Hiking Mount Shavano Peak 14,229′ | Steep and Rewarding

Hiking Mount Shavano Peak is a great option for tackling one of Colorado’s many 14ers. It reaches an impressive 14,229 feet elevation which result in incredible panoramic views from the summit. But hiking Mount Shavano also provides a unique opportunity to bag two peaks over 14,000 feet in one challenging day hike. From the summit of Mount Shavano, take on another mile in the sky to reach Tabeguache Peak at 14,162 feet.

Quick Info: Hiking Mount Shavano Peak

Distance: About 10 miles roundtrip

Difficulty: Strenuous

Elevation Gain: 4,455 feet

Directions: From Poncha Springs, follow US-285 N as it curves left onto US-50 W. After 1.8 miles, turn right onto County Road 250. Continue for about 5 miles then stay straight for Forest Road 252. After about 3 miles, you will reach the parking area. Or click here to get directions to Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead.

Good to Know: There are vault toilets at the trailhead. Many dispersed camp spots on the way to the trailhead. This trailhead also accesses the Colorado Trail.

Additional Information: The route for hiking Mount Shavano may change from this trail report. On the information board there was a sign explaining that the summit and saddle of Mount Shavano is private land. It has been purchased by Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. CFI bought the mining claims to provide legal public access needed for a more sustainable summit hiking route. Construction of a new route will be underway from 2022-2027.

Our Experience Hiking Mount Shavano Peak

The hike to Mount Shavano begins with a short, mellow segment through towering aspen before reaching a trail intersection. The Colorado Trail continues straight but we turned left here to continue hiking Mount Shavano Trail.

Now that we made it to Mount Shavano Trail, there was no easing into the 4,000 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit! The trail climbs up a rocky trail through the woods. And then it climbs some more.

As we continued to gain elevation, the trail remained really rocky. Finally, we were able to catch a few glimpses of the surrounding views from the progress we had made so far.

After the treeline, hiking to Mount Shavano is long, steep and exposed. But the trail is easy to follow and the views are already pretty impressive.

I’m no going to lie, the elevation gain definitely made this trail quite challenging! But the reward of the summit kept us pushing on.

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The final ascent to Mount Shavano Peak involves a lot of rocks and route finding. There were some cairns here and there but of course, just keep going up to reach the top.

And finally, we did! It felt rewarding, being up at 14,229 feet at the summit of Mount Shavano. The views were amazing and the feeling of accomplishment was pretty nice too. Plus we had the peak all to ourselves.

We took in the views, enjoyed the break and ate some much deserved lunch as we contemplated continuing on to Tabeguache Peak. We mutually decided that we were satisfied with seeing Tab Peak across the way. Looking back, a part of me wishes we would have just done it but at the time it didn’t sound fun and we like hiking to be fun.

Thanks for Reading!

Reaching a summit always makes for a rewarding adventure. Check out the articles below for more peak hikes and beautiful scenery:

• Hiking Mount Elbert Peak (14,433)
• Hiking Humphreys Peak from Inner Basin Trail
• Beautiful Lassen Peak
• Backpacking North Halfmoon Lakes and Mount Massive

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