Mt. Shavano Trip Report 07/20/2016

Peak(s):	Mt. Shavano - 14,230 feet
Date Posted:	07/20/2016
Modified:	08/17/2016
Date Climbed:	07/20/2016
Author:	corissa7504

Shavano in July
Start time: 5 am from Shavano/Tabegauche trailhead This climb marked my 9th 14er, having done Antero the day before. That being said, this trail had the most difficult second mile that I have experienced. This trail climbs steeply (about 18-19%) up a gully. The trail is well marked and scenery included many downed trees, a few sunny openings, and refreshing creek crossings. Finding a place to sit down to snack was a tough decision as I dont like to stop to rest on an uphill slope. Flat or downhill repreives come few and far between below treeline. After treeline, the texture of the trail changed dramatically from fallen pine needles to gully wash stones. I do not hike with poles, but wish I had some for this part of the climb. The most helpful mindset and pattern for me was to stop frequenly for short periods of time (ie every 100-200 yards for 30 seconds). To keep you going, just remember that you can, in fact, see the summit the rest of the way. The final ascent to the summit is less well marked. Perhaps we did not aim for the correct carins? Either way, we aimed for the summit and occasionaly found what looked like a travelled path for a few feet, then continued rock scrambling. It wasnt difficult or exposed, just mentally taxing. However, at this point I also had a massive headache and nausea (probably due to quicker than normal elevation change and exhaustion from the day before). The summit more or less just appeared to us. Summitted at 9 am (hike time of 4 hours). We looked around for a seal but did not find one. We did find the sign in tube. From the summit, you can see Tabegauche and the saddle to get to it. I attempted, but only made it halfway down the saddle before deciding I can summit Tabegauche another day. At this point, I did see a mountin goat. That was exciting. Not for her though. She didnt care about me. The descent took quite some time as our group of 10 ladies gathered each other up along the way. Considering the good weather, we lolligagged the way down and arrived back to the car between 1 and 2. Once again, I wished I had poles for the descent. We did hike with a dog - her 2nd 14er. She is a 8 year old shepherd mix and had no foot protection. Overall her feet fared fine, with a small superficial abrasion. There were many other dogs on the trail and the trail appeared very clean. Overall, a good, beautiful hike. Plan to leave earlier than we did if you want to summit Tabegauche.

Shavano in July

Start time: 5 am from Shavano/Tabegauche trailhead

This climb marked my 9th 14er, having done Antero the day before. That being said, this trail had the most difficult second mile that I have experienced. This trail climbs steeply (about 18-19%) up a gully. The trail is well marked and scenery included many downed trees, a few sunny openings, and refreshing creek crossings. Finding a place to sit down to snack was a tough decision as I dont like to stop to rest on an uphill slope. Flat or downhill repreives come few and far between below treeline.

After treeline, the texture of the trail changed dramatically from fallen pine needles to gully wash stones. I do not hike with poles, but wish I had some for this part of the climb. The most helpful mindset and pattern for me was to stop frequenly for short periods of time (ie every 100-200 yards for 30 seconds). To keep you going, just remember that you can, in fact, see the summit the rest of the way.

The final ascent to the summit is less well marked. Perhaps we did not aim for the correct carins? Either way, we aimed for the summit and occasionaly found what looked like a travelled path for a few feet, then continued rock scrambling. It wasnt difficult or exposed, just mentally taxing. However, at this point I also had a massive headache and nausea (probably due to quicker than normal elevation change and exhaustion from the day before). The summit more or less just appeared to us. Summitted at 9 am (hike time of 4 hours). We looked around for a seal but did not find one. We did find the sign in tube. From the summit, you can see Tabegauche and the saddle to get to it. I attempted, but only made it halfway down the saddle before deciding I can summit Tabegauche another day. At this point, I did see a mountin goat. That was exciting. Not for her though. She didnt care about me.

The descent took quite some time as our group of 10 ladies gathered each other up along the way. Considering the good weather, we lolligagged the way down and arrived back to the car between 1 and 2. Once again, I wished I had poles for the descent.

We did hike with a dog - her 2nd 14er. She is a 8 year old shepherd mix and had no foot protection. Overall her feet fared fine, with a small superficial abrasion. There were many other dogs on the trail and the trail appeared very clean. Overall, a good, beautiful hike. Plan to leave earlier than we did if you want to summit Tabegauche.

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