Chalk Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chalk Creek |
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Chalk Creek west of US-285 to St.Elmo
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 38°36′20″N 106°21′32″W / 38.60556°N 106.35889°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Arkansas 7,602 ft (2,317 m) 38°44′27″N 106°04′00″W / 38.74083°N 106.06667°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Arkansas—Mississippi |
Chalk Creek is a 27.3-mile (44 km) long river in Chaffee County, Colorado. It flows east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range. Mount Antero is on the south side of the river. Mount Princeton is on the north side.
The river starts at the Continental Divide. This is a high ridge where water flows to different oceans. Chalk Creek then flows into the Arkansas River near the town of Nathrop, Colorado.
The river gets its name from the amazing white cliffs at the valley's entrance. These cliffs are made of kaolinite, a white clay, from ancient hot spring deposits. They stand out against the green mountains. You can see them from far away! Aspen trees and evergreens grow all along the river.
The land around Chalk Creek is a mix of private property and US Forest Service land. You can find campgrounds and public trails here. The famous Colorado Trail also runs along the river. Several natural hot springs are found in this valley.
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History of Chalk Creek
Chalk Creek has an interesting history. It is closely linked to the gold and silver rush in Colorado during the 1800s. Many towns grew up along the river as gold miners arrived.
Mining Towns and Railroads
Towns like St. Elmo, Hancock, and Alpine were founded during this time. They became busy places because of the mining. The Mary Murphy Mine, one of Colorado's most productive mines, is in Chalk Creek canyon.
The Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad built a train route here. It went up Chalk Creek canyon and through the Alpine Tunnel. This tunnel helped trains carry ore and supplies. They moved goods to and from Gunnison, Colorado, which was on the other side of the Continental Divide.
Ghost Towns and Tourism
When the gold rush slowed down in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the towns in Chalk Creek canyon became ghost towns. The train route was closed, and the Alpine Tunnel was sealed for safety.
Today, St. Elmo is a popular tourist spot. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of its old buildings are still standing, which makes it a fun place to visit.
Fishing and Camping at Chalk Creek
Chalk Creek is a great place for fishing. It is home to several types of fish. You can find Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Rainbow Trout here.
There are many places to camp along the river. You can choose from local commercial campgrounds. There are also public campgrounds in the National Forest.
