San Isabel National Forest
Venable Trail #1347

This 5.9 mile, moderately difficult trail rises westward into the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. It sees most of its traffic in the summer and fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 9,500'
• High Point: 11,500'
• Trail ending: 11,500'

Access: Go south out of Westcliffe on State Road 69 to Schoolfield Lane (County Road 140). Turn west and go to the Comanche - Venable Trailhead by the Alvarado Campground.

Notes: Follow the Rainbow Trail out of the north end of the campground to the junction with the Venable Trail. From there, the Venable Trail heads west up the Venable Creek drainage. On the way to Phantom Terrace you'll pass Venable Falls and the Venable Lakes. From Phantom Terrace you can cross over Venable Pass and come down into North Crestone Creek drainage (in the San Luis Valley), or you can go south to the Comanche Trail and make a loop back down the hill to the northern end of Alavarado Campground and get back to your vehicle easily. Most of this hike is within the wilderness area so wilderness rules and regs apply.

USGS Maps: Horn Peak