Chalk Creek
| Chalk Creek | |
|---|---|
Chalk Creek west of US-285 to St.Elmo | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 38°36′20″N 106°21′32″W / 38.60556°N 106.35889°W |
| Mouth | |
• location | Confluence with Arkansas |
• coordinates | 38°44′27″N 106°04′00″W / 38.74083°N 106.06667°W |
• elevation | 7,602 ft (2,317 m) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Arkansas—Mississippi |
Chalk Creek is a 27.3-mile-long (43.9 km) river flowing east from the Collegiate Peaks mountain range in Chaffee County, Colorado. Mount Antero borders the southern side of the river, while Mount Princeton borders the northern side. The headwaters of the river are located at the Continental Divide. The river empties into the Arkansas River at the town of Nathrop, Colorado.
The river is named after the magnificent white kaolinite cliffs that stand at the entrance to the Chalk Creek valley, and are a result of hot spring deposits. These white cliffs are visible for miles in all directions, and stand in stark contrast to the otherwise wooded surrounding mountains. Stands of aspen trees and evergreens of various species surround the river for its entire length.
The river is surrounded by a mix of privately owned and US forest service land. Campgrounds and public trails, including the Colorado Trail, are located along the length of the river. Several hot springs emerge in this valley.