Trip Report
Hiking – Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
The hike was an epic challenge in the long distance and elevation gain encountered from ascending Mount Shavano, bridge to Tabegiuache Peak, and the ascent of Mount Shavano, before returning to the Blank Gulch trailhead. What a long, epic, successful day!
Terry Ploski
- Tue, Aug 13, 2024
- Hiking – Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
- Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak
- Hiking & Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road recommended for high clearance only
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The Colorado 14ers Initiative has devoted the time, effort, and materials to improve the trail from the trailhead through treeline. The ascent of Mount Shavano, crossover to Tabeguache Peak, and return over Mount Shavano calls for focused route finding abilities. There were some segments on Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak that require 3rd class scrambling. Mount Shavano was more problematic due to the pea-size gravel scattered across the slopes. Trekking poles and careful route selection allowed for a safe ascent and descent.
We maintained a steady pace of 1,000'/hour as we began our hike at 4:00am. Here is a more detailed summary of our trip:
4:00am - Depart Blank Gulch Trailhead
6:30am - Break treeline
8:30am - Mount Shavano
10:30am - Tabeguache Peak
11:30am - Mount Shavano
1:00pm - Reenter treeline
3:00pm - Arrive Blank Gulch Trailhead
Discussion: We had an extended break atop Mount Shavano as we assessed and reassessed the local weather. Low, ominous clouds were visible on the local horizon. The clouds were not consolidated. Patches of sunshine broke through the clouds as we finally decided to ascend Tabeguache Peak. The 30-minutes extra break would have consequences for us as we descended the trail and approached Blank Gulch trailhead.
The afternoon clouds began to consolidate with the sound of thunder occasionally ripling through the forest. We arrived at the trailhead a full hour behind my proposed schedule due to infrequent breaks and fatigue beginning to set in for completing three fourteeners in a single day. The rain began in earnest as we returned to the trailhead.
The flora and fauna were inspiring. We saw ptarmigan, pita, marmot, and the occasional chipmunk. The blossoming flowers from a few weeks away were beginning to fade in light of the cooling temperatures and the hint of fall weather patterns.