Mount Shavano
The southern Sawatch fourteener above Salida, famous for the snowy 'Angel' that appears every spring.
About Mount Shavano
Mount Shavano rises to about 14,230 feet at the southern end of the Sawatch Range. It sits in Chaffee County within San Isabel National Forest, just east of the Continental Divide, and towers roughly 7,200 feet above the town of Salida. It's commonly paired with neighboring Tabeguache Peak.
The standard East Slopes route starts at the Shavano/Tabeguache Trailhead at about 9,750 feet. It covers about 10 miles round trip with roughly 4,500 feet of gain and is rated Class 2. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative has been building a new upper trail. During the 2026 work season, the obvious path could appear to end near 13,800 feet, so read current conditions before you go.
From the Arkansas Valley, Shavano is one of the most recognizable mountains in Colorado, thanks to the Angel.
A 9.3-mile out-and-back near Salida rated difficult, with wildflowers along the way and several activity options built into the route. Best April through September, dogs welcome on leash — the Angel of Shavano, a snow formation shaped like a cross-bearing figure, is best defined and most photogenic in late spring before it melts down.
History
The peak honors Shavano, a Ute chief. The Ute people lived in and traveled through these valleys long before mining and ranching arrived.
Each spring, as snow melts from the east face, a snow-filled couloir and its side gullies form the shape of an angel with outstretched arms. The Angel of Shavano is a beloved local landmark, and Arkansas Valley residents watch it emerge every year.
Photographing Mount Shavano
Best light: The Angel faces east and shows best in late spring to early summer. Shoot it at sunrise from the Arkansas Valley, when the first light hits the east face. On the climb, sunrise from the upper east slopes looks out over the valley toward the Sangre de Cristo Range. Fall aspens on the lower slopes peak around late September.
Shots to look for
- From the Salida or Poncha Springs area, use a 100-400mm lens to isolate the Angel of Shavano at first light.
- Shoot the Arkansas River or ranch fences in the foreground with Shavano's east face beyond at sunrise.
- From the upper slopes, photograph the sunrise over the Arkansas Valley with the Sangres on the horizon.
- From the summit, shoot the ridge toward Tabeguache Peak with hikers for scale.
- In autumn, use the lower aspen groves as a golden foreground with the peak above.
Photo tips
- The Angel is usually best in late spring as the snow melts. It fades as the season warms.
- Check the CFI trail-construction status, and descend the way you came up. Don't head straight south toward the Shavano-Tabeguache saddle area.
- If the trailhead lot is full, overflow parking is about 0.1 mile beyond it.
- Summer storms build fast over the Sawatch. Plan to summit by late morning.
- From the summit, the Arkansas Valley lies below and in front of you, so a long lens pays off.
Know before you go
- New trail work is underway on the upper mountain. Follow current signage and route descriptions.
- The East Slopes route is long. Start early to avoid afternoon lightning.
- Snow and avalanche hazard persist on the east face well into spring. That's the same snow that forms the Angel.
- Check San Isabel National Forest rules for dogs, camping and fire restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mount Shavano hike?
The standard East Slopes route is about 10 miles round trip, with roughly 4,500 feet of gain.
What is the Angel of Shavano?
It's a snow formation on the peak's east face that looks like an angel with outstretched arms. It appears as the snow melts each spring and is visible from the Arkansas Valley.
Can you hike Shavano and Tabeguache in one day?
Yes. Many hikers continue to Tabeguache Peak and return over Shavano, which adds considerable effort. Check current route guidance first.
Featured in: Colorado 14ers: Hiking and Photography Guide
Combine it with
Mount Yale · Mt Belford · La Plata Peak
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: 14ers.com · en.wikipedia.org. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.