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14,229 ft · Sawatch Range, Colorado
Mount Shavano
Mount Shavano is a 14,229 ft peak in the Sawatch Range, Colorado. The standard route is the East Slopes: 9 mi, 4,500 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Shavano at a glance
- Elevation14,229 ft4,336 m
- RouteEast SlopesClass 2
- Distance9 mi4,500 ft gain
- Time7 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSawatch RangeColorado
Climbing the East Slopes
From Salida, Colorado, take Highway 285 north and turn onto County Road 252 (Angel of Shavano Road) to the trailhead. Steady trail with good grades makes this a popular Sawatch 14er. The upper mountain features the famous "Angel of Shavano" snow formation in early summer. Often combined with Tabeguache Peak via the connecting ridge. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms on the exposed upper mountain. Class 2 terrain with some loose rock. The summit offers nice views of the surrounding peaks. Start early if attempting both peaks. Popular weekend destination from the Front Range.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hiking Boots
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Low visibility
Mount Shavano on Yak
Climbers have shared 36 climbs of Mount Shavano on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Shavano
Colorado 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Colorado CentennialsPeaks near Mount Shavano
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Shavano?
Mount Shavano is 14,229 feet (4,336 m) tall. It is in the Sawatch Range, Colorado.
How does Mount Shavano rank among the Colorado 14ers?
At 14,229 feet, Mount Shavano is the 18th highest of the 58 Colorado 14ers. The highest is Mount Elbert.
How hard is it to hike Mount Shavano?
The East Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 9 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Shavano?
Most people take 7 – 10 hours round trip on the East Slopes, covering 9 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Shavano?
The East Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 9 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Shavano?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Shavano reaches 14,229 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Shavano?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 7 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Shavano?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Shavano?
The East Slopes starts at about 9,760 feet, roughly 4,469 feet below the summit.
What routes go up Mount Shavano?
The standard route is the East Slopes. Other routes include the Combo: Mount Shavano and Tabeguache Peak.
Climb Mount Shavano with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list