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Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:40 pm
by Kellyclimbs
I’m reading so many mixed reviews on whether it’s 2WD or requires AWD with clearance. Anyone think a 2WD dodge promaster van would make it to the trailhead? Thanks!!
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2023 12:13 pm
by madmattd
Kellyclimbs wrote: ↑Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:40 pm
I’m reading so many mixed reviews on whether it’s 2WD or requires AWD with clearance. Anyone think a 2WD dodge promaster van would make it to the trailhead? Thanks!!
2WD with moderate clearance (6-8" should be fine, might have to pick a line here and there).
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Wed Aug 16, 2023 12:27 pm
by BillMiddlebrook
Yup, Rough 2WD but not recommended for low-clearance vehicles.
If it helps, last week when I was up there someone had towed a 5th-wheel camper above the roughest section of the road, which is not far up from where you leave pavement.
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 11:39 am
by headsizeburrito
Related question that doesn't seem worth starting a new thread for after having a hard time finding info by search.
Any issues parking at the standard Tab/Shav TH for multiple nights? I've only done these peaks from Jennings so am not familiar with the Blanks Gulch area. The USFS website talks about dispersed camping along the road so it doesn't seem like it should be an issue, but I'm just trying to avoid any surprises when I show up or get back there at the end of my trip.
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 1:31 pm
by Benito_Esposti
headsizeburrito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 11:39 am
Related question that doesn't seem worth starting a new thread for after having a hard time finding info by search.
Any issues parking at the standard Tab/Shav TH for multiple nights? I've only done these peaks from Jennings so am not familiar with the Blanks Gulch area. The USFS website talks about dispersed camping along the road so it doesn't seem like it should be an issue, but I'm just trying to avoid any surprises when I show up or get back there at the end of my trip.
There's tons of dispersed camping just down the road from the trailhead. I doubt you'll have any issues staying there for a few nights, most of the spots were shaded and looked lovely. Only issue is I didn't see any water near any of the spots so bring in plenty (or drive a few min down the road into Poncha Springs for some)
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2023 3:52 pm
by headsizeburrito
Thanks for the reply. I'll be backpacking using that as a starting point, so water in that specific area isn't a concern.
Re: Shavano & Tab dirt road conditions
Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2023 5:02 pm
by madmattd
headsizeburrito wrote: ↑Sat Aug 19, 2023 3:52 pm
Thanks for the reply. I'll be backpacking using that as a starting point, so water in that specific area isn't a concern.
Parking there for a couple nights to backpack shouldn't be an issue. Honestly not an issue in most any place, especially the Sawatch in my experience.