Backpack – BPX Backpack, Comanche Venable Loop, Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, 3-day Loop

Description: Hike to two beautiful lakes in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in San Isabel National Forest.  Visit Venable Falls and reach the crest of the Sangre de Cristos at Comanche Pass and hike a scenic traverse on the Phantom Terrace.

Itinerary:

Day 1. Hike on the Venable Trail (#1347).  After approximately a half-mile hike through forest, reach a T intersection with the Rainbow Trail. Turn left to stay on the Venable Trail. After two miles, you reach a sign for a short spur trail to Venable Falls (~400 ft one way). Leave the trees behind and push through a series of switchbacks that deliver you to Venable Lakes. Camp near the lake. (4.5 miles/2900’)

Day 2. Climb to Phantom Terrace and traverse along the Phantom Terrace Ridge, turn left (east) and descend to Comanche Lake.  Make camp near Comanche Lake (4.3 miles/+1460’, -1800’)

Day 3. Return to the trailhead continuing straight by the Rainbow Trail.  (4 miles/-2700’)

General Requirements: There are restrooms but no water at the trailhead.

Maps: https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=38.06911,-105.59612&z=14&b=f16a
           https://trails.colorado.gov/routes/39738?t=OisP1OjU5QquZ0siORlk

BPX is a community of backpackers who respect, trust, help each other, and honor our commitments. By registering for this trip, you are committing to going on the trip and will cancel only for a true emergency. And if absolutely necessary, you agree to cancel as early as possible so another member may take your place on the trip.

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CMC BACKPACKING SECTION (BPX)

COVID-19 and Colorado Mountain Club Programming

Meeting location and carpooling info will be provided via email prior to trip date.

Driving Directions: Travel to the town of Westcliffe on highway 69. When you get to the flashing red light you will turn left heading east for approximately a half mile. Hwy 69 will then veer to the right (south). Head 3.5 miles south to Schoolfield Road (County Road 140). Turn west (right) on Schoolfield Rd and drive 4.5 miles to a T intersection. Turn left and drive about 2 miles to the Comanche-Venable Trailhead on the right after passing the Alvarado Campground.