of the lake, so the best campsites are slightly below/before the lake, either in one of the meadows off the trail or near (but at least 100 ft away from) the creek. Red TapeThe only red tape is to sign in at the wilderness boundary.ĬampingComanche Lake is just above treeline, and there is no camping within 300 ft. However, the south ridge is also a class 2 hike if one were following the ridge from Fluted Peak or Point 13419. Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant, pictured in 2007, sits about 40 miles southwest of Fort Worth and adjacent to Glen Rose in Somervell County. Read the excellent description of choosing an east or west approach in the Sangres on the Venable Peak page.īecause three different trails reach this point, the North Ridge route is the most straightforward. The other two trail routes to this point are from the west, out of North Crestone Trailhead connecting to the Comanche Trail or from the north over the Phantom Terrace. After another mile or so you will reach a pass at 12,800', which is the base of the final pitch up the mountain (the trail comes in slightly above the pass). The South Texas Project near Bay City is the other nuclear plant. The trail splits, with left going to the lake and right/straight continuing up the drainage. Comanche Peak is one of two operating nuclear plants in the state, which combined supply about 10 of Texas’ electricity needs. After roughly five miles you will reach Comanche Lake. The trail maintains a very consistent grade throughout. You will work your way up a valley just north of the Hiltman Creek drainage, and eventually will pop over the ridge. The trail is obvious and has no further junctions until you reach Comanche Lake. Continue straight at the junction for another 100 yards on a very strong trail to the wilderness boundary. The National Geographic 138 map does not appear to capture the roads and trails very well at this trailhead - just follow the signs.įollow the Comanche Lake Trail approximately 0.5 miles west to a four way junction with the Rainbow Trail (ATV). The Comanche trail begins on the west side of the parking lot Venable is on the north end. This road ends at a T-junction turn left and follow the signs to the Comanche/Venable trailhead. Getting ThereFrom the center of Westcliffe, travel south 3.5 miles on highway 69, turn west (right) on Schoolfield Road. The Hiltman Creek drainage to the northeast, over which Comanche presides, is lush and pretty, with Comanche Lake and Upper Comanche Lake acting as natural reservoirs. With some effort it can be seen from the Wet Mountain Valley south of Westcliffe. It is directly on the long north-south ridge that forms the spine of the Sangre de Cristo Range, approximately 1.2 miles southeast of Venable Peak. OverviewComanche Peak in Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Range (not to be confused with the better known, but lower, Comanche Peak in the Mummy range) offers good views and a fun climb that you will likely have all to yourself.
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