We followed the Roach's book on the standard route to Shavano and Tabeguache. After reading several blogs I was a little apprehensive about taking this trail. Because it was listed in the book as the standard way to bag both we went for it. We got in late to the trail head. We would not have found the trail if it were not for GPS points. It is an obvious trail once you find it but I am not sure how maintained it is. Several campers told us their horror stories of the hike and that is was actually closed. We chickened out and went for Jennings Creek trail head and decided to summit Tageguache from Shavano. Finally got to the trailhead at 12:30 AM and we up at 4:00 and on the trail by 4:45. The road to the trailhead was a very easy drive with just a bit of washboards and some rocks to watch out for. There is no camping at the trailhead. On up the trail there were great campsites if we would have gotten in before nightfall. The trail was easily marked. Wind and clouds came in early. When I say wind, I mean the type that can blow you over. I doubted we would make Tab. Closer to the Shavono summit the trail becomes less defined but you can see where you are headed. On top the wind was far less fierce. We met a great couple from out of state. We encouraged each other to keep going and made it to Tab. The trail drops below the ridge so you are out of the wind that you encounter on the saddle prior to Shavano. The hike back over Shavano feels longs and you don't really gain any time or energy by skirting the summit. You can't travel too fast once above tree line due to the large rocks. Therefore, watch the weather. There are not a lot of places to hide if a storm comes in. Great long hike.
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