Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are three 14ers here (and countless 13ers!), which include Crestone Peak (14,294ft)
and Crestone Needle (14,197ft), among the toughest ascents in Colorado. Luckily, there
are plenty of hikes that don't require technical expertise. However, many do require a
high-clearance 4WD vehicle to get to the main trailhead. Talk to the ranger offices in
either Salida (
Click here
)
or Cañon City (
Click here
)
for detailed information on trails and
campgrounds. For maps, try Valley Ace Hardware, south of Westcliffe on Hwy 69.
Comanche-Venable Loop Trail
( Jun-Sep)
For outstanding views on the crest of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the
Comanche-Venable Loop Trail (USFS Trail 1345) is hard to beat. This is a spectacular
hike - lots of granite faces, dark-blue alpine lakes and the famously exposed Phantom
Terrace - but you really have to earn it. The 13-mile loop gains over 3600ft in elevation;
start with Venable Canyon.
To get here, drive south on Hwy 69 for 3½ miles, then turn off onto County Rd 140
(Schoolfield Rd). Follow the road 4½ miles; when you reach a T, turn left and continue
another 2 miles.
HIKING
South Colony Lakes
( Jun-Oct)
Climbers use South Colony Lakes as a base camp, but the 12,000ft lakes be-
neath the awe-inspiring trio of Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak and Humboldt Peak also
make for an excellent day hike. It's a 4¾-mile round-trip hike from the 4WD trailhead.
To reach the trailhead, drive 4½ miles south of town on Hwy 69. Turn right onto Colfax
Lane (signed Music Pass), which will eventually reach a T-junction. Turn right and con-
tinue along the dirt road to the 2WD trailhead (parking available). It's another 2.7 miles to
the 4WD trailhead.
HIKING
Music Pass
( Jun-Oct)
This hike traverses the ridge at Music Pass (11,400ft) leading to Sand Creek
Lakes on the west side of the range. The area was named by hikers who claimed to hear
music made by the wind whistling through the trees. It's a 1½-mile hike to the pass from
the 4WD trailhead.
To reach the trailhead, drive 4½ miles south of town on Hwy 69. Turn right onto Colfax
Lane (signed Music Pass), which will eventually reach a T-junction. Turn left at the T. The
4WD trailhead is 2½ miles past the 2WD trailhead.
HIKING
