Venable Peak Trip Report 08/04/2010

Peak(s):	Venable Peak - 13,333 feet Comanche Peak - 13,277 feet Spring Mountain - 13,248 feet
Date Posted:	08/04/2010
Date Climbed:	07/29/2010
Author:	mennoguy

The Sangres or the Moors of Scotland
A hike to the moors of Scotland? Venable Peak loop Venable Peak 13,334 Comanche Peak 13,277 Spring Mountain 13,244 Point 12,873 Stats ~15 miles ~5500 ft Comanche Trail: With a 50% chance of rain I knew we would be rained on at some point during the day. We left the TH at 5:45 and headed up the Comanche Peak trail which climbs steadily 5 miles to the pass. It was sunny and warm during our ascent of Comanche Peak. We reached the top at 8:20, we made excellent time. The weather looked like it would hold for our complete traverse. By the time we left the summit visibility had dropped to near zero as clouds rushed in from the west. Still, it was not threatening. Comanche Peak Comanche Lake Comanche Lakes The clouds come in Spring Mountain: Blindly following the ridge Luckily the route to Spring Mountain was very straight forward and would hold no surprises. It was an easy class 2 walk in the clouds. I seem to be making a habit of climbing peaks in the clouds this year. As my climb of Mount Logan, and Katana Mountain in June were in the clouds. Just the week before I hiked Columbia in the clouds as well as Middle Mountain and Point 13460. There was one surprise, the summit, we just arrived at the summit, no false summits for once. Ben, Is this Scotland? Blue sky teases us on Spring Mountain Venable Peak: Still in the clouds The ridge off of Spring is still pretty easy class 2 with some more options for minor scrambling. As we crossed the trail we admired the Phantom Terrace. If we didn't have to summit Venable it would have been a fun hike. As we were still socked in it took what seemed like a while to get to the summit. Once on the summit the clouds played more tricks with us, clearing up only to cloud up again. The traverse from Spring to Venable Typical terrain on the entire traverse Ben nearing the summit of Venable 12873: It clears up! The ridge north of Venable is steep but still class 2. By the time we reached Venable Pass it had cleared up and I could see what was really building. It looked like we would have time to finish the loop and get into the trees before any rain. At Venable pass we decided to climb directly over the minor 13,012 point. We chose a class 3 way to climb this small summit. The ridge from 13,012 ro 12,873 proved to be the most interesting of the day with plenty of minor scrambling options. 12,873 has an excellent view of the Wet Mountains and of the traverse we had just completed. One look at the clouds told me to get down to Venable lakes quickly. Optional Scrambling on 13,012 Venable Peak Most of our Traverse Venable Trail: Skipping rocks and bears We descended the steep slopes above Venable Lake and took a short brake to skip the perfectly shaped rocks across the lake until it started to rain. Once the rain started we made haste down the trail to get more protected. It rained lightly for our hour and a half return trip on the trail, but there was never any lightening. While walking down we discussed how I had never seen a bear while hiking in 5 years of summiting Colorado peaks. Not 15 minutes later we see a young bear, weighing about 200 lbs cross the trail. Neat. I spent way too much time trying to take an action shot Snakes live at tree line The bear The bear didn't like the flash For a day with such a high probability of precipitation I was very pleased with what we climbed. Now if the monsoon season could end and allow me to make those RMNP traverses I've been waiting to do all summer. Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

The Sangres or the Moors of Scotland

A hike to the moors of Scotland?

Venable Peak loop

Venable Peak 13,334
Comanche Peak 13,277
Spring Mountain 13,244
Point 12,873

Stats ~15 miles ~5500 ft

Comanche Trail:
With a 50% chance of rain I knew we would be rained on at some point during the day. We left the TH at 5:45 and headed up the Comanche Peak trail which climbs steadily 5 miles to the pass. It was sunny and warm during our ascent of Comanche Peak. We reached the top at 8:20, we made excellent time. The weather looked like it would hold for our complete traverse. By the time we left the summit visibility had dropped to near zero as clouds rushed in from the west. Still, it was not threatening.

Spring Mountain: Blindly following the ridge
Luckily the route to Spring Mountain was very straight forward and would hold no surprises. It was an easy class 2 walk in the clouds. I seem to be making a habit of climbing peaks in the clouds this year. As my climb of Mount Logan, and Katana Mountain in June were in the clouds. Just the week before I hiked Columbia in the clouds as well as Middle Mountain and Point 13460. There was one surprise, the summit, we just arrived at the summit, no false summits for once.

Venable Peak: Still in the clouds
The ridge off of Spring is still pretty easy class 2 with some more options for minor scrambling. As we crossed the trail we admired the Phantom Terrace. If we didn't have to summit Venable it would have been a fun hike. As we were still socked in it took what seemed like a while to get to the summit. Once on the summit the clouds played more tricks with us, clearing up only to cloud up again.

12873: It clears up!
The ridge north of Venable is steep but still class 2. By the time we reached Venable Pass it had cleared up and I could see what was really building. It looked like we would have time to finish the loop and get into the trees before any rain. At Venable pass we decided to climb directly over the minor 13,012 point. We chose a class 3 way to climb this small summit. The ridge from 13,012 ro 12,873 proved to be the most interesting of the day with plenty of minor scrambling options. 12,873 has an excellent view of the Wet Mountains and of the traverse we had just completed. One look at the clouds told me to get down to Venable lakes quickly.

Venable Trail: Skipping rocks and bears
We descended the steep slopes above Venable Lake and took a short brake to skip the perfectly shaped rocks across the lake until it started to rain. Once the rain started we made haste down the trail to get more protected. It rained lightly for our hour and a half return trip on the trail, but there was never any lightening. While walking down we discussed how I had never seen a bear while hiking in 5 years of summiting Colorado peaks. Not 15 minutes later we see a young bear, weighing about 200 lbs cross the trail. Neat.

I spent way too much time trying to take an action shot

For a day with such a high probability of precipitation I was very pleased with what we climbed. Now if the monsoon season could end and allow me to make those RMNP traverses I've been waiting to do all summer.

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

kaiman

Well done trip report...
8/5/2010 4:28pm

and useful beta. I've been meaning to get back down to the Sangres and do a similar traverse so the info is appreciated.

Congratulations and nice bear spotting!

kaiman

Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App