Venable-Comanche Trail

Head out on the breathtaking Venable-Comanche Loop Trail, a challenging high-altitude adventure in Colorado's majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. This spectacular 12-mile loop offers hikers an unforgettable journey through diverse alpine ecosystems, featuring cascading waterfalls, pristine mountain lakes, panoramic vistas, and the exhilarating Phantom Terrace ridgeline traverse.

Trail Highlights

• Maximum Elevation: 13,500 feet at Comanche Pass
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Duration: 7-9 hours (full day hike) or ideal as overnight backpacking trip
• Best Season: Mid-July through September
• Location: San Isabel National Forest, near Westcliffe, Colorado

This magnificent loop combines two stunning trails—Venable and Comanche—connected by the renowned Phantom Terrace, a narrow, exposed ledge carved into a cliff face that delivers heart-pounding excitement and unparalleled views of the San Luis Valley below.

Beginning at the Comanche-Venable Trailhead in the San Isabel National Forest, hikers typically tackle the loop clockwise, ascending the Venable Trail through aspen groves and dense conifer forests. As you climb higher, the trail rewards your efforts with the spectacular Venable Falls, a series of cascades tumbling down the mountainside.

Continuing upward, you'll reach serene Venable Lake, nestled in a rocky cirque beneath towering peaks—a perfect spot for a break or overnight camp. Beyond the lake, the trail climbs to Venable Pass at approximately 13,000 feet, offering expansive views in all directions.

The highlight of the journey is traversing the legendary Phantom Terrace, a narrow natural shelf with dramatic exposure that connects the two trails. This exhilarating section provides some of Colorado's most spectacular alpine scenery and photography opportunities.

After navigating Phantom Terrace, the route continues to Comanche Lake, another pristine alpine gem, before descending along the Comanche Trail through beautiful meadows and forests back to the trailhead.

Planning Your Visit

Due to high elevation and afternoon thunderstorms common in summer, early morning starts are essential. Snow can persist on the high passes until mid-July, and winter conditions can return as early as late September.

The trailhead is accessible via a well-maintained dirt road suitable for most passenger vehicles, located approximately 6 miles from the town of Westcliffe. Limited parking is available, so arriving early is recommended during peak season.

For overnight trips, camping is permitted at both Venable and Comanche Lakes, though proper alpine camping practices, including Leave No Trace principles, must be followed. A free wilderness permit is required and available at the self-registration station at the trailhead.