Mt. Shavano

Standing tall over the city of Salida, Mt. Shavano is well-known for its snow formation known as the “Angel of Shavano”. During snowmelt in the spring, a graceful shape of an angel emerges among the snow chutes on the mountain’s east face. At 14,229 feet, Mt. Shavano is the seventeenth highest peak in Colorado.

Named after Chief Shavano of the Ute Tribe, Mt. Shavano is situated east of the Continental Divide and in proximity to neighboring fourteener Tabeguache Peak. On the summit, one has a spectacular view of the towns of Salida, Poncha Springs and the Arkansas River Valley.

Mt. Shavano is a popular fourteener to climb. Directions to the trailhead: From Poncha Springs, travel north on U.S. Highway 285 for approximately one mile and turn left (west) on County Road 140. (From Buena Vista, travel 21 miles south and turn right.) Travel 1.6 miles on CR 140, then turn right on County Road 250. Travel on CR 250 for four miles and turn left on CR 252. Then travel on CR 252 for 2.8 miles to the Mt. Shavano and Tabeguache Peak Trailhead. The hike initially begins on the Colorado Trail before the Mt. Shavano Trail turns off to the left.

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