Trip

Backpack – BPX 3-Day: Comanche Venable Figure-eight from Comanche Venable TH

This is a challenging trip over two passes in the Sangre de Cristo Range with alpine lakes, aspens, and incredible views of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The trip starts and ends at the Venables Comanche Trailhead, just west of Westcliffe. The first four miles climb to Comanche Lake where we'll spend our first night in some excellent campsites above the lake. We'll then climb over Comanche Pass, traverse Phantom Terrace, then descend down the western side of the range, following a creek through huge aspen stands. At the bottom of the descent we'll turn east again, and climb back towards Comanche Pass, ultimately arriving at one choice for a campsite for the second night. If we feel good, we'll continue back to Comanche Pass, cross Phantom Terrace again, then make camp by Venable Lakes. On our last day, we'll descend toward the trailhead, stopping to enjoy the lovely Venable Falls before completing the last few miles back to the trailhead.