Mount Shavano is a prominent southern Sawatch Range peak rising above Salida, famous for its "Angel of Shavano" snow feature. The standard Class 2 East Slopes route begins at the
Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead, accessible via rough roads that recommend a high-clearance vehicle. Exceptional free dispersed camping is available along the approach, though hikers must bring their own water. Thanks to a massive, multi-year Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) project, the main trail now features sustainably engineered stone staircases to prevent alpine erosion.
Many hikers combine Shavano with its neighbor, Tabeguache Peak, via a high-altitude connecting ridge. Adding Tabeguache creates a demanding endurance challenge, tacking on an extra 2.5 miles and requiring a 1,000-foot re-climb back over Shavano's sub-ridge during the return trip.Frequently Asked Questions about Mt. Shavano
What is the standard route for Mount Shavano and can standard cars reach it?
The standard is the East Slopes route starting from the Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead off Forest Road 252, previously called the "Blank Cabin" trailhead. While the dirt roads are wide and passable for most vehicles with good clearance, it does have very rocky sections, and can become rutted on the steep portions. A good-clearance 4WD or AWD vehicle is strongly recommended to reach the upper parking lot safely without scraping.
Is there camping available near the Mount Shavano trailhead?
Yes, the approach corridor along Chaffee County Road 250 and Forest Road 252 features exceptional camping options. Because the lower sections of the road sit on federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, there is no-charge dispersed car camping at over 80 designated, signed sites. If you prefer to camp closer to the trailhead, there is a large meadow just past the trailhead, with plenty of places to set up camp. Just note there is no water source in the area.
Was the standard trail up Mount Shavano recently updated?
Yes, the standard East Slopes route has undergone a massive, multi-year trail reconstruction and rerouting project by the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI). To bypass a severely eroded social path that was causing extensive resource damage, trail crews constructed miles of entirely new, sustainably graded trail. Major lower and upper bypass sections are open, moving hikers out of sensitive riparian fall lines and loose talus into engineered stone staircases and switchbacks.
How much extra work is it to get Tabeguache Peak after summiting Shavano?
Adding Tabeguache Peak turns your day into a much more demanding endurance challenge, requiring you to re-climb over Shavano on the way back. The peaks are connected by a high-altitude connecting ridge. Dropping down from Shavano to the saddle and climbing the to Tabeguache adds about 2.5 miles round-trip and 1,000 feet of extra vertical elevation gain—meaning you have to hike up and over Shavano's sub-ridge a second time, then you still have 5 miles to get back to the trailhead.
Additional Mt. Shavano History
Tabeguache Peak
