Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead

Sawatch Range

Road Difficulty

2 2WD, rough dirt, good clearance

Location9,775 feet
38.596682, -106.196998

Driving Directions

On U.S. 285, one mile north of the U.S. 50 junction near Poncha Springs, turn west onto County Road (CR) 140. This turn is about 21 miles south of Buena Vista, and across the highway from the Salida airport. Measure from here. On CR 140, drive 1.7 miles and then turn right on CR 250. Continue to 2.6 miles where the road turns to dirt. Once you enter BLM land the road becomes rough and rocky. At 5.9 miles, stay left at a junction and continue on FR 252. Reach the signed trailhead at just over 9.0 miles. If the lot is full, there is overflow parking if you continue 0.1 mile beyond the trailhead.

Notes

Rough 2WD dirt but sometimes it requires some Easy 4WD.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 8/2/2026:

The new trail up to mt Shavano is absolutely amazing, and I sincerely appreciate all the work CFI has put into this trail. The only thing I want to call out since I have done this mountain via both the old and new trail- if there is weather approaching it does seem to take longer to get off the mountain and back to tree line. Also- the condition of mt Shavano road has appeared to dramatically decr...

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Winter Access

Usually closed many miles below the TH.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: Parking for ~25 vehicles with overflow down the road.
Camping: Dispersed camp spots near the trailhead and in the meadow down the road, 0.1 mile past the trailhead. And a lot of marked, dispersed camp spots much lower on the road.
Restrooms: Yes
Fees: No

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