Chalk Mountain

Chalk Mountain is a scenic out-and-back climb that begins just south of Fremont Pass on Highway 91 and steadily gains more than 1,600 feet as it ascends to nearly 12,000 feet. The road starts as a straightforward climb before becoming rougher with exposed decomposing granite, embedded rocks, and erosion holes up to 10 to 12 inches deep, creating a slow, bumpy drive that is best suited to a high clearance 4x4 with low range. Drivers with some off-road experience will find the trail enjoyable rather than intimidating, and any mildly modified vehicle with larger tires will handle the terrain easily. About two miles in, the trail reaches a broad false summit where several large, level dispersed campsites offer outstanding views of Taylor Hill, North Sheep Mountain, and Buckeye Peak. The climb continues to a higher ridgeline with spectacular overlooks of Fremont Pass, the massive Climax Mine, and a skyline filled with prominent peaks, including Traver Peak, Mount Arkansas, and Mount Cameron. The trail ends at a scenic, well-protected campsite near the summit, making Chalk Mountain an excellent destination for campers and anyone looking for one of the best panoramic mountain drives in the Leadville area.