Comanche - Spring - Venable
Date: 8/1/2021
Partner: Heather Ryan
Trailhead: Comanche/Venable Trailhead
Summits: Comanche Peak, Spring Mountain, Venable Peak
Distance: 13.9m
Elevation Gain: 5300ft
Duration: 7hrs
GPX
Comanche Peak 14ers.com Page
Spring Mountain 14ers.com Page
Venable Peak 14ers.com Page
The weather wasn't great but with no real storms in the forecast, we agreed that that getting after these peaks in the fog could be fun.
The route consisted of cruiser trail to and from the passes. The hiking up and down the peaks themselves was class two. The most challenging aspect of the day was navigation without visibility.
At the start of the day, we considered adding PT12,873 to the mix. However we opted out of that given the visibility and chances of deteriorating conditions.
The mist in the trees was haunting, the wildflowers were in full bloom, the marmots were wet and we were buzzed by an eagle. All in all this was an awesome day in the Misty Mountains!
13.9m - 5300ft - 7hrs
![Comanche spring venable 02]()
A vast majority of the day was on cruiser trail
![Comanche spring venable 03]()
![Comanche spring venable 04]()
Venturing into the misty mountains
![Comanche spring venable 05]()
Heading up Comanche - Thankful there was no slick talus
![Comanche spring venable 06]()
Purple Rain
![Comanche spring venable 07]()
Wildflowers pop against the fog
![Comanche spring venable 09]()
We stuck to the ridge on the way to Spring Peak
![Comanche spring venable 10]()
Watch out for the slippery lichen
![Comanche spring venable 12]()
We briefly got off route descending Spring's summit. Navigation can be tricky with no visibility
![Comanche spring venable 13]()
Oh... Hey there lil' buddy!
![Comanche spring venable 14]()
So... What's your name?
![Comanche spring venable 15]()
How ya like my new hair?
![Comanche spring venable 16]()
Best lookin moist marmot I've seen outside of Vegas
![Comanche spring venable 17]()
Back on route, we navigated the slick lichen to Venable Peak
![Comanche spring venable 18]()
![Comanche spring venable 19]()
![Comanche spring venable 20]()
Coolest terrain of the day
![Comanche spring venable 21]()
More foggy views of gorgeous fog. Thankful for mild temps and no wind
![Comanche spring venable 22]()
The clouds briefly cleared on Venable's summit and I opted for a power nap
![Comanche spring venable 24]()
Oh... that's what Venable's summit ridge looks like. Back into the fog
![Comanche spring venable 25]()
A walk through the enchanted forest on the cruiser trail back to the truck
![Comanche spring venable 26]()
Frosty Ball Thistle (from outer space)
![Comanche spring venable 27]()






















