OverviewAt 14,155' Tabeguache is the 26th highest peak in Colorado. Situated at the southern end of the Sawatch Range, it lies approximately 15 miles NW of Salida. Tabeguache is a shy peak. Living in the shadow of its higher and more prominent neighbor, Mt. Shavano, it attracts little attention from the casual observer. Those familiar with Colorado's 14,000 foot summits know it better.
Tabeguache is usually climbed in conjunction with Mt. Shavano. Previously, Tabeguache seemed a more significant mountain because the bulk of this route took place on its slopes. The way to Shavano was over the top of Tabeguache. These roles are now reversed. Concerns about erosion on the Jennings Creek route up Tabeguache caused the Forest Service to close this trailhead in September, 2002. The standard route for Tabeguache is now over the top of Shavano, via the Blank Gulch trailhead. As such, Tabeguache is now almost an afterthought to a climb of Shavano. This turn of events is a shame since Tabeguache offers better views than its higher neighbor. In particular, the view towards the north is one of the best vantages from which one can gauge the scale of the Sawatch Range. The view seems to go on forever.
The name is most often pronounced "tab-a-watch."
Getting ThereBlank Gulch Trailhead:
Turn west on Chaffee County Road 140 from US 285 about one mile north of the US 285/US 50 intersection in Poncha Springs. After 1.75 miles, turn north at the intersection with Chaffee County Road 250. ( Chaffee County Road 250 can also be reached by driving 1.7 mile west on US 50 from Poncha Springs.) After an additional 3.9 miles from this intersection take the left fork in the road to Chaffee County Road 252. Follow this road, staying straight and on the most traveled path, for 3.2 more miles to the trailhead.
Browns Creek:
See the route page for a description of the approach.
Red TapeNo permit is required to climb Tabeguache Peak.
Some good background information about the closure of the Jennings Creek TH supplied by awillson:
"August, 2003 Update: The Jennings Creek route has been closed by the Forest Service as of September, 2002. The route had begun to exhibit severe erosion due to highly unstable soils. Multiple deep erosion gullies now scar the landscape around Jennings Creek. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) helped to close and stabilize this route in 2002. If you choose to hike this route, you are likely to undermine this important work. Walking near and around stabilization structures compromises their ability to hold fragile soils in place. The standard route to climb Tabeguache is now the Blank Gulch route via Shavano (from the Blank Cabin Trailhead). Hikers are urged not to climb Tabeguache using the closed Jennings Creek route. "
When To ClimbOptimal conditions for climbing Tabeguache Peak generally occur from late June through September. Be aware that this is also the season for afternoon thunderstorms in the Colorado mountains. Hikers should plan to be on the way down by noon.
CampingCamping is available at the Blank Gulch trailhead.
Mountain ConditionsClick here for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
Click here for the latest report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Pike & San Isabel National Forest
Salida Ranger District office
325 West Rainbow Blvd.
Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-3591.
Web Site
McCoy GulchOne of the classic 14er route finding errors is to drop south from Tabeguache too early when descending the Jennings Creek route. This puts one into McCoy Gulch instead of the Jennings drainage and has lead to numerous calls for search and rescue teams to locate stranded hikers. What appears to be another reasonable route off the mountain turns out to be an invitation to a narrow, difficult canyon not visible from above.
Route down the canyon.
Photo gallery of the canyon.
External Links Images
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Sawatch Range
