Log In 

Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead

  
Posted By: R7777777
Info: You can make it to the trailhead with any car, even a small sedan. However, having high clearance is preferred as the road is bumpy with big rocks. The road is the worse in the first 1-2 miles then gets much better. If make the beginning rough sections then you will be fine. Just go slow
 
Posted By: Marcos
Info: Prescribed burn in progress below the east side of Mt. Shavano. According to the Salida Ranger District: "Temporary road closures of portions of Forest Roads 250, 250.A, 250.B, 251 and 255 will be necessary to provide for public and firefighter safety. Other roads will remain open in the area to provide alternate access options."
1 
Posted By: hatterasdunton
Info: ABSOLUTELY NEED A HIGH CLEARANCE CAR!
 
Posted By: wanderlust073
Info: Just a heads up - with the wet year, there is no escape from the hordes of flies. Dunk yourself in repellant or bring some mesh.
1
 
Posted By: caesarsalad
Info: Overall the road is pretty good, but theres a couple washed out sections (worst is about a mile after the pavement ends) which require good clearance 2WD or youll be risking your oil pan. A SUV can make it without problem though.

Road noticeably improves once youre off BLM and on Forest Service, about halfway through. Lots of parking both at the trailhead and in the overflow meadow.
 
Posted By: ssowalskie
Info: The first part of the dirt road is pretty rocky/washed out, with the second half being smoother. I’d imagine some low clearance 2WDs might have trouble with the initial part. Lots of camping sites along the dirt road, as well as some immediately past the trailhead. Just FYI, if you’re planning on using the restroom at the trailhead, I’d recommend bringing your own toilet paper, as they didn’t have any there as of 06/16.
 
Posted By: dwoodward13
Info: Pretty typical conditions for this trailhead. At the current moment had no issues in a Camry, just had to take it slow. Very rocky the first half, smoother in the 2nd. The steeper area about a half mile in from pavement that always seems to be somewhat washed out is in the worst condition I’ve seen for the last 3-4 years. It may not be long until sedans are stopped at this point.
 
Posted By: CheapCigarMan
Info: Just shortly after the 252 and 250A split there’s a snow drift on 252 covering most of the road at the switchback.
On 250A the road is dry all the way to the TH.
The restroom is open at the TH.
 
Posted By: JasonCrane
Info: FR250 has 2 very rough rocky sections on uphill slopes approx. 3 miles in from US 50 junction (down below prior to reaching the Y junction of FR250A & FR252.) These sections could potentially cause issues for 2WD, low clearance vehicles. At the Y junction, I took 250A on the way in & 252 on the way out. In my opinion 252 was in better condition, but I was also in a good mood after summitting Shavano. Additionally, 252 has cows grazing along the road & they tend to be a bit stubborn about stepping aside to let vehicles pass. Plenty of dispersed camping along FR250 with nice views looking east towards the Arkansas River valleys & west with Shavano in the backdrop. Note - it’s hunting season & saw a couple of groups of hunters on the way out. Hikers may want to consider wearing orange.
1 
Posted By: disco_diner
Info: As of August 20th, the road conditions beginning at dirt road were in great condition. I drive a low clearance Suburu Legacy and was a little worried because I couldnt find much information on people driving low clearance vehicles. I found the middle section was probably roughest(rocks) but once I was about 1.4 miles from trailhead it was pretty smooth, with just a few spots to look out for. Definitely slow going but I think most vehicles would be fine getting to trailhead. Tons of dispersed camping and totally worth the trip! Cheers
 
Posted By: staceyhicks
Info: Road to TH in excellent condition. Climbed on a Friday. Arrived at 5:15am and only 3 other cars in parking lot. Returned to TH at 2::30 and still plenty of parking.
 
Posted By: dwoodward13
Info: Usual rocky drive up to the TH, made it fine in a Camry just slow going. There is one spot low on the road just after entering public lands that is a bit of a mess. Lower clearance cars will want to pick a good line. The road gets markedly better after the 252/250 junction.
 
Posted By: Mt_DAN
Info: Clear by both 250A and 252.
 
Posted By: serveJesusChrist
Info: Road 250 is passable in a Subaru, however 1 snow field makes it dangerous because a mishap means a fall down a cliff.

250A is completely clear and is the better road up.
 
Posted By: MBosch27
Info: 250 Passable in a Rav4, but a little slippery at the snowdrift in the S turns. Should be clear and easily passable soon. 250A is clear, dry and definitely the better road up.
 
Posted By: Dobsons
Info: Was in the region for other adventures but we were able to make it to the main shavano tab trailhead without any difficulties. The main 252 road has a large snow area blocking it at the usual corner about 2.5 miles from the trailhead (likely for a few more weeks) but if you take the alternative route via 250A this is open all the way
 
Posted By: Emil128
Info: Road access to the trailhead is still pretty snowed in. Had to start skinning 3 miles from the actual trailhead adding a total of 6.4 miles round trip from the car to trailhead
 
Posted By: Emil128
Info: Road access to the trailhead is still pretty snowed in. Had to start skinning 3 miles from the actual trailhead adding a total of 6.4 miles round trip from the car to trailhead
 
Posted By: Eagle Eye
Info: I was curious about my ability to reach the Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead so I checked it out on Sunday; I drove CR 250 the ~3.2 miles to the Y junction: the road starts out traveled and windblown but within 1 1/2 miles of the junction was starting to be in 2 deep tire tracks & in places drifted over with snow. I would say (4WD) great open pattern tires and good ground clearance were necessary, with little or no option of getting around an oncoming vehicle. Beyond (at) the Y junction neither 2 continuing roads showed any signs of travel. This point is about 3 miles short of the Shavano/Tabeguache TH.
 
Posted By: supranihilest
Info: Bumpy and plenty of potholes. Lots of thin, packed snow on the road, though mostly dry. One thick patch of ice I took a running start at so I could just slide over it if I lost traction. Trailhead parking lot is partially covered in thin snow. Bathroom is open and stocked with toilet paper.
 
Posted By: LetsGoMets
Info: Still complete summer conditions, rough 2WD.
 
Posted By: RWSchaffer
Info: Summer conditions to trailhead.
 
Posted By: brianr56
Info: Road dry (one water-filled pothole as an exception, but easy to avoid) and in good shape to TH. Drove up easily in stock Outback - several sedans in parking lot. Take your time, pick your line, and any vehicle should be able to make the top.
 
Posted By: matt9094
Info: The dirt road was dry but very bumpy the entire time. You could make it with a sedan but it would definitely get scraped up. I highly recommend a higher clearance vehicle such as an SUV or truck. 2WD is fine.
 
Posted By: madmattd
Info: The outhouse seat is still good to go, since it sounds like that was an issue last month. This road is quite bumpy, but go slow and most vehicles should be fine though low clearance will need to take care in a few places (big holes). I should have aired down a bit, would have saved time even with having to pump back up... Today there was a Mini Cooper and an Audi sedan at the TH, everything else was crossover SUV or larger. I had no issues finding an empty campsite at 9pm Friday, just had to go a short ways past the trailhead. There were still many open sites way down low too.
 

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_