Hike Mt Shavano in July with family

[trevorplummer18]

Good afternoon,

My question is, am I crazy to think that my family (ages 2, 9, 12 and adults) and I can summit Mt. Shavano? How do kids do on this trail?

1. My family and I are traveling to Salida after staying in Colorado Springs for a few days. We will be in Salida during the second week of July and should have completed several short hikes by the time we attempt Shavano.
2. I would by carrying my two-year old son and motivating my two girls (pre-teen).
3. They are all excited about the hike and have been training with me by going on local (midwest) walks and hikes.
4. I have reviewed other posts on this forum and feel confident we would have the right equipment.
5. We would not attempt the second follow on summit of Mt. Tabeguache.

Thank you for your suggestions.

[Wimyers]

It sounds like it will be a fun challenge for your family. Young kids climb 14ers commonly, and if you've been training for it, it should be a great time even if you don't make the summit.
I've never climbed with kids before but I will offer you what I've learned from climbing with my dogs:
- Watch for signs of altitude sickness in your party members. Camping at the base will help you all acclimate.
- Your dependents will go from 90% energy to 0% energy remarkably quickly and with little warning, so don't overextend their stamina getting to the summit (and remember that the summit is the halfway point). Be prepared to carry them if you misjudge their stamina.
- Make them eat and drink water.
- Make overly conservative decisions with weather and timing in general. Weather is the major safety risk and you don't want to be racing storms with your dependents.

[Phill the Thrill]

That's great that you and your daughters are excited about climbing Mt Shavano. I did that with all of my kids starting around age 9-11. I have a few suggestions, however.

1. It's difficult to carry a 2-year-old to the top of Mt Shavano. It's "possible" in summer conditions, but I think the hike is a little too strenuous and LONG for a 2-year-old to enjoy it. I would suggest leaving the toddler behind this time and that enables you to be fully available to your climbing daughters. In addition, a 2-year-old may be more susceptible to the effects of high altitude (headaches etc), especially coming from the lower elevations of the midwest.
2. Mt Shavano is not the easiest climb out there for young kids. It's rather steep. Perhaps consider a less strenuous 14er to ensure success, which I think is important to kids, so that they'll want to do it again next time. Huron Peak, for example, has approx 1,000 ft elevation gain and is not far away.

You know your kids (and yourself) better than anyone else, so if you think everyone is up for it, then go for it, but be flexible and willing to turn around if it becomes too much for anyone in your group. Good luck!

[KState14er]

+1 for Huron. More beautiful, better views, more fun, and shorter.

[Trotter]

2. Mt Shavano is not the easiest climb out there for young kids. It's rather steep. Perhaps consider a less strenuous 14er to ensure success, which I think is important to kids, so that they'll want to do it again next time. Huron Peak, for example, has approx 1,000 ft elevation gain and is not far away.

1000 ft gain on Huron?

Did you mean 3500?

[brousseau]

Probably meant 1000 ft. less elevation gain.

[Phill the Thrill]

Sorry, yes I meant 1,000 ft LESS elevation gain!

[jibler]

you know - if i were in your shoes


I would take some kind of hard look at Mt Ouray?

But that's for myself personally having never done it. But i have looked it up extensively.

Would be easier access for quicker in and outs than Huron?? Shorter than shavano or huron - but i do believe ouray has a pretty commanding view. you'll get the payouts.

[trevorplummer18]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. I am taking a good look at Mt Huron. It does appear to be a more beautiful hike with some "flat" parts of the trail which should help morale. And I agree it is important to "hook" the kids with an easier and fun hike.

[dwoodward13]

you know - if i were in your shoes


I would take some kind of hard look at Mt Ouray?

But that's for myself personally having never done it. But i have looked it up extensively.

Would be easier access for quicker in and outs than Huron?? Shorter than shavano or huron - but i do believe ouray has a pretty commanding view. you'll get the payouts.

While a beautiful mountain, Ouray has no real established trail from memory. I don't think that would be good with young kids.

Agree with others that Shavano isn't the best choice and Huron would be better suited.

[mtree]

In my experience of taking groups to the summit, the bigger the group, the less chance of success. You're only as fast as the slowest member. And if its 100% or nothing that's what you're left with.

That said, Shavano is certainly doable! I don't know the fitness level or mental fortitude of your family, but I imagine you do. Its usually not strength or endurance that keeps someone from reaching the summit. Its mental stamina.

Carting a 2 year old is going to be a slog. Remember, you're going to be carrying gear as well... unless you can spread it out among the others. I wouldn't worry about altitude for a 2 year old. He/she isn't actually hiking so minimal issues. Still, stay alert. For kids, the common symptoms of altitude sickness I've seen is headache, extreme mood swings, and even crying. The kids will probably start out faster than the adults until the altitude kicks in. My only advice is to take it easy, drink LOTS of water, be aware of altitude sickness, and start REAL early. Mid July is prime thunderstorm season. Storms can move in quickly and on both those hikes you may not see incoming weather until you're well into your hike far above treeline. And most of all, stay positive and have FUN!!! Also, skip any camping. A good night sleep is preferable. You won't get any appreciable acclimation anyway.

If you decide on Huron you'll need a high clearance vehicle to reach the start of the trailhead. Otherwise, you'll be adding a few more miles to your trek. Although Huron has less elevation gain and is shorter, it is not much easier. It starts out pretty steep by going right up through the forest! I guess you'll know quickly enough how everyone is handling the jaunt. As already mentioned, it is a prettier hike.

[ECF55]

If you decide on Huron you'll need a high clearance vehicle to reach the start of the trailhead. Otherwise, you'll be adding a few more miles to your trek. Although Huron has less elevation gain and is shorter, it is not much easier. It starts out pretty steep by going right up through the forest! I guess you'll know quickly enough how everyone is handling the jaunt. As already mentioned, it is a prettier hike.

+1. It's not that Huron is technically challenging, but it is a really steep walkup. Man, is it pretty out there though. Good luck.