Phantom Terrace - A Colorado Gem Dayhike

The Venable-Comanche Trail loop south of Westcliffe is one of the best ways to see the distinctive landscape of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains hiking. Known for the red hues that emerge on the range’s peaks at sunrise and sunset, the daylight offers up views that contrast with the peaks - the green, wavy ranch land of the Wet Mountain Valley.
The loop is actually two trails that combine for a 12-mile trek past lakes, an old cabin, three thirteeners (Comanche, Venable, and Spring Mountain Peaks), two fourteeners (Challenger Point and Kit Carson Peak) and valley vistas best consumed along the trails higher elevations.