Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak

Shavano and Tabeguache are the southernmost fourteeners in the Sawatch, a pair joined by a Class 2 ridge above Salida, and the standard day climbs Shavano first and adds Tabeguache across the saddle. The Angel of Shavano, the snow figure on Shavano's east face that melts into shape each spring, is visible from town. It is a long day, about 11 miles and 5,600 feet of cumulative gain with the return over Shavano, and the second climb of Shavano on the way home is what makes it.

From the Blank Cabin trailhead, the Mount Shavano trail follows the Colorado Trail for a short stretch, then turns uphill and climbs steadily through aspen and conifer. Above treeline near 11,800 feet the trail crosses open slopes toward the Angel's basin, then climbs a long grassy and rocky slope to the saddle south of Shavano's summit at about 13,400 feet. From the saddle a rocky trail climbs the final ridge to Shavano's summit at 14,229 feet.

For Tabeguache, descend Shavano's northwest ridge about 500 feet to the connecting saddle, then climb about 450 feet of talus up Tabeguache's east ridge to its summit at 14,155 feet. Return by the same ridge, re-climb Shavano, and descend the standard route. The old Jennings Creek route down Tabeguache's west side is closed and eroded; do not use it as a shortcut. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative opened two new reroutes on the Shavano trail in August 2026 and closed the old braided line for restoration, so follow the new tread even where older maps and tracks disagree.

From US 285 at Poncha Springs, follow Chaffee County Road 140 west and County Road 250 north to the Blank Cabin trailhead at about 9,750 feet, roughly 9 miles of gravel that passenger cars handle when dry. The lot fills on summer weekends and overflow parks along the road. No fee or permit. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead and dispersed camping nearby.

Dogs are allowed on leash; the traverse is loose enough that many owners leave the dog at Shavano. Not a kid hike. Carry more water than a single peak needs, since there is none on the ridge and the second Shavano climb comes late in the day. Poles and a helmet earn their weight on the traverse. The Angel of Shavano campground on County Road 240 is the developed camping. Salida, 30 minutes east, has hot springs, restaurants, and lodging. The Mount Shavano guide covers the Shavano climb in detail, and the Tabeguache peak page has the traverse planning.