Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

The route begins and ends at Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead (9,750') and reaches the summit of Mount Shavano (14,229'). From the trailhead, follow the trail 0.1 mile to a junction and turn right onto the Colorado Trail. At 0.25 miles, turn left onto the Mount Shavano Trail. Follow a wide, rocky stretch briefly, then turn right onto the well-defined Shavano Trail, heading north then west. Around 1.8 miles, at about 10,600', follow the trail to the right and traverse a hillside around a corner to flatter ground near 2.0 miles. Continue northwest, cross a small stream, and climb past a notable rock near 10,950' to a corner at 11,200' — 2.5 miles in, the halfway point. Turn right and climb on a series of log steps. At 11,800', around 3.0 miles, the trail turns southwest approaching timberline, then exits the trees to traverse west along Shavano's southeast slopes. Near 12,650', around 3.6 miles, reach rock stairs marking the start of a newer trail built by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. Zigzag 700 vertical feet up a rocky slope; the climb relents at 13,400' with the summit in view. Continue west below a saddle toward the final pitch. At 13,600' the trail steepens. Crux: near 13,800', reroute work may leave the constructed trail ending abruptly; older use-trail sections continue up the rocky terrain to the ridge crest. Note this spot for your descent. From the ridge crest, continue slightly right, then turn left to gain the summit after 4.8 miles. From Shavano's summit, Tabeguache Peak is visible to the northwest. Descend Shavano's long, rocky summit ridge in that direction, losing 600 vertical feet over 0.6 mile of Class 2 terrain to a broad saddle at 13,700'. Crux: check weather before committing to the traverse — the only reasonable return is back over Shavano's summit, so worsening conditions here means retracing the full route. Cross the saddle and climb Tabeguache's east ridge on trail segments across stable talus; where the trail fades, ascend directly along the ridge. Gain 500 vertical feet from the saddle to the summit at 5.7 miles. Descend the same route, taking care, and the way down from Mount Shavano, not to drop directly south toward the saddle with "Esprit Point."

While afflicted with a dull standard route, Mt. Shavano is perhaps more famous for the aptly named "Angel of Shavano," a popular spring snow climbing route on its east face. The angel has a unique appearance, and, during years of high snowfall, often persists well into July.