Hiking – CHALK MOUNTAIN on CO 65 toward Powderhorn

Cross the road from the 4WD parking area to a deeply rutted road heading away from your vehicle. Continue following this road (gas line road) as it gradually winds around to the right until you see the cliff face and the road ends. DO NOT attempt to access the peak prior to the end of the gas line road. Some hikers who have attempted other routes up the peak have encountered heavy brush which resulted in the hike taking many more miserable hours.

Once at the end of the road you will be looking up ~ 600’ toward the false summit. Start ascending the moderate slope keeping to the right of the cliff face following footprints from previous hikers. The ascent can be tricky in a couple of places if the ground is dry. Microspikes may help you gain traction on these short sections. The true summit is at the end of the ridge past a benchmark on the false summit.

The descent goes much easier as you can slide down the loose dirt.

The views of Grand Mesa and the erosion below the summit are spectacular.

Participants coming from Montrose will meet at Gold’s Gym at 7am.

Participants not coming from Montrose will meet at 8:30am in the wide paved parking area located immediately to the right after you leave I-70 on to CO 65.

Note: 4wd vehicles are necessary due to a steep, rutted section of the road up to the trailhead parking.

From Gold’s Gym in Montrose drive north to the junction with CO 92 on Hwy 50. Turn right toward Clifton.

Follow CO 92 through Clifton to the junction with I-70 heading east. Turn right on I-70.

Follow I-70 to the junction with CO 65. Turn right to CO 65.

Follow CO 65 to Mesa, CO. ~ 12 miles.

Turn right on KE road by the community center. Follow KE road for ~ 2.8 miles. Turn left turn where you will see a sign that says “Chalk Mtn Access”.

Follow the county/private road until you reach the parking area by the trailhead. Keep to the right on the gravel road.

The road becomes 4WD as it climbs past private property and enters public land. DO NOT attempt to drive on the gravel road if it is wet or has been raining.

Park in a large flat area on the right side of the road. There is room for several cars. Do not block entry to the gas facility.

It takes ~ 2 hrs driving time from Golds Gym in Montrose to the

4WD parking area and trailhead.

NO Dogs