that road, much less an AWD vehicle.
If you are going to hike in, there is a better route than walking the road. Consider the Brown's Creek trailhead
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- mtree
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
I haven't been up there in years, but I didn't think it was all that bad. A buddy and me drove his Toyota Tacoma up to the river crossing no problem. Some narrow parts and clearance moves, but nothing sketchy at all. I don't recall even using 4wd!
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- supranihilest
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
Avalanche damage and washouts have changed the road for the worse.
- Marcos
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Re: 4WD Road on Antero
We made it to treeline last October in a stock 4-door Wrangler with 31" tires aired down to 20 psi. Might have put it in 4WD once or twice, but not much. It was actually quite fun. We did see a some other drivers struggling, though. I just hate road walking...
I've also done it from Little Brown's Creek. It's a more enjoyable hike, although you still have to do some road walking near the top. Lots of nice campsites and water just below treeline if you want to backpack in.
I've also done it from Little Brown's Creek. It's a more enjoyable hike, although you still have to do some road walking near the top. Lots of nice campsites and water just below treeline if you want to backpack in.