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An above treeline wonderland meets a pristine alpine lake on this incredible trail.


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Map Key

9.5

Miles

15.3

KM

66%

Runnable

12,726' 3,879 m

High

9,067' 2,764 m

Low

2,852' 869 m

Up

3,661' 1,116 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Description

From the intersection of North Fork Crestone Trail #747 and North Crestone Trail #744, Comanche rises swiftly with a number of switchbacks. Once you attain the saddle, Phantom Terrace #359 merges from the left (north) and the trail becomes very mellow. Perhaps too mellow for some, who might seek to bag three nearby peaks - Venable, Spring, and Comanche; all walk-ups.

If you decided to bag the three nearby 13ers, good on you. If not, no worries, you got some good views too.

From the saddle between Spring Mountain and Comanche Peak, the trail descends into Hiltman Creek Basin with expansive views to the lake and valleys below. Once you reach Comanche Lake, stop running, find a spot to camp (preferably near the lake), and take in the views. From this vantage, Comanche Peak looks absolutely epic.

In the morning, after you've awoken from your slumber, the trail continues northeast back into the trees. The trail traverses large talus fields and dives in and out of large aspen groves. This would especially be beautiful in the fall.

Although a lot of this trail is below treeline, it's still absolutely beautiful. It's mellow, fast, and seems well-maintained. Before you know it, you'll be back at the Venable/Comanche Trailhead drinking a beer!

Flora & Fauna

Aspen, Pika, Marmot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tom Robson

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 3 votes

#4

in Crestone

#10000

Overall
  4.3 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
67%
3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#4

in Crestone

#820

in Colorado

#10,000

Overall
8 Views Last Month
4,914 Since Oct 26, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

Looking over Comanche Lake to Comanche Peak.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO
A large talus field on Comanche Trail.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Looking back to Comanche Peak.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO
Beautiful trail in dense pine forest.
Nov 3, 2016 near Crestone, CO
The view looking east from Comanche Trail.
Nov 1, 2016 near Crestone, CO
The view from one of the best campsites you'll ever have.
Nov 1, 2016 near Crestone, CO

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