Mountaineering · YDS Class 2

East Slopes

Distance RT
10.0 mi
Gain
4,501 ft
High Point
14,229 ft
Route Description

The standard route up Mount Shavano, known for the 'Angel of Shavano' snow feature visible on its east face each spring, and recently improved with engineered stone trail work.

Approach

The Shavano/Tabeguache (Blank Cabin) Trailhead is reached via rough roads west of Salida that a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for; free dispersed camping is available along the approach, though there is no water at the trailhead itself. From the trailhead at about 9,760 feet, follow the Mount Shavano Trail through forest, reaching treeline around 12,000 feet roughly 2.7 miles in. Thanks to a multi-year Colorado Fourteeners Initiative trail project, much of the steep lower trail now runs on engineered stone staircases designed to resist erosion. Above treeline, the trail gains the summit ridge around 3.9 miles in; the final push to Shavano's summit at 14,229 feet covers about 0.7 miles of loose rock.

Descent

Reverse the route. Climbers continuing to neighboring Tabeguache Peak drop along the connecting ridge instead of descending directly, adding about 2.5 miles and a 1,000-foot re-climb of Shavano's sub-ridge on the way back.

Weather Forecast
7-Day Forecast
Today
❄️
Snow
32° / 28°
59%
0.9"
💨14
Tomorrow
❄️
Snow
36° / 27°
44%
1.6"
💨17
Sat, Sep 26
☁️
Overcast
48° / 24°
2%
💨13
Sun, Sep 27
☁️
Overcast
45° / 29°
12%
💨10
Mon, Sep 28
🌧️
Drizzle
40° / 22°
61%
💧0.04"
💨14
Tue, Sep 29
🌧️
Drizzle
30° / 17°
60%
💧0.05"
💨13
Wed, Sep 30
☀️
Clear
44° / 17°
42%
💨9
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