West Spanish Peak - Colorado 13er Dayhike

West Spanish Peak is a high and prominent mountain summit that is the higher of the two Spanish Peaks in the Rocky Mountains of North America. The prominent 13,631-foot peak is located in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness of San Isabel National Forest, 9.1 miles from La Veta. The summit of West Spanish Peak is the highest point in Las Animas County.
The Spanish Peaks are two large igneous stocks which form an eastern outlier of the Culebra Range, a subrange of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. West Spanish Peak is the easternmost 4000 meter (13,123 ft) mountain peak in the United States. Due to its position well east of the Culebra Range and on the edge of the eastern plains of Colorado, West Spanish Peak enjoys great local vertical relief in almost all directions. For example, it rises over 6,000 ft in less than 6.5 miles on both its north and south flanks. Though not a fourteener, West Spanish Peak is the twelfth most topographically prominent peak in the state.

[@universalpro8773]

It took me 9hiurs

[@garyhammond2213]

Beautiful area.

[@garyhammond2213]

Southern Colorado usually has beautiful clear skies. I traveled this area many times about 50 years ago. However, I never climbed the Spanish Peaks. I did climb other mountains in the area looking for mule deer. Saw them but never got one.

[@griffinranger2382]

You have some good videos Thank you for sharing them!!

[@FoorTrek]

Subscribe to my adventures. I hear they're pretty good.

[@Mdogbrown]

I plan on hiking Black Mesa, OK on my way out to hike Wheeler in a couple weeks. I’d like to do another mountain before heading to Wheeler. What would you suggest? It would be between West Spanish peak or Blanca. My previous experience is Elbert twice, (black cloud trail and south trail), Sandia crest, NM, Camelback, AZ. Im thinking about taking Zapata Lake route. I plan To camp at Lake Zapata so I could take my time. Only thing is, that route I go through Ellingwood to get to Blanca. I guess if I’m not feeling up to it, I could turn around and ellingwood. If I go lake Como, I cant drive far with my Camry, so longer approach? I’m just Leary of the difficulty of Blanca. What are your thoughts given my previous experience? Thank you for all your videos. I absolutely love your appreciation and respect for nature. You are very encouraging.

[@FoorTrek]

Thanks for reaching out. You've got good questions and you're already thinking through the process of what you need to do. If you're into camping, you can always camp at Lake Como. My other suggestion would be a good hike that's got just enough exposure to prepare you. Perhaps Lindsey but I think it might be closed because of ownership issues. So my next thoughts would be Mt. Holy Cross.

[@Mdogbrown]

@@FoorTrek Unfortunately, that’s too far north for me since I’ll be joining friends at an Airbnb in Taos Ski Valley so I was hoping southern/ southeastern Colorado or northern New Mexico if I can. That way I’m not too far from the place I’m going to stay. I considered Lindsey but yes, it looks closed 😢. Yes, I don’t mind camping! I actually have a lightweight tent (4lbs) that fits on my pack, along with food and plenty of water. I was prepping for an all day hike and camping where I can. If you think como would be better than the Zapata way, I may look into it. It looks like I can’t drive up the road very far with my little car. If they let you, I’d drive up as far as I can and just park it and hike the rest of the way. Maybe hitchhike lol…. If I end up at West Spanish I would camp at Cordova. If there’s any other peaks in that vicinity that you can think of, let me know! Absolutely LOVE your channel!

[@Mdogbrown]

I ended up camping at Cordova Pass campground and doing West Spanish peak. Last mile was a great workout! Good views all around!

[@Packsuperbowl]

Watched for the marmot, and was not disappointed

[@FoorTrek]

Same....

[@georgesawtooth]

You are the Mr. Rogers of hiking!

[@daniellewis4391]

West Spanish Peak was my first Colorado summit and I loved it. Hiked it with my daughter last June. Great video! Thanks for taking us along.

[@FoorTrek]

Congrats Daniel. It's a wonderful hike!

[@jenniferrainwater9065]

I just love your videos! I watch a few EVERY day! I guess you can say that I'm hooked! I like your positive personality the most...😘

[@FoorTrek]

Thank you Jennifer for the lovely comments!

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

Adding this hike to my list. Glad you said that it doesn't matter that this is not a fourteener. It's still a beautiful hike.

[@NickKing-e7n]

It’s my favorite hike in Colorado. So far

[@steveblankenship5474]

I used to live in Colorado and that was a landmark going to and from New Mexico. Awesome scenery you had that day! That peak and within the area has a tale of lost treasure somewhere there.

[@jenniferrainwater9065]

Oh, and I almost forgot the most important thing:: I adore your great 'highbrow' sense of humour! The dry sarcasm is cracking me up!

[@CSLee-yu6ht]

Sweet I’ll be there in about 2 weeks…. Thanks 🎅🏻🏴‍☠️🏔

[@FoorTrek]

You bet. It's a great hike!

[@scoutndad1941]

Thinking about doing this on Fathers Day. The time I attempted was to treeline and that last 1500’ was socked in. You had amazing weather!

[@FoorTrek]

It's snow free. Go get it!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Incredibly clear and beautiful day and you have the Summit all to yourself what a great place to be.

[@tashunkawitko5984]

Very well spoken, important words, thanx a lot, man! To me it looks like you've got the real mountaineer's spirit. Congrats!

[@FoorTrek]

Thank you

[@N5YAI]

Beautiful hike. I drove to the trail head yesterday, looking forward to hiking this trail in mid-September. Thank you for all the videos you share.

[@FoorTrek]

Thanks John! It's a wonderful hike!

[@potatothorn]

now that is a Rock Pile!! you are getting some Excellent clear views. Air is cleaner by us but the Bay Area is just so misty we are not getting the full advantage of clearer skies// really glad you are giving us those views here thanks so much

[@FoorTrek]

Great to hear from you. Hope you are healthy and safe. :-)

[@travishuffine4346]

Been enjoying watching your videos. This one brought back memories, I hiked this one in late August of 2019. Pretty tedious for that last mile or so, and the descent was almost as aggravating.. Views from the summit are well worth the effort though. I'll be checking out a lot of your videos as I plan on getting a lot of the peaks you are documenting. Thanks for all the beta!

[@FoorTrek]

Thanks Travis and welcome to the journey. See you on the trails...

[@jugies01]

Love the positive vibes and the great views! Getting ready via stair climber here in Nebraska for Massive in about a month!

[@mountaintrailventures]

Thank You Professor. Love all of your videos!!

[@FoorTrek]

Thank you Brent. I appreciate it!

[@jackiewilson4267]

Nice video!!

[@angelacret]

Great trip, great recording, as always. My kind of entertainment ! What animal was that on the peak ? Thank you.

[@johnonthetrail]

Marmot

[@angelacret]

@@johnonthetrail Thank you !

[@MrJoeTheShow23]

Gorgeous!!