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A steadily steep trail that ends at pristine alpine lakes.


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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.1

KM

69%

Runnable

12,370' 3,770 m

High

9,046' 2,757 m

Low

3,323' 1,013 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

From the Venable/!Comanche Trailhead, start up the steep, rocky doubletrack (follow the signs that say "Venable Trail"). Once you reach the Rainbow Trail, you won't have much further to go to reach the start.

Eventually, you'll reach a wilderness registry (be sure to register!). From here, the trail heads steadily upwards, following Venable Creek for its duration. In fall, this first section of trail might be the most scenic - the trail pops in and out of aspen groves with intermittent views of the ever-shrinking valley below.

Continue west, my son, and you'll reach some switchbacks. These lead you to a spur to Venable Falls. These falls are spectacular, and you can see how this valley was eroded: by the intense power of water.

From the falls, it's not much further to the lakes, only ~2 miles. The further you go, the sparser the trees (duh). Soon, you'll reach an open area where you'll travel up two more switchbacks. These essentially bring you above treeline to two more switchbacks that plop you next to the lakes.

If you're looking to camp for the night, look no further. Note, however, that in high winds, this area is incredibly blustery!

From the lakes, it's a short, easy jaunt to the start of Comanche Trail and the Venable Lake Trail.

Flora & Fauna

Aspens, pika, marmot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#1

in Westcliffe

#8350

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
40%
4 Star
60%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Westcliffe

#651

in Colorado

#8,350

Overall
5 Views Last Month
4,045 Since Oct 26, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
0%
57%
29%
14%
0%

Photos

Fall Splendor - Venable Trail
Oct 11, 2021 near Westcliffe, CO
Sign at the Venable TrailHead for Goodwin Trail.
Jun 25, 2021 near Westcliffe, CO
Along the way going up Venable trail
Jul 30, 2020 near Crestone, CO
Looking up to Venable Pass and the early slopes of Venable Peak.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Sunrise from camp.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO

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