Overview
West Spanish Peak is the higher of the two famous Spanish Peaks rising alone east of the Sangres. From Cordova Pass a good trail climbs through forest to treeline, then you follow cairns up a boulder-field ridge to the summit plateau.
It is Class 1 to treeline and solid Class 2 on the boulders. The trail over the boulders is easier to spot on the way down.
The round trip is about 7.9 miles with 2,384 feet of gain.
Plan of the day
By 7 a.m.
Be at treeline by 10 a.m.
The boulder field on the upper ridge.
Easy. Above treeline, stay on the ridge and follow the cairns.
None. Bring what you need.
Getting to the trailhead
Cordova Pass
From Walsenburg, drive west on Colorado 12 through La Veta and Cuchara. About 6.25 miles past Cuchara, at Cuchara Pass, turn left on Forest Road 415 and drive 6 miles to Cordova Pass. There's a fee station, restroom and picnic tables.
Base towns and camping for this climb
Coming from out of state? See Lodging & Camping for how free camping works, what is closed this year and where to stay.
Before you go
Check these the week of your climb.
Official forecast
The National Weather Service forecast for the summit area, hour by hour. Look for thunderstorm chances and wind above treeline.
NWS point forecast →Directions to the trailhead
Cordova Pass. Road conditions near the trailhead change after storms. Check your clearance and have a backup plan for a lower lot.
Get directions →Roads and highways
Closures, construction and winter conditions on the highways that get you there.
COtrip road conditions →Closures and fire rules
Trail closures, fire bans and other alerts from the Forest Service in Colorado. For the latest on your trailhead, call the local ranger district.
Forest Service alerts →Snow on the route?
From fall through early summer, any snow slope can slide. Check the avalanche forecast before you go.
Avalanche forecast →Cell signal
Most trailheads and many summits have little or no signal. Check coverage near the trailhead and carry a satellite messenger or beacon if you can.
FCC coverage map →