The Chalk Cliffs are an iconic historic landmark in the Collegiate Range that borders the Arkansas Valley to the west. The cliffs are at the entrance to Chalk Creek Canyon on the southeast side of Mount Princeton and are visible from the valley. These striking white cliffs on Mount Princeton are made not of chalk but of kaolinite, a soft rock produced by hot springs percolating through cracks in the mountain. The mountain from which the cliffs are carved out of was originally named Chalk Mountain by George M. Wheeler during his surveying and mapping expedition of the Colorado Territory in 1871 but was renamed Mount Princeton to fit the Ivy League School names for the rest of the Collegiate Range shortly thereafter. There are gorgeous views of the chalk cliffs at many locations throughout the Arkansas Valley, but the Chalk Cliffs Wayside Overlook provides a spectacular vista. Informative signs detail the geology and the history of the area and these cliffs. The overlook is on Highway 285 between Nathrop and Poncha Springs, about four miles south of Nathrop or about 12 miles north of Poncha Springs on the west side of the road.

Pro Tips

  • If you’re looking for more of a close-up and personal Chalk Cliffs experience, turn west on Country Road 162 right near the overlook to drive up into Chalk Creek Canyon.
  • “The soft rock of the Chalk Cliffs is produces by hot springs, you say?” Go for a soak right near the Chalk Cliffs at several hot springs up Country Road 162. The most famous and the first one you’ll see is Mount Princeton Hot Springs, but if you drive farther up the road you’ll find more rustic, smaller hot springs operations, some of which have pools built right into the river. Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Creekside Hot Springs Cabins, and Treehouse Hot Springs are all amazing places just up the road – try these three out instead of Mount Princeton.
  • Stop at this overlook at sunset for truly incredible and colorful views.
  • Recommended season(s): Year-round.

    —Annie Brewster

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