Hikers targeting Mount Shavano or Mount Tabequache have a direct staging point here, with sites at the base of Shavano set within San Isabel National Forest outside Poncha Springs. Access roads from the east are manageable for trucks and all-wheel-drive vehicles after snowmelt, though conditions vary earlier in the season. The forested terrain sits near a creek, with open meadows visible from the access roads. Nearby, Mount Shavano Dispersed Camping provides a less structured alternative for campers who prefer to spread out.
Description
The trail travels along a saddle south of the summit and the last .5 miles to the summit is marked by a few rock cairns. To continue on to Mount Tabequache, follow the ridge, northwest, from the summit. WARNING! Hikers descending from Tabequache should not descend into McCoy Gulch! This is a dangerous route and a number of climbers have been injuried or killed. The Jenning Creek access located off of Forest Road 240 is permanently closed. For detailed information about climbing these peaks visit the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative website at : www.14ers.org
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMount Shavano and Mount Tabequache is located in Colorado near Poncha Springs
Public CampgroundDirections
From Poncha Springs, travel west on Highway 50 for 2 miles to the junction of County Road 250 located on the right side of the highway. Turn right onto CR 250 and travel west for 4.5 miles to the boundary of Forest and BLM lands. At this point, the road forks. Take the left fork which continues at Forest Road 252. Stay on this road for approximately 3 miles to the trailhead. A restroom and parking area are provided.
Coordinates
38.59669549 N
106.19658182 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/14/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/14/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Pueblo, CO
- 2 hrs 22 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 2 hrs 44 min from Denver, CO
- 2 hrs 54 min from Boulder, CO
