Approach
Start from the Cabresto Lake Trailhead. See the Main Page for instructions on how to get to Cabresto Lake.
Route Description
The total elevation gain from Cabresto Lake to the summit of VIrsylvia is 3,825 ft.
The total round trip distance is approximately 14 miles.
From the trailhead (Trail No. 82, Lake Fork Trail. ), hike approximately two and one-half miles towards Hart Lake, then turn left on the Bull Creek Trail (Trail #85). Hike 4 miles up a sometimes steep but suprisingly nice trail. Cairns will lead you through one meadow where the trail disappears. As you are approaching the ridge above the last meadow, the trail will split. Take the right fork and proceed up switchbacks to the ridge. Take a right turn on the Hart Lake trail.
After hiking about one-half mile just above timberline on the Hart Lake Trail, you will turn left leaving the trail and climb straight up the grassy slopes of Venado. From the summit of Venado begin hiking along the high ridge east directly towards Venado. Hike about 400 vertical feet down to the saddle and back approximately 250 ft. up to the grassy summit.
Essential Gear
Nothing more than a good pair of trail runners will be adequate for this trail. Avalanches and deep snow will be hazards in the winter.
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Sangre de Cristo Mountains
