Tabeguache Peak

The standard and most popular way to reach Tabeguache Peak is to climb up and over Mount Shavano first via its standard East Slopes route. Because Tabeguache sits directly behind Shavano, the standard route requires you to summit Shavano, drop down into the high connecting ridge saddle at 13,750 feet, and then ascend a steep, loose scree trail to Tabeguache’s true summit. This means you must climb Shavano a second time on your return leg to get back to the trailhead.

Adding Tabeguache Peak turns your day into a much more demanding endurance challenge, requiring you to re-climb a mountain on the way back. The peaks are connected by a high-altitude ridge saddle sitting at roughly 13,750 feet. Dropping down from Shavano to the saddle and climbing the steep, loose scree to Tabeguache’s summit adds about 2.5 miles round-trip and a grueling 1,000 feet of extra vertical elevation gain—meaning you have to hike up and over Shavano's sub-ridge a second time to get home.

Yes, if you want to climb Tabeguache as an independent peak on a separate trip, you can utilize the alternative West Ridge route (via Jennings). This rugged Class 2 route approaches the mountain from the more remote Gunnison County side of the range. While it entirely skips the crowds and elevation of Mount Shavano, it is a much less traveled path that requires careful route-finding and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach the remote western trailheads.

When you climb Tabeguache, you are essentially doubling your time spent completely exposed to extreme mountain weather. Because you must cross a mile-long, wide-open ridge line that stays above 13,700 feet, you have absolutely zero tree shelter or boulder protection if a storm builds. Getting caught by an afternoon lightning storm on Tabeguache means you must endure a long, exposed uphill escape back over Shavano's ridge, making an early start time non-negotiable. If you see clouds building when you reach the summit of Shavano, going for Tabeguache is probably a bad idea.