Overview
Comanche Peak is a Class 2 summit on the main crest west of Westcliffe, reached by a good trail past Comanche Lake. It is a moderate day alone, or part of a loop with Spring Mountain and Venable Peak.
The trail climbs through forest to Comanche Lake, below the rugged northeast face of the peak, then switchbacks up tundra to a pass. A half mile of tundra and embedded rock leads south to the top, with views of tilted rock layers and the Crestones.
The round trip is about 12.6 miles with 4,220 feet of gain. The three-peak loop is about 14.45 miles and 5,320 feet.
Plan of the day
By 6 a.m.
Be on Comanche by 11 a.m.
Just the length.
Easy. Trail nearly all the way.
Streams and lakes along the trail. Filter it.
Getting to the trailhead
Alvarado Campground
Head south from Westcliffe on Colorado 69 for 3 miles and turn right (west) on County Road 140 (Schoolfield Road). It jogs left and then right again, still County Road 140, then climbs through five right-angle turns past homes.
Soon after the fifth turn, bear right on County Road 148, which crosses a field and zigzags up to a large trailhead lot. Cars are fine. Alvarado Campground (fee, reservable, vault toilets, no water lately) is just south.
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
Alvarado Campground. 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 →