Hike Sangre de Cristo Mountains - Venable-Comanche Loop Trail

[@DavidonEarth]

This is one COOL hike! Tell us about when you did this hike. Or maybe you haven't yet - when will you?

[@temp737]

Thank you for posting this. My buddies and I did this loop in the late 90’s when we were in our thirties, Seeing phantoms terrace still brings back the seriousness of that 3-4 foot wide ledge and the huge drop below. We were fly fishing the lake at the top just before the terrace when a huge thunder boomer came up the mountain and was on us, We quickly stopped waving the graphite lightning rods and packed up and got on the terrace just as rain started. When we got to the top of the terrace we came upon two bull elk who were running up the peak on the right and moving so fast. We were sucking air and here they were running like nothing was going on. We were just amazed. Then we focused on getting down to tree line before being struck by lightning. We made it to the lower lakes and set camp. The fishing was good and we caught a couple for an evening meal. Trips like that you never forget and it felt like yesterday. So again, thank you for bringing back a fond memory for me! I need to take my kids there next summer.

[@Cbermeo75]

Another nice one, David! Can't wait to get back out to the Sangres.

[@heatedfrenzyband]

Rode this 2 times in the mid 80''s. It is much easier to ride going up Venable due to the extremely difficult terrain on the Commanche side. You didn't film the steep trail switchbacks above treeline on Commanche. Very tough no matter how you traverse it. Used to camp at Alvarado Campground. Been all over the rockies....The Sangre de Christo mountains are the most beautiful place. Not too many people ride or hike this due to the difficulty & dangerous path. I hope to get back over to camp and hike again. After the 2nd time I rode it, I swore I would never do that again. Thanks David, for the excellent video. A good reminder for me of what great fun we had there with family & friends.

[@DavidonEarth]

Yes, that is a bit of a steep slog above treeline. But, as with many of these trails, if I have a bigger goal in mind, it's just another part of the trail I need to get through toward the goal. So, it's a heads-down-get-it-done kind of attitude I take with it. And the scenery helps, right? I took a few short breaks up that just to enjoy where I was at. Thanks for the comment - I hope to see you out there some day.

[@Sunshine_day]

I tried doing this solo in September 2019 when I was almost 57. I thought it would be a wonderful experience. I trained by hiking at home in Texas, and using the stair stepper at my gym. I planned on doing it over 2-3 days, while camping. I almost made it to the Venable lakes. I forgot my sleeping bag liner, and the cold & leg cramps did me in! I didn't allow enough time to acclimate to the altitude either. I still want to go back, but I'm 59 now, and I'll have to start from 0 to train again 😢. It took just about everything out me to go 6 miles up the mountain and then back down the same way the next day. I guess I attempted more than I could handle. Would you recommend the West Spanish peak for my next Colorado solo hike as an easier hike? I've hiked all over Texas, but it just can't compare to Colorado's hiking physical exertion and beauty!

[@DavidonEarth]

I haven't done the Spanish Peaks, yet. A friend of mine did - she mentioned the wind. By the looks of the beta on the hike, it seems like it might be less strenuous than the Venable/Comanche Loop. I can give some advice with confidence (I'm your age) - based on my medical history - listen to your body, give yourself plenty of time (no shame in going slow or taking lots of rests). I train all year long because I know my body and what it takes for me to do these things - a 1000% worth the amount of time and dedication I put into my training (benefits I'll appreciate for many years to come). For a great CO experience at a lower elevation, check out Lost Creek Wilderness Area. I was just there today... LOVE that place! (I have a couple other posted videos on it).

[@DrJohn493]

I drive right past this mountain range on 17 just about every year I'm out in Colorado. I'll have to plan a stop next time I'm out. Which side of the range has the better trail access, east or west? Without a map, I'm guessing east. That exposure on the last segment before reaching the saddle and on the other side made me dizzy just watching the video from the safety of my chair. Enjoyed your introduction to an area I've overlooked.

[@DavidonEarth]

Absolutely stunning area to hike. I've only accessed from the east side, but there are also great trails from the west side along the San Luis Valley from Alamosa to Poncha Springs.

[@DrJohn493]

@@DavidonEarth Thanks

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

I want to do this hike soon. Can you get to the trailhead in a 2WD car no problem?

[@DavidonEarth]

There's a lot of houses in the immediate area of the trailhead, so it's easily accessible without a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. There's a very short road off of 140 that takes you to the trailhead - this too was well maintained last time I was there. Have fun!

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

@@DavidonEarth Cool, thanks for the response. I am probably going to hike it this week.

[@DavidonEarth]

@@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath let me know how it goes. Hopefully the snow if off the terrace.

[@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath]

@@DavidonEarth I hope so as well. I just hiked Mount Bierstadt yesterday on 4th of July and it was completely snow free.

[@DavidonEarth]

@@SoloTravelerOffTheBeatenPath I was in the Sangres this past couple weekends (Stout Lakes area)... snow still in some places, but melting fast.

[@lisahoward3283]

Some of the audio is missing

[@DavidonEarth]

True. Sorry. Usage rights changed over time. So, it's either remove the audio, remove the video completely, or put some lame (uneditable) stock audio from YT.

[@lisahoward3283]

@@DavidonEarth still a great video, just stumbled upon your videos and started following. ❤️