Mount Tabeguache via Mt. Shavano
12.3 mi
Distance
4 hrs 50 min
Time
terrain
4,390 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Mount Shavano in San Isabel National Forest.
Getting Started
Road is bumpy leading up to the trailhead but any vehicle should be fine as long as you watch for the larger pot holes. There is generous amounts of dispersed camping on the road up and shortly past the trailhead as well.
The peaks require some basic scrambling and route finding but virtually the entire trail is traveled enough to follow easily. Important to remember that you summit Shav, then Tab, and then you need to drop back down to summit Shav again in order to start descending. This can take a toll and this entire time is above tree line so be prepared.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Full trail maintenance is currently happening on the route, and the new trail is different from the route shown on Gaia. The new trail from the trailhead to Shavano Peak was phenomenal - well marked and maintained. However, the route between Shavano and Tab is very unclear. There is no clear trail and it's very easy to get off the path. There were few to no trial markings in most areas, and scrambling through large (sometimes loose) rocks was required for the traverse. Aside from the traverse, the hike was phenomenal, and it took about 8 hours total.
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We started at 0515 and reached Shavano at 0930. There was a lot of water running down the creek low on the trail which was a surprise this late in the year. 3L of water was just enough for Both peaks. The comments below remain valid about the road to the trailhead and abundant camping on the way up. The 14ers.com crew was working on the trail which was rocky but well maintained.
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stars
Public Tracks
Shavano and Tabeguache
Trail to tree line is rocky and lacks switchbacks so bring sturdy boots. Views on top both peaks are awesome particularly to the west from Tabeguache. Just know the climb back up Shavano from the saddle is tough and might I say dangerous if you come down with AMS so know when to turn around if you must. Fun challenging hike though! Also no fires for the 2018 season please. It is extremely dry.
Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
RT 7hr 23min
Ascent Shav 3hr 33min
Ascent Tab 4hr 20min
Re-Ascent Shav 5hr 4min
Descent 2hr 19min
