Mount Shavano

By denver-gazette August 12, 2016 | updated 10 years ago

Mount Shavano. Photo Credit: Jeff Mitton – OutThere Colorado.

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Things To Do

Backpacking Camping Hiking Mountaineering

This pointy behemoth towers over Salida and the Arkansas River Valley, topping out at 14,229 feet—it’s a barren, very different world from the lush valley below. Like most climbs in the bulky Sawatch Range, the trek is a long day—9 miles and 4,600 feet of climbing—and that’s if you decide against bagging the neighboring 14er, Tabeguache Peak. The peak is also known for the “Angel of Shavano,” a two-armed stick figure of snow that persists well into summer.

Pro Tips

When the road is dry, passenger cars can make it all the way to the trailhead where you can find restrooms and dispersed camping.

The snow here melts sooner than many other big mountains in the Sawatch Range, making Shavano a good early-season hike.

For post-hike libations you can’t go wrong with Elevation Brewing Co., just a few miles away in Poncha Springs. They even have a food truck.

Recommended season(s): Late spring to early fall

—R. Scott Rappold

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