Route: East Spanish Peak

Submitted by Matt Melde on Sat, 08/27/2022 - 04:35pm
Location
Colorado, US
Distance
9.18 mi
Vertical Gain
3,202 ft
Description

The Spanish Peaks are a pair of prominent mountains located in southwestern Colorado. The Ute and Comanche Indians called the mountains Wahatoya which means "Breasts of the Earth". The Spanish Peaks were an important landmark on the Santa Fe Trail, the first glimpse of the Rocky Mountains for travelers.

East Spanish Peak is higher than any point in the United States east of its longitude (12,683 ft).

The lower trail is runnable through the forest which then turns into a "climber's trail" up the talus to the ridge to the summit. The views of the eastern plains, West Spanish Peak, and Little Bear Peak and Blanca Peak, both 14ers, are amazing!

https://www.summitpost.org/east-spanish-peak/154487

GPS Track

Comments

Heads up, as of July 22, 2023, the approach road to the trailhead is extremely damaged. Huge, washed-out ruts on the one lane dirt road. You definitely need a high clearance truck or jeep to safely ascend the initial climb from the main dirt road (County Road 360).Â