Started in snow or hail from the previous nights storm but it cleared up within half a mile. Parent: Colorado 13ers. There are two ways from I-25 to reach the Cordova Pass and trailhead. That’s probably the limit of a downhill grade I could do. All rights reserved. The summit of West Spanish Peak as seen from the trail. One of our faves...we liked this more than some 14ers. Colorado 13ers. There’s really no trail, or at least not a clear one, up to the top of either peak, but it’s pretty obvious where to aim for on both. Will definitely come back and try this again in the future. I’ve had some issues with my knees this year and didn’t want to take any chances. It’s gorgeous the entire way through. Home; 13ers; Sangre de Cristo; West Spanish Peak ; West Spanish Peak; View More Photos Summit: 13,626 feet : 37.37567°N,-104.99361°W Rank in CO: 183 of 637 13er Rank in CO: 130 of 584 13er Rank in Range: 12 of 73 Weather Information Get a very early start. At Cucharas Pass, turn east onto FS 415 as mentioned above. But it was so worth it. The ridge line way might not be super dog friendly. Last 1.5 mile is 2000 ft elevation gain all talus and spree. We weren’t able to finish due to high winds. This is a doozy of a hike so bring poles if you have them. Unbelievable views!! From this turnoff, it's 6 miles to the trailhead. Add Mountain/Rock to Colorado 13ers: Create New Attach Existing. Had the top of the mountain completely to ourselves. For the first mile you will hear i70 but it quickly fades to nothing after that. To the geologist the Spanish Peaks are prime examples of a "stocks" which are defined as large masses of igneous (molten) rock which intruded layers of sedimentary rock and were later exposed by erosion. Around 13000 feet we were exposed and were being blown around too much. Beautiful hike. Overall it was bout 9 miles. Wish there was more water, but it seemed to be a road less traveled. The FS number is 415. My trek down I zigzaged down the valley between the two peaks and was able to climb up a few rocks and link perfectly with where the Bard Creek Trail and Parnassus descent trail met up. Luckily only saw about 30 people total on this hike throughout the day. Exceptional views! The graded, gravel road to Cordova Pass receives some maintenance through the year, but it is not plowed regularly during the winter months. Vault toilets are available. Started the trail at 6 and was back at camp by 230. This is a maintained, graded road passable most of the time to passenger cars. For comparison, we had hiked Wheeler Peak in New Mexico last year, which is a little less high than this peak. When you arrive above the trees, the is a large area with a rock pile. The views from this summit are expansive and amazing. Hiking through the forest and making it to the top of the tree line is worth it though! They made it to the summit. Incredible views. Viewing Mountains & Rocks attached to List: Colorado, Climb it.". The closest road maintenance shop is in La Veta. There is a $6 fee to park for the day. This is a very scenic road that we have ridden on our road bikes. First three miles were easy, and the remainder up to the top were hard! We left at 7am with spending the night camping at the trailhead. If you need to check road condition, you can contact the shop at 719-742-3672. Along the way, you'll weave through the town of La Veta followed by the charming little village of Cuchara before reaching the pass. This road will head generally SW for nearly 22 miles to Cucharas Pass. Parent: Continental Divide Peaks-- Colorado, Parent: Colorado: Some "Unknown Classics", Parent: Colorado 2,000 foot Prominence Peaks. 1466 miles away. In that case, take exit #50 and follow signage to US160 west. Regardless, we enjoyed ourselves and were rewarded with fantastic views of the mountains all around along the way. Vault toilets are available. If possible camp at Cordova Pass and start at 7 am. Vault toilets are available. Solo. Explore 13ers - view hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. —Phoo credit: Terri Cook and Lon Abbott. Coming down it was much easier to make out. Beautiful hike! East Peak is a nearly circular intrusion about 5.5 miles long by 3 miles wide while West Peak is a mass about 2.75 miles long by 1.75 miles wide. Shade and a stream for the first 2 miles. There are a limited number of campsites at the trailhead with a $6 fee required. I’m sad to say that we did not make it to the top. The highway passes by Trinidad Lake State Park and then meanders along the Purgatoire River west to Stonewall. It was very rocky as well, but not nearly as steep. As most everyone has said, it’s pretty easy going until you get to the tree line, but then it gets very rocky with loose scree. Take a minute to look for the trail. As you go up that last part though it’s a great feeling. Added: 2010-01-12 By: Jim Davies More Photos Trailhead › West Spanish Peak TH. Drive west on US160 about 13 miles to a turnoff to the south for Colorado State Highway 12. The summit or high point is at the middle high prominence not the last one. "Remember that behind every sleazy lawyer is a sleazy client.".